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10 Shows Like The White Lotus For When You Crave Chaos In Paradise
Okay, so, “The White Lotus”… where do we begin? With season 3 just wrapping up, this series has taken the world by storm. The luxurious resorts, chaotic rich people energy, and wildly satirical but extremely dark humor? We watched and thought: “This is like a vacation we’re so glad we didn’t get the invite to.”
It’s dramatic, funny, uncomfortable, and keeps us on the edge of our seats. It shows a no-BS perspective of what the life of luxury looks like when everything comes to the surface, and we want more.
If you’re like us and you’re craving something just as wild and binge-worthy, we’ve got you covered. Today, we’re giving you a roundup of shows like “The White Lotus” that bring all of that same intriguing, satirical energy.
10 Shows Like The White Lotus For When You Crave Chaos In Paradise
Even if you haven’t yet watched “The White Lotus” (no judgment, but what are you waiting for???), knowing the vibe helps you figure out which series will satisfy that bougie, slow-burn itch. That’s why before we jump into our series recs, we’re gonna take a second to revisit what “The White Lotus” is all about.
What Is The Show White Lotus About?
The HBO series “The White Lotus” is a dark social satire that follows a group of wealthy guests and the hotel staff throughout their week-long stay. While the luxurious resorts and rich people drama (which we love) seem to be the entire plot, there’s a lot more going on underneath the surface.
This series digs deep into hierarchy, privilege, and the different dynamics between strangers forced to interact with each other. Think: out-of-touch rich guests with unchecked entitlement who face endless reality checks, but it’s with satire, humor, and jaw-dropping convos. One second, you’re laughing, and the next, you’re gasping at a thrilling twist in the plot.
Each “The White Lotus” season features a different cast, different luxurious locations, and a whole new storyline. Oh, and each season typically starts with some sort of murder mystery that unravels throughout the entirety of the season.
Whether you’ve tuned in for the mystery, the endless amount of dark humor, or just because you want to watch rich people spiral in paradise, “The White Lotus” has it all. Until the next season drops, we’ve got tons of similar series recs for you to fill the void. Let’s dive in, shall we?
What Shows Are Like White Lotus?
Nine Perfect Strangers
Where to watch: Hulu, Apple TV, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video
Based on the novel by Liane Moriarty, “Nine Perfect Strangers” follows a group of strangers as they embark on a journey to a remote health-and-wellness resort. With each character carrying very different baggage, they all have one goal in common: they want better, more rewarding lives.
As if we aren’t obsessed enough, the group is led by mysterious owner and director of the resort, Masha Dmitrichenko (aka Nicole Kidman). Like “The White Lotus,” it has luxury, tension, and slow-burn drama.
Not spoiling anything, but these guests should’ve definitely listened to this episode of Coming In Hot before their adventure… just sayin’.
Succession
Where to watch: Max, Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
This series has been all the rage. “Succession” follows four siblings (played by Jeremy Strong, Kieren Culkin, Sarah Snook, and Alan Ruck) as they fight, scheme, and claw their way to the top for control of their uber-successful family-owned media company. So, not quite the resort-style setting of “The White Lotus,” but the darkly funny, satirical take on the wealthy and privileged definitely reminds us of it.
It has sharp dialogue, super chaotic character dynamics, and is a total must-watch for both the cast lineup and the high-stakes dysfunction.
Big Little Lies
Where to watch: Max, Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
Another hit HBO series based on a Liane Moriarty novel, “Big Little Lies,” follows a core group of women known as “The Monterey Five.” It’s the ideal girl gang…or so you thought. Secrets, murder, and small white lies begin to unfold. Let’s Try This Again talked about showing up for your friends in this episode, buuut “The Monterey Five” might have taken it a bit too far.
We can’t ignore the fact that the cast includes Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Meryl Steep, and Laura Dern talk about a killer lineup! This series serves up a big plate of hidden secrets, intense murder mystery narratives, and trivial family dynamics.
The Resort
Where to watch: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
If you loved “The White Lotus” for the slow-burn sort of storytelling, then you’ll love “The Resort.” A married couple goes to a tropical resort for some romantic R&R, but it quickly turns into a “vacay gone wrong” sort of vibe.
