The White Lotus, HBO’s critically acclaimed dark comedy anthology, is gearing up for Season 4 with a striking new creative direction, confirmed to feature dual hotel locations in France.
After three seasons set against the lush backdrops of Hawaii, Sicily, and Thailand, each with a signature Four Seasons resort as the luxurious yet chaotic centerpiece, the show pivots to two historically rich and glamorous French sites: Paris and the French Riviera.
According to reports from Variety and confirmed by multiple sources, including IMDb and TheWrap, the season will primarily take place at Le Lutetia, a legendary Left Bank Paris hotel known for its Belle Époque grandeur, and the Ritz Paris, a palace hotel steeped in history and celebrity allure.
Meanwhile, the coastal narrative unfolds around the French Riviera, with scouting focused on iconic and opulent venues including the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat near Cannes and possibly locations in Monaco and Nice.
This dual setting reflects the showrunner Mike White’s desire to depart from previous seasons’ “crashing waves against rock” vibe that illustrated the natural ruggedness of past locales.
Instead, the sophisticated urbanity of Paris coupled with the decadent seascape of the Riviera offers a fresh canvas for the series’ signature collision of class, culture, and dark humor.
Shifting From Resort Opulence to European Elegance
Past seasons embraced the sterile grandeur of modern Four Seasons resorts as microcosms of privilege, exposing guests’ flaws beneath perfect facades. Season 4 breaks from the exclusive Four Seasons partnership that supported the first three seasons, signaling a strategic partnership switch and a storytelling evolution.
Le Lutetia, part of the Mandarin Oriental chain, is famed for hosting cultural icons like Charlie Chaplin and Josephine Baker, offering an artistic and historic atmosphere.
The Ritz Paris, with its legendary status as a haven for Coco Chanel and Ernest Hemingway, imbues the series with classic French luxury and echoes of old-world elegance settings ripe to contrast sharply with the disruptions caused by White Lotus guests.
The White Lotus Season 4 (Credit: BBC)
The Riviera’s grand hotels and sun-soaked beaches provide a vibrant, playground-style backdrop where indulgence and decadence collide, a perfect setting for the morally ambiguous and often scandalous narratives the show excels in.
These locations broaden the cultural and aesthetic palette of the series, adding layers of European sophistication to the biting social commentary and darkly comedic scenarios.
The physical contrast between the metropolitan energy of Paris and the leisurely glamour of the coastline hints at dual storylines that will likely intertwine, creating a narrative texture richer than ever before.
What Fans Can Expect and the Bigger Picture for The White Lotus
The move to France, with these two storied locations, suggests a season built on exploring contrasts—between old and new money, between the appetites of vacationers and the undercurrents of local life, between urban sophistication and coastal charm.
Previous seasons have become notable for blending breathtaking scenery with sharp social satire and simmering tension; Season 4 promises to escalate these qualities with a fresh cultural context and increased narrative complexity.
Although the full cast remains under wraps, speculation abounds that American and European characters will mix, possibly bringing French talent into the fold.
Fans eagerly anticipate which familiar faces might return and who will join the newest season’s constellation of flawed, wealthy vacationers and the hotel staff who contend with their excesses.
Production won’t commence until early 2026, setting up a late 2026 or early 2027 release window.
Given the show’s history of intricate plotting and layered character development, viewers can expect the dual settings to serve not only as luxurious backdrops but also as characters in their own right, shaping the mood, conflicts, and revelations unique to the world of The White Lotus.
The shift away from strict Four Seasons venues also reflects changes in the television industry and the show’s willingness to innovate aesthetically and thematically.
Mike White’s vision seems poised to push The White Lotus beyond its familiar formulas, enticing viewers into new experiences woven through the glamour and mystique of France.
The White Lotus Season 4’s confirmation of filming at two iconic French hotels marks a daring and elegant evolution for the acclaimed anthology. The rich contrast between Parisian splendor and Riviera indulgence offers fertile ground for the show’s signature blend of luxury, social critique, and dark comedy.
Fans can look forward to narratives expanding farther and deeper, framed by some of Europe’s most breathtaking and storied locations.
“Shin’s Project” stars the legendary actor Han Suk Kyu as Mr. Shin, a former elite negotiator who now leads a quiet life running a small chicken restaurant.
