Lately, it seems like everyone is talking about HBO’s addictive summer comedy The White Lotus, and there’s going to be even more to discuss. The network has renewed the show for a second season. As is so often the case these days, it looks like this “limited series” isn’t so limited after all.
But if you were hoping for more drama from the dysfunctional Mossbachers or to see whether Belinda (Natasha Rothwell) will actually get to open her own wellness center, that might not be on next summer’s agenda. According to HBO’s press release, the second installment of creator Mike White’s satire of the leisure class will leave behind manic hotel manager Armond (Murray Bartlett) and boozy guest Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge) along with its Hawaiian setting, taking place at a different White Lotus resort and featuring an entirely new cast of characters.
As if you didn’t know already, The White Lotus takes place at an exclusive Hawaiian resort where wealthy VIP guests collide with self-effacing staff and native Hawaiians in a searing satire of privilege. The show has rave reviews since it premiered last month and is currently HBO Max’s number one series.
In a recent Los Angeles Times feature, White revealed that the series essentially came about because HBO needed content to fill the Sunday night gap created by delays in its regular programing due to the pandemic — and they needed it quick. The network was relatively hands off of the project, and what we’ve seen this season on The White Lotus was, according to White, basically a first draft. It should be interesting to see what the creator will do with the concept with a longer lead time for the second season.
