When HBO’s White Lotus wrapped its second season, fans were left with more than just the sting of betrayal and death; they were left with a television void. The anthology series, known for its luxury settings, layered characters, and social satire, captivated audiences in a way few TV dramas manage to do. Now that the credits have rolled, what should fans watch next? Thankfully, there are a wealth of compelling TV series that capture similar tones, themes, or character dynamics.
This guide will take you through a curated list of television series that will scratch that post-White Lotus itch. Whether you loved the intrigue, the social commentary, the ensemble cast, or the exotic backdrops, there’s something here for every fan. Let’s dive in.
For Fans of Twisted Luxury and Vacation-Gone-Wrong Vibes
The Resort (Peacock)
If it was the vacation-gone-wrong vibe of White Lotus that pulled you in, The Resort is a perfect follow-up. This mystery dramedy explores the emotional depth of relationships while unraveling a decades-old disappearance in a Yucatan resort. The mix of nostalgia, suspense, and existential musings will resonate with White Lotus fans.
With its tropical setting and tightly woven plot, The Resort combines humor and heartbreak, making it a compelling watch that balances mystery with philosophical reflection.
Nine Perfect Strangers (Hulu)
Based on the Liane Moriarty novel, this series stars Nicole Kidman as a mysterious wellness retreat leader. As nine troubled guests arrive, expecting healing, they instead unravel in surprising ways. The show blends surrealism, emotional tension, and psychological games that mirror the layered character arcs found in White Lotus.
Nine Perfect Strangers also explores themes of trauma, privilege, and self-discovery, providing a similarly heady cocktail of drama and introspection.
For Lovers of Social Satire and Dark Comedy
Succession (HBO)
Succession is White Lotus without the palm trees. It offers sharp dialogue, toxic family dynamics, and a scathing critique of the ultra-rich. Following the Roy family and their media empire, this series excels in portraying wealth-induced moral decay and power struggles with a darkly comic twist.
Its ability to blend corporate warfare with personal trauma makes it one of the most addictive TV shows in recent memory. If you’re craving a show where character flaws are both grotesque and fascinating, Succession is essential viewing.
The Righteous Gemstones (HBO)
This show flips the script by setting its satire in the world of televangelists. Danny McBride leads an ensemble cast portraying a corrupt yet oddly lovable family who preach one thing but live another. The show’s critique of hypocrisy and excess feels familiar to White Lotus viewers.
With over-the-top characters and irreverent humor, The Righteous Gemstones provides a satirical look at faith, money, and family that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.
For Mystery Enthusiasts Who Love to Theorize
Big Little Lies (HBO)
Also based on a Liane Moriarty novel and featuring an ensemble cast led by Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman, Big Little Lies delves into dark secrets in an affluent coastal town. As the story unravels, so do the lives of its central characters.
With strong performances, lush cinematography, and themes of domestic violence, motherhood, and friendship, this series delivers a layered narrative that encourages viewer speculation and discussion, much like White Lotus.
Sharp Objects (HBO)
A haunting psychological thriller starring Amy Adams, this miniseries explores the buried traumas of a journalist returning to her hometown to report on a murder. The show’s atmosphere is chilling, and its slow-burn storytelling rewards patient viewers with a gut-punch of a finale.
It’s a beautifully shot series with an emotional core that will satisfy viewers who appreciated White Lotus’s psychological undertones and slow narrative unfolding.
For Those Drawn to Complex Character Studies
Mad Men (AMC)
Though not recent, Mad Men remains a gold standard in character-driven storytelling. Set in a 1960s advertising agency, the series chronicles the personal and professional lives of its flawed yet fascinating characters, particularly Don Draper.
Mad Men offers rich commentary on gender roles, identity, and ambition, all wrapped in period detail. Like White Lotus, it rewards viewers who enjoy peeling back layers to uncover the truth beneath composed exteriors.
The Affair (Showtime)
This emotionally charged drama explores the impact of an extramarital affair from multiple perspectives. With each character offering their version of the same events, viewers are challenged to question the nature of truth and perception.
The show’s structure and emotional depth make it an engrossing study of love, betrayal, and consequences—perfect for fans who appreciated the psychological tension of White Lotus.
For Viewers Who Love Anthologies
Room 104 (HBO)
This anthology series explores different stories in the same motel room. Each episode features a new genre, tone, and cast, allowing for unique and creative storytelling. It’s a perfect fit for fans of White Lotus who enjoyed standalone seasons with thematic continuity.
Room 104 plays with surrealism, horror, comedy, and drama, making it an unpredictable yet consistently engaging watch.
American Crime Story (FX)
Each season of this true-crime anthology tackles a major American scandal or tragedy. From the O.J. Simpson trial to the murder of Gianni Versace, the show blends meticulous storytelling with high production value.
If the intrigue and moral ambiguity of White Lotus appealed to you, American Crime Story offers similar thematic richness with the added twist of real-life events.
For Fans of Unsettling Slow Burns
The OA (Netflix)
This mind-bending series about a missing blind woman who returns with her sight restored defies categorization. Mixing science fiction, fantasy, and psychological drama, The OA is immersive and deeply philosophical.
Though it was controversially canceled after two seasons, its narrative ambition and thematic complexity make it a must-watch for those who enjoyed the mystique and cerebral elements of White Lotus.
Maniac (Netflix)
Starring Emma Stone and Jonah Hill, this limited series follows two strangers undergoing a pharmaceutical trial that dives deep into their minds. With surreal visuals and complex emotional arcs, it’s a story about connection, pain, and healing.
Maniac’s strange yet heartfelt storytelling and unique aesthetic make it ideal for White Lotus fans who appreciate shows that challenge narrative conventions.
Conclusion
The end of White Lotus doesn’t mean the end of compelling, complex storytelling. The shows listed here offer rich characters, thematic depth, and stylistic flair, echoing what made White Lotus such a standout.
Whether you’re craving social satire, character drama, or mysterious anthologies, the current landscape of television series is full of shows ready to become your next obsession. So grab your remote, settle in, and let the next chapter in your TV journey begin.