The couple finds themselves in the midst of an unsolved 15-year-old disappearance, which unravels a giant supernatural-esque conspiracy theory. It starts light and funny but gets deep and thrilling before you know it. Also, not saying you and your beau don’t deserve a tropical vacay, but maybe play it safe and opt for one of these date night jar ideas instead.
The Affair
Where to watch: Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+
Noah Solloway and his family head to a resort in Montauk, New York, to visit his wealthy in-laws. While there, he goes to a diner to work on his book and meets Alison, a waitress. What starts out as a casual conversation quickly turns into a secret, scandalous affair. (Not to spoil anything, but they both definitely tuned into this episode of What We Said about cheating.)
Plot twist: The show is told through both of their perspectives in the first season and their spouse’s perspectives later on. Juicy, right??? This series dives deep into how one decision can have life-altering consequences. And, just like “The White Lotus,” it has that “WTF just happened?” suspense that we can’t get enough of.
The Perfect Couple
Where to watch: Netflix
Love that captivating “murder mystery” vibe? Then get ready to be FULLY invested in “The Perfect Couple.” Amelia is planning her luxe wedding to Benji Winbury one of the wealthiest men in Nantucket.
But, right before the wedding, someone is mysteriously murdered, and everyone is now a suspect (including “The White Lotus” icon herself, Meghann Fahy, who plays Merritt). That isn’t the only juicy drama, though this series explores secrets, tension, and real-deal deception. Trust us, it will get you just as hooked as “The White Lotus.”
No Good Deed
Where to watch: Netflix
Paul and Lydia are trying to sell their picturesque Spanish villa in the heart of LA, and three families are fighting to buy it, hoping it will solve all their problems. Instead, secrets come out, truths are revealed, and sh*t gets messy are you surprised?
Like “The White Lotus,” it has that messy rich people energy, passive-aggressive satire, and underlying tension that’s just begging to surface.
Southern Charm
Where to watch: Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
Okay, here us out. We know that “Southern Charm” is a reality TV show based on elite socialites in Charleston, South Carolina. But, “The White Lotus” series creator, Mike White, actually told the cast to study up on this reality show as inspiration for the premise of season 3.
So basically, “Southern Charm” lays the foundation for the newest season of “The White Lotus.” If you want a real-life glimpse into high-society dynamics and all of the drama, satire, and secrecy that comes with it (or, you want to know just how Parker Posey pulled off that accent for the show), then you have to give “Southern Charm” a chance.
If you love this reality show as much as we do, check out the juicy gossip Shep Rose shares about the show and the best Bravo podcasts.
Palm Royale
Where to watch: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
“Palm Royale” is like if “The White Lotus” was set in the 1960s in Palm Beach. Maxine Simmons has one goal: to get into the exclusive upper-class Palm Beach society through the Palm Royale Club.
But, as you probably expected, it isn’t that easy; she has to figure out what parts of herself she’s willing to give up to fit in. It’s got the glamour, the gossip, and the in-depth look into an upper-class, prestigious society. It’s “The White Lotus” with a fun, retro twist.
Bad Sisters
Where to watch: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
The dark-comedy drama “Bad Sisters” follows the Garvey sisters Eva, Ursula, Bibi, and Becca as they struggle to figure out what to do with their brother-in-law, John Paul. John has become abusive and manipulative to the fifth sister, Grace, and the sisters aren’t having it.
After he suspiciously dies, we see just how far someone will go to protect the people they love. Like “The White Lotus,” it explores trauma, thrilling twists, and extreme privilege through a satirical lens. In honor of the safe space we find in sisterly relationships, check out this episode of Almost Adulting.
Which show are you binge-watching when you want all of those “The White Lotus” vibes?
Can’t get enough of all that satirical suspense from “The White Lotus”? Neither could we, which is why we brought you a handful of juicy, binge-worthy series with the same vibes. From unexpected twists and jaw-dropping jokes to heartfelt moments and relatable conversations, these series don’t skip a beat.
For more show recommendations, don’t forget to check out these posts:
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