Mike White, creator, writer, and director of The White Lotus, has responded to critics of the show’s season 3 pacing, addressing backlash from fans who complained about the season’s slower tempo. Although The White Lotus continues to be a fan favorite and a critical success, some viewers have voiced their frustration over what they deem “horrible pacing” and “too slow” storytelling in the third season.
White Defends His Vision
On the official podcast for The White Lotus, White acknowledged the criticism, explaining that the pacing and tone of the series could “get under their skin.” He responded directly to fans who felt the season lacked plot, saying, “There was complaining about how there’s no plot. That part I find weird. It never did… part of me is just like, bro, this is the vibe. I’m world-building.”
White’s unapologetic stance comes with a bold analogy to how he feels about his viewers. “If you don’t want to go to bed with me, then get out of my bed,” he said. “I’m edging you! Enjoy the edging. If you don’t want to be edged, then get out of my bed. Don’t be a bossy bottom. Get the fuck out of my bed. Don’t come home with me. Don’t get naked in my bed. Get the fuck out of my bed. Obviously, something is going to happen.”
Season 3 Finale Wraps Up Major Plotlines
The season 3 finale, which aired on April 6, wrapped up several key storylines, including Rick’s revenge mission, the Ratliff family’s financial crisis, and the “white lady trio’s” decades-long friendship. The season also provided a resolution to the controversial incest storyline involving Saxon and Lochlan (played by Patrick Schwarzenegger and Sam Nivola), two brothers with a tumultuous and shocking bond.
The finale, which ran for 87 minutes, was met with mixed reactions but marked an emotional end to many of the season’s plot threads. However, the finale did not answer all questions, leaving room for speculation and more storytelling in the future.
Laurie (Carrie Coon), Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), and Kate (Leslie Bibb) in ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3. Photo: HBO
The Future of The White Lotus
White has already confirmed that The White Lotus will return for a fourth season, though he has teased some significant changes for the next installment. After three seasons set in locations like Hawaii, Sicily, and Thailand, White is looking to shift away from the oceanic settings that defined the show’s aesthetic.
“For the fourth season, I want to get a little bit out of the crashing waves of rocks vernacular,” White shared. “But there’s always more room for more murders at the White Lotus hotels.”
While exact details about the cast and location of season 4 remain under wraps, HBO’s drama chief, Francesca Orsi, recently shared that location scouting is underway. “We’re going on some location scouting in the next couple of weeks,” Orsi said. “I can’t really say where we’re going to land, but chances are somewhere in Europe.”
All three seasons of The White Lotus are available for streaming on Max.
