‘The White Lotus’ Season 2 Cast on Reinventing the Series for Sicily

The stars of season 2 of HBO comedy ‘The White Lotus’ tell Rotten Tomatoes about working in a scenic paradise with stellar castmates and Emmy-winning creator Mike White. Jennifer Coolidge, who won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her role as wealthy heiress Tanya in season 1, returns to the role as an honored frequent guest of The White Lotus resorts in season 2. Coolidge is joined by her costars F. Murray Abraham, Adam DiMarco, Meghann Fahy, Beatrice Grannò, Jon Gries, Sabrina Impacciatore, Michael Imperioli, Theo James, Aubrey Plaza, Haley Lu Richardson, Will Sharpe, and Simona Tabasco in a chat with RT correspondent Nikki Novak about season 2’s new story and scenery, which character is the nicest, and which is the most heinous.
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00:00 Jon Gries and Jennifer Coolidge
08:18 Will Sharpe and Aubrey Plaza
15:12 Theo James and Meghann Fahy
23:37 Michael Imperioli and F. Murray Abraham
32:45 Adam DiMarco and Haley Lu Richardson
40:27 Simona Tabasco, Beatrice Grannò, and Sabrina Impacciatore
Music:
Courtesy of Extreme Music
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[@syarh]

the italian actors really brought this season to the next level. they were so believable and authentic. so talented

[@missym877]

Why were they so believable? Cuz they had Italian accents in an Italy country? Lmao the bar is set mad low I swear 😂

[@Winter-Alpha-Omega]

​​​@@missym877Because their performances were excellent. Did we watch the same show?

[@alessandratrevisan7951]

@@missym877not What she said. I live in Italy and actors in mainstream productions are so fake. No one looks like them, talks like them, makes expressions like them. White lotus actors were a blessing to look at and listen to. You really come across people like Valentina, Mia, Lucia, Isabella, all the time.

[@CDCPH582]

Interviewer was amazing, obviously a big fan and came very well prepared. That's how every interviewer should be.

[@hecubot]

Also her blouse is amazing!

[@cara.leo_]

Yeah! Very enthusiastic and engaged

[@VideosfromElle]

This was an EXCELLENT interview, I'll be watching again for sure

[@jjearm8454]

yes!! loved her question about Harper's necklace around 11:35. Aubrey Plaza seemed touched :)

[@nkv2882]

With the perfect marriage of a fan and interviewer, we can learn a lot!

[@fernfernisfernie]

This is my absolute favourite show right now. Everything about this season is perfect.

[@HH-gv8mx]

It’s so good. Trying to guess what might happen but based off of that actors comment “ The least thing that you think is going to happen, the least expected is what’s going to happen” Great so Alby dies,?

[@batoolh9457]

💯

[@Arieszona48]

Same!

[@nejuw]

@@HH-gv8mx I don't really care what happens. The conversations are just so funny!

[@hannavieira507]

@@HH-gv8mx i’m thinking greg gets tanya killed but the french guys. 😅

[@ornebatmagoo7128]

The woman conducting the interviews goes uncredited but she and her research team should become a high bar in her profession. F. Murray Abraham complimented her at the end of his interview by saying, "You really did your homework; thank you!" This, in of itself is a mark of respect from an actor to a journalist and it is not easily given. This is what excellence looks like.

[@WillKatartzis]

I completely disagree. The interviewer asked invasive and strange questions asking actors to put their characters (who are apart of themselves) in boxes such as "most heinous". In Theos interview it was so obvious that they were both uncomftorble with the questions asked. Look at their body language its so obvious. They were pretending to smile and get around the questions but they were turned off.

[@Tommy-sz5bl]

@@WillKatartzis they were probably uncomfortable because they didn't want to spoil the twist by saying greg was the most heinous

[@ornebatmagoo7128]

@@WillKatartzis You disagree. Noted.

[@StevenRenaldo]

I love how humble the italian casts are and their acting are just as class act as the rest of the cast. Really love this season.

[@martacccc689]

They are soooooo good ..expecially Simona Tabasco

[@Frederic1406]

The Italian cast are scene stealers... Whenever the two girls appear, they catch the whole attention and the spotlight.

[@martacccc689]

@@Frederic1406 yes same for me...but I love Audrey Plaza she is a queen

[@Frederic1406]

@@martacccc689 Absolutely, 100000% aligned with you. Aubrey is the absolute star of the show, she manages to focus thr whole attention to her. Anyway our Italian girls, coming out of nowhere, are also here to steal the show! This is really good, there is a lot of chemistry among the cast, they make it feel real. I have loved this show and cannot wait for the final episode!

[@espreedupree]

Yes I like the hotel manager Valentina ( Sabrina Impacciatore)

[@davidc6032]

Albie is a fair choice as the nicest, but I felt Valentina would be my choice. Even though she had a lot of bark with her staff, at her core, she was so sweet and vulnerable. And now, seeing Sabrina explain her experience with the character and production, wow, she was a great choice.

