The third season of The White Lotus has arrived, and it is already stirring debate among viewers.
Set in Thailand, this new chapter follows the affluent Ratliff family, led by patriarch Timothy (portrayed by Jason Isaacs), a wealthy businessman who has whisked his entire brood overseas for what he hopes will be an eye-opening adventure.
Yet, few could have predicted the level of shock that would ripple through social media when a scene involving two of Timothy’s sons, Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) and Lochlan (Sam Nivola), took an unsettling turn.
In the premiere episode, the brothers find themselves at a party with Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon) and Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood), and everything seems typical for a night of revelry.
However, as the party intensifies, Saxon—reportedly under the influence—leans in for an unexpected kiss with Lochlan.
Their intimate moment sent viewers into a frenzy, with many labeling it an incest storyline that crossed an uncomfortable line.
On social media, some fans expressed outright disgust, arguing that The White Lotus had ventured into territory typically associated with shows like Game of Thrones.
One viewer on X (formerly Twitter) bluntly asked, “Why is everyone suddenly pro incest?” while another joked, “Been watching the new episode of The White Lotus with my jaw on the floor.”
Amid the uproar, producer David Bernad spoke out to defend the scene, telling The New York Post that the moment was not included merely for shock value.
He insisted that creator Mike White had a specific narrative purpose in mind and that the show often tests boundaries to keep viewers engaged.
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Bernad emphasized that these unexpected story turns align with The White Lotus’ commitment to exploring moral ambiguity and family tensions in an unfiltered way.
Adding to the drama, the rest of the Ratliff clan is no less intriguing.
Timothy’s daughter, Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook), and wife, Victoria (Parker Posey), are along for the trip.
Timothy himself is rumored to be scouting locations for a business venture and considering an interview with a Buddhist monk, a storyline that could introduce a new layer of cultural insight to the series.
Despite the outcry, some fans are defending the plot twist, pointing out that controversial moments have long been a hallmark of The White Lotus’ brand of dark comedy and social commentary.
Others note that the show is unafraid to challenge audiences, pushing them to confront what they find taboo or morally unsettling.
For those tuning in on HBO in the US or Sky Atlantic in the UK, season three continues to delve into themes of privilege, power, and secrecy.
Whether viewers find the incestuous kiss too far or simply another shocking turn in a series known for its edgy storytelling, The White Lotus remains at the forefront of watercooler conversations worldwide.
As the season progresses, fans will be watching to see how this storyline unfolds and whether the Ratliff family can reconcile their fractured relationships amid Thailand’s breathtaking backdrops.
Love it or hate it, the show’s willingness to provoke strong reactions ensures that The White Lotus continues to dominate the cultural conversation.
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