If the past few years have proven anything, it’s that the absurdly wealthy are, for the most part, not the brightest folks. In fact, it seems that most of them have their resources and power thanks to a blend of luck and circumstance, rather than smarts or determination. A lot of recent media has critiqued this truth about the super-rich, from Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery to Succession, but even those two brilliant bits of content don’t quite get to the heart of the matter as dramatically (or with such a stunning aesthetic) as White Lotus.
The two seasons of the show might take place at different outposts of the luxury hotel brand that gives the show its name (the first in Hawaii, and the second in Sicily), but both take a similar approach in how they skewer their ultra-privileged characters, especially when comparing them to locals and menial workers who make these holidays tick. If you can’t wait for the third season of the comedy-mystery series, then check out these 10 excellent shows that are just like White Lotus.
Acapulco
Acapulco was made famous in the ’60s and ’70s by an international jet set, but this television show set at a luxury resort in the Pacific coastal town in 1984 gives us White Lotus vibes for more reasons than just that. The acclaimed Apple TV series follows Máximo Gallardo as he gets a dream job at the hottest resort in all of Acapulco, Las Colinas. Acapulco is set in flashback form, with Gallardo telling us his rags to riches story from modern-day Malibu, and while the Spanglish comedy does drift in and out of arguments about wealth, who has it, and whether they deserve it, it’s mostly a feelgood series that’s as aesthetically pleasing as the gorgeous show that inspired this list. And, unlike White Lotus, you’re rooting for a lot of the cast, which makes a nice change.
Nine Perfect Strangers
This well-regarded miniseries is based on a mystery book by bestselling author Liane Moriarty, and has as much intrigue as White Lotus while also being set in a place that’s supposed to be all about relaxing. The show is about nine strangers who are brought together for a 10-day long retreat at a health and wellness resort named Tranquillum House, after being promised transformative therapies. However, what transpires instead is much darker, as the guests soon realize that they might not be clients of a fancy rest and relaxation center, but in fact, victims. A stellar cast carries this series, which will definitely scratch a White Lotus itch.
Enlightened
Part of the appeal of White Lotus is seeing certain characters get somewhat of a comeuppance, especially when it’s contrasted with idyllic surroundings that are supposed to inspire calm and wellness. In Enlightened, we see a similar theme with its main character Amy. Self-destructive in all the classic, rich people ways, the series begins with the high-powered executive Amy returning to her life after a mental breakdown at work, and her promising herself that she’ll live in an “enlightened” manner from now on. However, as she reenters the corporate world, her new outlook rubs horribly against her old stomping grounds, all while she discovers her firm is even more dubious than she thought. Brilliant.
Succession
This HBO comedy-drama has only recently wrapped up after four seasons, but it (rightfully) has been critically lauded since the first episode dropped. Succession focuses on the Roy family, who definitely isn’t based on the Murdochs at all, and the series begins with family patriarch Logan suffering from a serious health issue, thus bringing up the question of who of his three kids will lead his vast business empire. Over four glorious seasons, we get some incredibly inventive swearing, and lots of funny but ultimately deep investigations into how wealth is used as a tool to oppress, rather than change things for the better. Aside from that, Succession also blends humor and drama similarly to White Lotus, so fans of one should love the other.
The Chair
Despite suffering from the Netflix disease and being canceled after just one season, this little comedy starring Sandra Oh was a brilliant bit of television and definitely deserved more fleshing out. Like White Lotus, it delves into the complexities of power dynamics in a supposedly upper-crust location, this time a fictional, well-to-do university. Oh plays the role of Ji-Yoon Kim, the newly appointed chair of the English department at Pembroke, an institution in “what seems like New England.” Despite her new power, Kim finds herself having to navigate all kinds of relationships as if she’s still the one who needs to ask for things, all while looking for love herself. Funny, smart, and incredibly interesting in parts, it’s definitely worth a binge if you liked White Lotus.
Industry
Although an investment bank in the City of London isn’t quite Sicily or Hawaii, this BBC and HBO drama series explores how those from minorities and other non-traditional backgrounds fare in the ultra-fancy world of high finance, which is similar to White Lotus in terms of themes. It follows a group of different graduates as they all seek to earn a full-time spot at Pierpoint, one of the most successful and well-regarded banks in a city that has basically made abstract money-making its entire universe. We see people of color, those in the LGBTQ+ community, and working-class characters navigate the unfamiliar system they’ve been dropped into, all while coming up against barriers that seemed designed to stop them from achieving. Riveting and brilliant, all at once.
Arrested Development
Iconic, influential, genius: this barely covers the plaudits that Arrested Development gets, yet every positive word about this hilarious comedy series rings true when you watch it (yes, even the Netflix-funded seasons). The show follows the Bluth family as the family patriarch, George, is arrested for a number of crimes, including some “light treason.” As we see the family unravel, Michael (Jason Bateman), the oldest son, tries desperately to stop them from sinking into obscurity but isn’t helped by his ridiculous siblings and acerbic, alcoholic mother (the late, great Jessica Walters). With an all-star cast that shines throughout, Arrested Development might not be as scathing or subtle as White Lotus, but it’s one of the smartest, best-constructed shows of all time, and delves into similar themes about privilege and who earns it.
The Resort
Although it falters in parts, The Resort‘s two brilliant leads (Cristin Milioti and William Jackson Harper) manage to make this dark comedy and mystery miniseries sparkle. Like White Lotus, it takes place in a fancy resort and involves a murder mystery, while also seamlessly blending comedy and drama. However, the show isn’t so much about the ways in which this is exploitative, focusing more on its plot and the failing marriage of the two main characters. With that all said, this Peacock series is a great watch, and well worthy of its eight-episode run.
The Righteous Gemstones
They say crime doesn’t pay, but when it’s mixed with religion, it turns out that’s not true at all. Drama-comedy The Righteous Gemstones covers this ground, with the show following the Gemstone family of preachers and megachurch owners, who are always swindling their flock for as much as the devotees will let them. Although the setting and plot points are vastly different from White Lotus, both shows get to the heart of the very American sickness of wealth disparity and how that’s achieved, albeit in different ways. With that all said, The Righteous Gemstones is hilarious, so if you want to laugh, it definitely needs to go on the watch list.
Squid Game
This might seem like a slightly rogue choice, but when you think about it, Squid Game and White Lotus both use shock value and extremes to show us how capitalism is making life a misery for millions while elevating a select few. The smash hit Korean show became a global sensation after dropping on Netflix, and inspired a million Halloween costumes along the way. It follows a group of deprived South Koreans who enter into a Battle Royale style event to win a life-changing sum of cash, with deadly consequences for all but one. Addictive, brutal, and brilliant, there’ll be a second season soon.
