The White Lotus quickly became one of the most talked-about TV shows in recent years. With its razor-sharp satire, hauntingly beautiful backdrops, and deeply flawed characters, it redefined what modern TV drama could look like. Created by Mike White, this anthology series delves into the darker side of luxury, privilege, and morality, all under the guise of tropical paradise.
What sets The White Lotus apart is its unique tone. It’s a blend of black comedy, psychological drama, and social commentary. Each season introduces a fresh cast and a new location, making it addictive and fresh. Fans are often left wondering—what can I watch next that delivers the same blend of intrigue, opulence, and emotional depth?
In this article, we’ll explore the best TV series that offer a similar experience—shows with rich storytelling, social satire, complex characters, and visually captivating settings. These series aren’t just entertaining; they provoke thought and spark conversation, much like The White Lotus itself.
1. Big Little Lies
HBO’s Big Little Lies is often mentioned in the same breath as The White Lotus—and for good reason. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Monterey, California, this series explores the secrets and lies of a group of wealthy women. The glossy surface hides turbulent lives, dark secrets, and emotional turmoil.
Starring Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Laura Dern, this series offers powerhouse performances and complex female characters. The themes of privilege, abuse, and deception are handled with nuance. Like The White Lotus, the show uses an idyllic setting to explore uncomfortable truths.
With a murder mystery at its core, Big Little Lies keeps viewers hooked while peeling back layers of each character. The luxurious lifestyle is contrasted sharply by the darkness beneath it, making it one of the best companions for fans of TV drama.
2. Succession
If you loved the family dysfunction and power plays in The White Lotus, then Succession is your next must-watch. This series follows the Roy family, media moguls who will do anything to remain in control of their empire. The writing is sharp, the characters are deeply flawed, and the drama is addictive.
Much like The White Lotus, Succession blends satire with high-stakes drama. It’s a study in wealth, corruption, and legacy, featuring biting dialogue and emotionally charged moments. The tension is relentless, and the dynamics shift in unpredictable ways.
Its luxurious settings—from penthouses to private jets—mirror the upscale aesthetic fans of television series like The White Lotus crave, while offering a far more brutal corporate backdrop.
3. Nine Perfect Strangers
From the author of Big Little Lies comes Nine Perfect Strangers, another show steeped in mystery and moral ambiguity. Set in a remote wellness retreat, nine strangers come together for healing—but what they get is far more unsettling.
Nicol Kidman leads the ensemble cast as the enigmatic retreat leader, whose methods range from unorthodox to dangerous. Themes of trauma, identity, and transformation are explored through psychedelic visuals and emotional storytelling.
The tropical setting and ensemble format make it feel like a spiritual cousin to The White Lotus. Though not as satirical, it provides a similarly immersive and eerie experience for TV show lovers looking for depth and atmosphere.
4. The Resort
The Resort offers a unique blend of mystery, romance, and dark comedy. Set in a Yucatán resort, a couple on vacation gets entangled in a decades-old disappearance. The lush setting contrasts with the unfolding drama, making it feel familiar to fans of The White Lotus.
The show oscillates between timelines, gradually revealing the truth behind a tangled web of relationships and secrets. It’s introspective and layered, examining how our past choices shape our present lives. The tone is quirky yet poignant, creating an absorbing atmosphere.
With its intricate plot and emotional depth, The Resort is a standout among recent TV dramas aiming for both substance and style.
5. The Undoing
If it’s psychological tension and upper-crust scandal you’re after, The Undoing delivers in spades. Starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant, the story follows a high-society therapist whose life unravels after a violent murder rocks her inner circle.
The series unfolds in New York City’s elite world but shares The White Lotus’s ability to dismantle privilege with surgical precision. Every episode peels back another layer, revealing just how little the characters know about themselves and each other.
Stylish and suspenseful, The Undoing has the same rich visuals and moral complexity fans love. It’s a high-stakes, emotionally charged thriller that’s as elegant as it is intense.
6. Enlightened
Created by Mike White—the genius behind The White Lotus—Enlightened is a criminally underrated gem. It follows Amy Jellicoe, a corporate executive who suffers a breakdown and embarks on a spiritual journey to change her life.
The show is both funny and melancholic, exploring themes of purpose, redemption, and resistance within the corporate world. While it doesn’t have the luxury trappings of The White Lotus, it shares the same philosophical undercurrent and deeply personal storytelling.
Enlightened feels like a more introspective companion to Mike White’s later work. It challenges viewers to rethink success and fulfillment, offering humor and humanity in equal parts.
7. The Affair
The Affair tells the story of a relationship from multiple perspectives. Set initially in the beachside town of Montauk, it explores the emotional and psychological toll of infidelity, marriage, and tragedy.
The show’s unique narrative device—retelling the same events through different character viewpoints—adds complexity and tension. Much like The White Lotus, it reveals how subjective truth can be, especially among emotionally unstable or morally ambiguous characters.
With its coastal setting and emotional resonance, The Affair offers a compelling mix of beauty and darkness. It’s a deeply human show with a powerful narrative structure that will captivate fans of smart TV dramas.
Conclusion
The White Lotus is a rare kind of show—one that mixes satire, beauty, and character study into an unforgettable experience. Fortunately, it’s not alone. Whether you’re drawn to psychological thrillers, ensemble mysteries, or biting social commentary, the shows listed here provide plenty of reasons to stay glued to your screen.
From the high-stakes family drama of Succession to the introspective journey of Enlightened, each series captures some essence of what made The White Lotus so remarkable. Luxury settings, twisted narratives, and flawed humans—they’re all here, waiting to be discovered.
So if you’re craving your next TV show obsession, dive into one of these richly layered series. You’ll laugh, gasp, and reflect—sometimes all at once.
