If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen clips of rich people behaving badly in stunning tropical locations. You know the vibe. Awkward dinners. Tense boat rides. A hauntingly catchy theme song that sounds like a tropical fever dream. It’s all part of the chaotic magic that Mike White cooked up. But if you’re trying to actually sit down and watch it, you might be scratching your head asking what network is White Lotus on?
The short answer is HBO.
Honestly, it feels like the perfect home for a show this cynical and beautifully shot. HBO has always been the place for prestige dramas that make you feel a little bit uncomfortable while you admire the cinematography. Since the series first dropped in 2021, it has stayed firmly planted under the Home Box Office umbrella.
The Mystery of What Network is White Lotus Solved
So, here is the deal. While it originally aired on the linear HBO cable channel, most people these days are catching up via the streaming service Max (formerly known as HBO Max). If you have a traditional cable package with HBO, you can find it there. If you’re a cord-cutter, you’ll need a Max subscription.
It’s an HBO Original, not a "Max Original." That sounds like a nerdy distinction, but it basically means it gets a prime-time slot on the actual TV channel before it hits the app.
✨ Don't miss: Austin & Ally Maddie Ziegler Episode: What Really Happened in Homework & Hidden Talents
Why the confusion?
Usually, people get tripped up because of the branding changes. First, it was just HBO. Then it was HBO Max. Now it’s just Max. To make things more confusing, if you’re outside the US, the network changes entirely. In the UK, for example, it’s usually on Sky Atlantic or Now TV. In Australia, you’re looking at Binge or Foxtel.
Where to Stream Every Episode Right Now
Since we’re currently in 2026, the landscape has grown. You aren't just looking for the first six episodes anymore. There is a whole lot of vacation-themed trauma to catch up on.
- Season 1 (Hawaii): The one that started it all. If you want to see Jennifer Coolidge being an absolute legend at a Four Seasons in Maui, this is where you start.
- Season 2 (Sicily): This season moved to Italy and traded the focus on money for a focus on... well, sex. It aired in late 2022 and is widely considered one of the best seasons of television in the last decade.
- Season 3 (Thailand): This is the "new" one for many. It premiered on February 16, 2025. It took us to Koh Samui, Phuket, and Bangkok.
The coolest part about Season 3 was seeing Natasha Rothwell return as Belinda. Remember the spa manager from Season 1? Yeah, she’s back. The cast for the Thailand run was stacked, too—Walton Goggins, Carrie Coon, and even Lisa from Blackpink made her acting debut.
Is it on Netflix or Hulu?
Nope.
🔗 Read more: Kiss My Eyes and Lay Me to Sleep: The Dark Folklore of a Viral Lullaby
Kinda wish it was for the sake of your wallet, right? But Warner Bros. Discovery owns HBO, and they keep their crown jewels close to the chest. You won’t find The White Lotus on Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu (unless you have the Max add-on through Hulu).
If you see it listed anywhere else, it’s likely for digital purchase. You can usually buy individual seasons on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV, but that gets expensive compared to just grabbing a month of Max and binging the whole thing.
Looking Ahead to Season 4
Since we are already into 2026, the buzz has shifted. Mike White isn't slowing down. We already know that Season 4 is ditching the Four Seasons partnership for the first time. They’re heading to France.
Specifically, they’re filming at the Château de La Messardière in Saint-Tropez. Word on the street is that it’s going to involve the Cannes Film Festival. If you thought the guests in Sicily were entitled, just wait until you see the "film elite" in the South of France.
💡 You might also like: Kate Moss Family Guy: What Most People Get Wrong About That Cutaway
What most people get wrong
People often think The White Lotus is a limited series. It was supposed to be! But it was such a massive hit that HBO turned it into an anthology. That means you don't actually have to watch them in order, though I'd recommend it just to see the evolution of the themes.
How to Get the Best Viewing Experience
If you’re ready to dive in, don’t just settle for the "Basic with Ads" plan on Max if you can help it. This show is famous for its visuals—the saturated blues of the ocean and the intricate wallpaper of the hotel rooms. It’s worth seeing in 4K.
- Check your cable provider: Some people already have access to the Max app through their existing TV or internet provider and don't even know it.
- Download for travel: If you’re actually going on vacation (hopefully a less stressful one than the show), you can download episodes on the Max app to watch on the plane.
- Watch the "Inside the Episode" clips: HBO usually tacks these on at the end. Mike White explains why he made certain characters do such terrible things. It's fascinating.
Practical Next Steps
If you've never seen the show, start with Season 1, Episode 1, "Arrivals." It sets the tone perfectly. If you're all caught up and waiting for more news on the France-set Season 4, keep an eye on the official HBO social media accounts, as casting news for the Saint-Tropez trip is expected to ramp up through the spring of 2026. Make sure your Max subscription is active if you want to catch the Season 3 reruns or the inevitable Season 4 premiere.