HBO's critically acclaimed anthology series, "The White Lotus," is reportedly set to embark on its fourth season in France, with creator Mike White and his teams actively scouting picturesque locations in Paris and the French Riviera. This news follows months of speculation and marks a significant step forward for the series, which has garnered a loyal following and critical praise over its first three seasons.

Sources indicate that while an official confirmation from HBO is still pending, the production is indeed planning to shoot in France. The majority of the Season 4 narrative is expected to unfold in the scenic South of France, a region known for its luxurious appeal and stunning coastal landscapes. A major subplot will also be set in the iconic capital city of Paris, adding a dynamic urban element to the tropical resort-centric themes of past seasons.

A notable change for the upcoming season is the departure from the Four Seasons hotel chain, which served as the backdrop for all previous installments in Hawaii, Sicily, and Thailand. HBO has not renewed its marketing partnership with the luxury brand, meaning "The White Lotus" Season 4 will feature a different high-end property. Parisian locations under consideration include the historic Le Lutetia, a five-star property on the Left Bank in Saint-Germain des Prés, known for its distinguished guests like Charlie Chaplin and Ernest Hemingway. Another contender is the opulent Ritz Paris, which has hosted figures such as Coco Chanel and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The selection of such prestigious venues underscores the show's commitment to portraying lavish environments.

Mike White, known for infusing mystery and suspense into his narratives, offered an enigmatic hint about Season 4's direction after the Season 3 finale. He teased a desire to move "a little bit out of the crashing waves on rocks vernacular," but ominously added, "there’s always more room for more murders at the White Lotus hotels." This suggests a potential shift in atmosphere while retaining the show's signature dark undertones. Rocky beaches along the French Riviera, such as those in Monaco and and Nice, could provide ideal settings for such dramatic events.

Details regarding casting and specific plotlines are being kept under wraps as development progresses. However, consistent with previous seasons that featured wealthy American vacationers interacting with local characters, Season 4 is expected to showcase a mix of American actors alongside French talent. While the cast largely refreshes each season, there have been instances of returning characters like Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge), Greg (Jon Gries), and Belinda (Natasha Rothwell). Fans are eagerly anticipating announcements about who will be among the new guests and staff visiting France.

Filming for Season 4 is anticipated to commence sometime next year. As the production team has now reportedly settled on its next location, further updates, particularly concerning the cast, are expected to follow soon. In anticipation of the new season, fans can revisit previous seasons which have enjoyed significant critical acclaim. Season 2, starring Theo James and Aubrey Plaza, holds the highest critic rating at 94% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, followed by Season 1 (90%) with Sydney Sweeney and Steve Zahn, and Season 3 (86%) featuring Jason Isaacs and Patrick Schwarzenegger. General audience ratings have remained consistently high, ranging between 76% and 78% on Popcornmeter across all three seasons.