Overview and Key Filming Windows
The White Lotus is an anthology series, so each season has its own distinct filming period. Broadly, Season 1 filmed in 2020, Season 2 in 2021, Season 3 in 2022, and Season 4 is expected to have begun in 2024 for an HBO release in 2025. Below we break down dates by season and location to clarify exactly when The White Lotus was filmed and how the production timeline aligns with each season’s release.
Season 1: First Shoot and Hawaii Location
Principal Photography Dates and Venue
Season 1 of The White Lotus began principal photography in March 2020, with filming occurring in Hawaiʻi, primarily on the island of Maui at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. The schedule was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused shutdowns in March 2020 and led to pauses and adjusted safety protocols before production concluded in May 2020. The season premiered in July 2021, allowing time for post-production and pandemic-related adjustments.
- Principal photography start: March 2020
- Primary location: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
- Main shutdown cause: COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020
- Season release: July 2021 (HBO)
Season 2: Sicily and Turin Production Details
When and Where Season 2 Was Filmed
Season 2 filmed in late 2021, with locations in Italy, primarily Sicily and Turin. Production began in the summer of 2021 and moved to various Sicilian settings, including the coastal architecture that defines the season’s aesthetic. The shortened eight-episode format and on-location scheduling were partly influenced by ongoing pandemic considerations, though travel restrictions had eased relative to 2020. Filming wrapped in October 2021, and the season premiered in October 2022.
- Principal photography start: Summer 2021
- Primary locations: Sicily and Turin, Italy
- Key influence: Pandemic-related adjustments to schedule and format
- Season release: October 2022 (HBO)
Season 3: England, Portugal, and Production Notes
UK and Portugal Filming Timeline
Season 3 filmed in 2022, with locations in England and Portugal. Production predominantly took place in England, including areas around Manchester and other North West locations, then transitioned to Portugal for coastal scenes. The season maintained the anthology’s elevated production design while navigating European travel and logistics in the post-pandemic environment. Filming wrapped in late 2022, ahead of its January 2025 premiere on HBO.
- Principal photography year: 2022
- Primary locations: England and Portugal
- Production approach: Shift to more contained regional shooting
- Season release: January 2025 (HBO)
Season 4: Current Filming and HBO Release Plans
Status and Expected Windows
Season 4 of The White Lotus is currently in production as of 2025. Production is reported to have started in 2024, with filming occurring in Europe. HBO has indicated a release for this season in 2025, following the pattern of previous seasons where principal photography precedes the premiere by several months. Exact locations and dates have not been officially disclosed, but industry sources note continued work in European resorts and urban centers aligned with the season’s planned settings.
- Reported start: 2024
- Expected release: 2025 (HBO)
- Confirmed status: In production
Production Factors That Influence Filming Dates
Each season of The White Lotus is planned as a self-contained story, which affects when and where it is filmed. Production timelines are influenced by location availability, weather windows, cast schedules, and global events such as the pandemic. HBO’s strategy of releasing seasons roughly annually means that filming usually concludes months before air dates to allow for editing, scoring, and marketing. Understanding these patterns helps explain the gaps between when The White Lotus was filmed and when each season reaches audiences.
Verified Production Timeline Table
| Season | Principal Photography Period | Primary Locations | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | March–May 2020 | Maui, Hawaiʻi (Four Seasons Wailea) | July 2021 |
| Season 2 | Summer–October 2021 | Sicily and Turin, Italy | October 2022 |
| Season 3 | 2022 | England and Portugal | January 2025 |
| Season 4 | 2024–2025 (in production) | Europe (details unconfirmed) | 2025 (expected) |
Why Production Dates Matter for Viewers
Knowing when The White Lotus was filmed provides context for production quality, location authenticity, and how external factors may shape each season. For audiences, this timeline helps explain release cadences and why certain seasons feel distinct in look and pacing. For creators and analysts, these dates are useful for tracking production patterns, budget cycles, and how the show’s evolving locations reflect creative and logistical choices over time.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
Some assume all seasons filmed in Hawaii, but only Season 1 used Hawaiʻi as a primary location. Others believe seasons film immediately before release without delays, but production typically concludes months ahead of launch to allow post-production. Clarifying these points helps align fan expectations with the realities of premium television production and HBO’s rollout strategy.
Wrap-Up and Key Takeaways
To summarize: Season 1 filmed in Hawaii in early 2020, Season 2 in Italy in 2021, Season 3 in England and Portugal in 2022, and Season 4 is currently filming in Europe with a 2025 release. These timelines reflect a blend of creative planning and real-world constraints. As the series progresses, these patterns remain useful for understanding how The White Lotus balances location ambition with production practicality.