However, behind this unassuming façade lies a man with a mysterious past and a sharp sense of justice.
Mr. Shin’s compassion drives him to intervene in conflicts and help ordinary people overcome difficult, often morally complex, situations.
Throughout the series, his cases ranged from domestic disputes to corporate corruption and community issues, each revealing his unmatched ability to mediate and uncover the truth.
An Ensemble Cast that Shined
The drama also featured a talented supporting cast, including Bae Hyeon Seong, Lee Re, Kim Sung Oh, Jung Eun Pyo, and Woo Mi Hwa, who added layers of humor, emotion, and relatability to the story.
Each character contributed to the tightly woven narrative, balancing light-hearted moments with tension-filled negotiations.
Lee Re’s character, in particular, became a fan favorite for her determination and wit, while Kim Sung Oh’s portrayal of a conflicted ally added intrigue to the unfolding mysteries.
Together, the cast created a believable and emotionally rich community that made the show stand out among other dramas of 2025.
Strong Ratings and Critical Acclaim
“Shin’s Project” debuted with an impressive 5.9 percent viewership rating and saw its popularity climb steadily throughout its run.
The drama’s Episode 11 achieved a peak rating of 9.1 percent, making it the top-ranked program across all cable channels on that day. Its finale concluded with a strong 8.6 percent rating, maintaining dominance in its time slot.
Critics and viewers alike praised the drama for its smart writing, fast-paced negotiation scenes, and moral depth.
Unlike many procedural dramas that rely on heavy-handed action, “Shin’s Project” focused on the power of dialogue, empathy, and intellect—portraying negotiation as both an art and a philosophy.
Its mix of suspense, heartwarming humanity, and humor resonated with a wide audience, making it one of tvN’s most talked-about series of the year.
A Tease for What’s Next
The show’s final episode ended with a tantalizing hint at future developments: the formation of the “Mr. Shin’s Project TF Team” within the court.
This narrative twist left fans buzzing with curiosity, suggesting that Mr. Shin and his allies might take on even more complex and high-stakes cases in the next season.
This open-ended conclusion served as both a satisfying wrap-up and a subtle invitation for Season 2, setting the stage for potential character growth and deeper storytelling.
Production Team Confirms Discussions for Season 2
On October 29, 2025, the production team officially addressed the growing speculation, stating:
“Discussions regarding Season 2 are currently underway.”
While no further details—such as cast confirmation or production timelines—have been announced, this comment was enough to ignite excitement across social media.
Fans expressed hopes that the original cast would return, especially Han Suk Kyu, whose performance was widely regarded as the heart of the series.
Given the drama’s critical success and steady ratings, a second season seems both a logical and highly anticipated move for tvN.
Why Season 2 Makes Sense
Thematically, “Shin’s Project” has plenty of room to expand. The show’s premise—using negotiation and empathy to resolve human conflict—offers endless storytelling potential.
Season 2 could delve deeper into Mr. Shin’s mysterious past, explore the inner workings of his new court team, and tackle even more morally challenging cases that reflect real-world social issues.
Moreover, the combination of witty writing, realistic emotional stakes, and strong ensemble chemistry has created a loyal fan base eager for more.
The potential renewal could also continue tvN’s recent streak of successful multi-season dramas, aligning it with global streaming trends that favor serialized storytelling.
Han Suk Kyu’s Enduring Appeal
For Han Suk Kyu, a veteran actor celebrated for his roles in “Dr. Romantic” and “Tree with Deep Roots,” “Shin’s Project” reaffirmed his reputation as a master of emotionally grounded, intelligent storytelling.
His portrayal of Mr. Shin blended quiet wisdom with flashes of vulnerability, making the character both heroic and human.
If Season 2 materializes, fans are looking forward to seeing more of Han’s character development—perhaps revealing the reasons behind his decision to leave his past life as a negotiator and the secrets he still hides.
As talks continue, anticipation for “Shin’s Project Season 2” grows by the day. Fans have taken to online forums and social media platforms, sharing theories, dream scenarios, and hopes for the returning cast.
Many believe that with the right blend of mystery and humanity, Season 2 could surpass the original in both scope and emotional impact.
