The White Lotus is back, but a 'taboo' moment could derail it.

Who needs holiday leave when The White Lotus is (finally!) back for a new season of poolside relaxation, spa sessions, glamorous dinners and well… murder?

Season 3 marks the latest instalment of Mike White's acclaimed anthology series, this time set in the tranquil scenery of Thailand with another star-studded ensemble.

As usual, the cast is divided into holiday groups who have booked a stay at the luxury hotel chain, The White Lotus.

Watch the trailer here. Post continues after video.

The Ratliff family includes Jason Isaacs as shifty businessman Timothy, Parker Posey as his eccentric wife Victoria, Patrick Schwarzenegger as their eldest son Saxon, Sarah Catherine Hook as middle child Piper, and Sam Nivola as the youngest son Lochlan.

A trio of longtime friends reuniting for a 'GIRLS TRIP!' features Michelle Monaghan as celebrity Jaclyn, Leslie Bibb as Kate, and Carrie Coon as Laurie.

An age-gap couple consists of Walton Goggins as Rick Hatcher and Sex Education's Aimee Lou Wood as his younger girlfriend, Chelsea.

The resort staff includes BLACKPINK's Lalisa Manobal (aka Lisa) making her acting debut as health mentor Mook, Tayme Thapthimthong as security guard Gaitok, and Lek Patravadi as Sritala, one of the resort owners.

Notably, Natasha Rothwell returns from Season 1 as spa manager Belinda, now joined by her son Zion played by (an outrageously handsome) Nicholas Duvernay.

Natasha Rothwell returns to The White Lotus. Image: Binge.

The third season has sizeable shoes to fill. The show has won 15 Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes, growing a cult following for its biting social commentary on white privilege and class, all juxtaposed by beautiful scenery in a luxury destination.

So how does the new season stack up?

Firstly, the Thai setting is STUNNING. If die-hard fans were concerned that Thailand wouldn't stack up next to Sicily, they needn't worry.

The soundtrack is arguably a step above as well, infused with Thai rock, pop, and dance music, plus Thai covers of beloved hits — the music transports the audience.

That being said, the iconic theme song we've come to expect is DRAMATICALLY different. The Thai theme is still catchy and a verified bop, but fans of the original and the operatic Sicilian remix might be disappointed. I know I was.

Due to the opening sequence (no spoilers here, don't worry), the season immediately feels noticeably darker. Throughout the first episode, there is an ominous and moody atmosphere that permeates through the lighter moments.

From the outset, there are standouts amongst the cast. I predict that Parker Posey is about to have her Jennifer Coolidge revival. Despite not getting a lot to work within the first episode, she can't help but steal scenes. She is sublime.

The same goes for Aimee Lou Wood as Chelsea, who will likely become the audience's MVP, like Meghann Fahy in Season 2. She skirts a fine line between humour and heart, which is contrasted perfectly with her partner's brash and unfeeling demeanour.

But one actor I didn't expect to be quite so entranced by is the son of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Patrick. As a classic alpha-bro finance type, Patrick brings a lot of energy and charisma to the first episode and looks set to be the season's breakout star (aka 2025's Leo Woodall).

Patrick Schwarzenegger is a standout. Image: Binge.

With the highs come the lows, and I wasn't particularly invested in the storyline between the Thai characters. It felt lacklustre, underwritten, and like an afterthought.

Natasha Rothwell's Belinda was a welcome return, but I hope more layers are added to her character, she's given more time to shine and isn't relegated to another supporting character arc.

I will note that there is another returnee from a past season that I wasn't pleased to see. I won't say who, but it did give me pause that the show is relying too much on its callbacks, banking on a familiar formula and becoming predictable.

Out of all the holidaymakers, I found the most interesting dynamic to be between old friends Jaclyn, Kate, and Laurie, as played by Michelle Monaghan, Leslie Bibb, and Carrie Coon.

Not only were their scenes brilliantly written and performed, there was constant tension brimming under the surface which felt like a new kind of friendship framework to be explored for the series.

Scripted TV needs a fresh take on how childhood friendships often struggle to find their footing in adulthood, especially when their personal and professional successes are measured against each other.

The trio you'll want to watch. Image: Binge.

I can already tell that this story arc is the one that will keep me watching.

One uncomfortable dynamic that is going to cause some conversations is between brothers Saxon (Schwarzenegger) and Lochlan (Sam Nivola).

I don't know how to put this delicately, but there were some… incest vibes between them.

In one painful scene, Saxon catches Lochlan watching him naked in the bathroom. I won't cast judgment on this storyline quite yet, but it's clear that Mike White is willing and ready to GO THERE and explore taboo subjects this season.

Like a lot of episode one, the pacing is all about the slowburn.

Season 3 already looks set to be even slower than the previous seasons. I will say, the first episode didn't completely hook me, but I trust White knows he has another seven episodes to take his time and fully realise his vision.

All in all, Season 3 is a slow but promising start and if I take nothing else away from it, I'll be booking a trip to Thailand asap.

Feature image: Binge.