A bloody finale topped out the third season of The White Lotus, and thereby, the holiday in a wildlife-filled Thailand has come to an end. Although showrunner Mike White is now enjoying some well-deserved rest, we are all dying for some news about season 4.
The White Lotus is a dark satire about money, sex, families, more money and the more decadent side of five-star tourism. Those themes likely won’t change. However, season 4 may be a little different from the previous three.
Firstly, Cristóbal Tapia de Veer, who created The White Lotus main title themes, won’t return to work on season 4. In an interview with The New York Times, the composer revealed that work on the series was marked by artistic differences and that “he and White already had [their] last fight forever.” In the statement for The Howard Stern Show, the showrunner denied having a feud with Tapia de Veer, but he did acknowledge that the collaboration was difficult. So, someone else will be stepping in for this role.
Of course, the location will also change. There are many indications that Mike White will move away from the sweltering, seaside setting that fans are used to. But where might we visit next time? Here are the possible locations of The White Lotus season 4, and everything else we know.
You can also read our review of season 3.
What is the potential release date for The White Lotus season 4?
On 22 January 2025, over three weeks before the season 3 premiere, HBO green-lit the fourth instalment. According to Variety, filming for the next season will kick off in 2026, so based on previous seasons it may debut on Max in 2027.
Rumours regarding the return of White Lotus for season 4 were around for quite some time. As Variety reported in November 2024, Casey Bloys, HBO and Max CEO, visited The White Lotus season 3 set and already talked with Mike White about the potential season 4 of the show.
As Bloys stated:
Mike, obviously — if he wants to move forward and do the four seasons — he will do the fourth season.
Where is The White Lotus season 4 set?
For now, it’s unknown where the fourth season will be set, although the current speculation seems to centre on a European location. As Francesca Orsi, executive vice president for HBO drama programming, told Deadline:
We’re going on some locations scouting in the next couple of weeks, so we’ll know soon. I can’t really say where we’re going to land but chances are somewhere in Europe.
In The White Lotus Season 3 – Inside Episode 8 video, embed below, Mike White stated:
For a fourth season I want to get a little bit out of the ‘crashing waves against rocks’ vernacular. But there’s always room for more murders at The White Lotus hotels.
In February 2025, there were reports that Mike White had contacted the Norwegian Film Institute about funding for the production. The White Lotus set in Norway would be a significant change of scenery. Still, this theory has one weak point – the anthology has always been filmed in one of the Four Seasons hotels, and the chain doesn’t operate in Scandinavia.
However, if Mike White would like to provide viewers with a snowy landscape, the Four Seasons hotel can be found in Megève, in the heart of the French Alps and Geneva, Switzerland, with a perfect view of lakes and mountains.
The White Lotus producer, David Bernad, gave the following quote on The Bill Simmons Podcast:
Mike does not like the cold. [He] is a California guy. He is not built for the cold. Never say never, but I would be surprised.
If the showrunner doesn’t want to take on a winter challenge, a Four Seasons in Czech Prague or Budapest, Hungary would be suitable for a moderate-climate fan. Then there’s the United Kingdom – London for a big city experience and Hampshire for a countryside one.
Warmer European locations where the Four Seasons operates include Athens in Greece, Florence and Milan in Italy, Lisbon in Portugal, Madrid and Mallorca in Spain, and the French Riviera. However, any of these locations would be a bit too similar to the Taormina from The White Lotus season 2. Turkey, where there are two Four Seasons hotels, would be an interesting place to visit. However, political turmoil spreading throughout the country makes it not the most suitable place for the series’ production.
The chain also operates in Baku. Azerbaijan’s capital rarely appears in films and series, making it a mysterious destination, especially for American tourists. Baku’s location on the shore of the Caspian Sea, semi-desert windy climate, unique culture and former Soviet Union status would make it a truly fascinating setting for The White Lotus season 4.
Warner Bros.
What is the plot of The White Lotus season 4?
The theme of the fourth instalment is unknown for now. Most likely, Mike White and HBO will announce it along with the information about the setting of season 4.
Which characters will return for season 4?
Contains spoilers for season 1, 2 and 3
Mike White’s series is an anthology featuring a different cast each season. Anyone who didn’t die via pineapple knife or in a confused shootout is fair game for another visit to The White Lotus – whether staff or guests.
But it’s the characters involved in The White Lotus’ one ongoing storyline that we’re most interested in.
Belinda Lindsey first appeared in season one as the Maui resort’s spa manager. After impressing multi-millionaire Tanya McQuoid (Jennifer Coolidge) with a massage, Tanya suggests she bankroll her to set up her own spa.
But after a meet-cute with fellow guest Greg Hunt (John Gries), Tanya drops Belinda faster than you can say “romance scam”.
Tanya and Greg appear again in season two on a romantic break at the Sicilian resort, but Greg soon invents a pretext to return home, leaving Tanya to be bumped off by a local mafia connection. Tanya almost escapes – confused shootout time – but winds up dying while making her escape from a luxury yacht.
Warner Bros.
In season three, Belinda reappears, visiting the Thai resort to share techniques with spa manager Pornchai. While there, she spots local resident Gary, who she recognises as none other than Greg, now wanted for questioning over his wife’s death.
Belinda’s son Zion negotiates a deal with Greg/Gary to keep his secret – in return for $5 million, so his mother can finally set up her spa. As she’s leaving, she brushes off Pornchai, with whom she had formed a romantic and business connection, just as Tanya once did to her.
Their story could end here, with the narrative come full circle. But now that Belinda is rich, can Mike White resist the urge to see how her windfall corrupts her? And will he let Greg/Gary go on living in consequence-free luxury?
In a video unpacking the season 2 finale, Mike White joked about the return of the Di Grasso family:
Who knows, maybe there’ll be another White Lotus season where Dominic comes with his wife and they patch it all up!
They didn’t make an appearance in season 3, but could season 4 be a possibility? Considering that the voice of Dom’s wife in season 2 was recorded by Laura Dern, such a turn of events would be welcome.
Warner Bros.
Is there a trailer for The White Lotus season 4?
Not yet, but if you miss The White Lotus, you can listen to the uncut version of the season 3 theme score, posted by the composer Cristóbal Tapia de Veer (it contains your favourite ooh-loo-loo-loos).
How to watch The White Lotus
In the US, Mike White’s series is available on Max. A basic, ad-supported subscription costs $9.99 per month – there are ad-free options available as well.
In the UK you can watch The White Lotus via the Now website. An Entertainment Membership is priced at £9.99 a month.
Alternatively, UK-based fans can catch up on the series on Sky Atlantic if this channel is included in their TV package.