[@itsmyhairiboughtit7704]

Noooooo evil boss!

[@thaynasampaio2970]

That scene of her eating her lunch with the stray kittens 🤧

[@porsche911sbs]

worst thing Valentina did was move Rocco to the beach club because she perceived him as a romantic rival

[@deathstar71]

She misused her power quite a bit in a fit of jealousy

[@anthonyvillarias8829]

@@porsche911sbs and also firing the piano guy!! 😅

[@MrAssman93]

The interviewer is excellent and needs to be acknowledged. It's been a long time since I've been so captivated by the questions as well as the answers. Great work!

[@rooroob]

Absolutely!

[@tpabarbie2843]

Yesss!!!

[@TheChroniclesofTeacherTay]

Completely agree!

[@QueenJaneway]

she loves her work and it shows!

[@ravenswood118]

here I was thinking how incredibly banal the questions are.

[@theeohh]

I'm so happy that Simona felt comfortable enough to switch to Italian when she felt uncomfortable answering in English. Very dope for the reporter to not even try to interrupt her in so far as I can tell! She's a beautiful spirit and I'm happy she was able to shine so much in her role. Everyone has been perfectly cast for this show.

[@fostena]

It's very nice but truth be told this is standard with this kind of interviews. I bet they were told that they could switch to italian if they felt like it. The format is established beforehand, there is not a lot of improvisation since they are on a very tight schedule

[@otaxonov459]

But it was a surprise since in the show she has more lines in English than the other two actresses

[@wonpiri___jinani3340]

I like how they pretty much said Albie as the nicest but for me when I saw Valentina's scene with the cats, it showed every vulnerable side to her that just hit home and I just love Sabrina's heartwarming and wholesome answers in this interview.

[@biankagonzalez4213]

Agreed!

[@Aleksssssssss]

Yeeess Valentina is the best!!

[@AW-uv3cb]

Meghann Fahy absolutely killed it in the scene where Ethan tells Daphne he suspects their spouses of cheating. It would be so easy to underestimate her character (and herself!) as a trophy blonde, but that one moment just flipped it all on its head, it was a masterclass. All of the cast was amazing, but I'm really looking forward to seeing more of her talent in other productions.

[@lyndallboulos9239]

Maybe a trophy blonde without a script.

[@missym877]

I like Meghann but that was hardly masterpiece writing, that twist was seen a mile away… And her acting wasn’t particularly riveting. I mean it wasn’t bad either, don’t get me wrong, but who hasn’t seen the rich scorned wife trope? Nothing new. Next.

[@ac-gp3kz]

The scene with Tanya and Greg getting on the vespa and the piano player on mdma had me in absolute kinks, seriously could not stop laughing 🤣 The first season was fantastic, I think the second season is even better. Such a quality show.

[@krisissocoollike]

I understand why Sabrina Impacciatore was afraid to fill those huge shoes, but she is AMAZING as Valentina, I love her!!!

[@danzafrir2900]

Agreed, I thought she was amazing! The Peppa Pig moment lives in my mind rent free

[@jarataka26]

@@danzafrir2900 So effortlessly hilarious. Truly the beauty of this show is the comedic timing and the subtlety of the jokes

[@danielrubinstein896]

@@danzafrir2900 yes, the way she said Peppa pig it's like she just discovered her for the first time

[@lucywright3312]

Jennifer Coolidge's performance in the last episode was amazing

[@sendneutrals]

Jennifer Coolidge is soo freaking iconic i was surprised to hear that she is just NOW getting recognized like WHAT?

[@wildmarjoramdieselpunk6396]

I think she’s been under the radar even with Best in Show, 2 Broke Girls, etc.

[@mica9797]

American Pie lmao

[@dontbreadonme9213]

Legally blonde

[@KathrynGeiger]

Pootie tang being one of her best

[@Trilly007]

@@KathrynGeiger only few will know about this lmfaooo no one from that movie seems to want to mention that movie happened though lol Wanda Sykes hates it being brought up 😂😂🤣🤣

[@irenewong5378]

I've never been impressed by an interviewer, but this one is notably phenomenal. A great time !

[@jpmiller9385]

Looking back at it now, I can definitely understand Haley's expression on 33:14 when Adam said "maybe Greg?" She probably thought how could she say anything without spoiling everything.

[@Imbwa6012]

I don’t usually watch many shows but this one has me absolutely obsessed. Both seasons. Absurdly perfect writing

[@nemohalperin]

An incredible set of interviews. The last panel with Sabrina, Beatrice and Simona was deeply touching and gave an insight into what was so special about the creative process brought to life for this incredible series. You can't often use this word for a television series, but it really is a masterpiece.

[@zackreed6010]

I love that Murray is so genuinely impressed by the interviewers questions and professionalism. Excellent job from her.

[@KiarandKimi]

The acting in this show was INCREDIBLE. The facial expressions of every single person on that cast....absolutely amazing. What a show!!!!!

[@GwaiZai]

it's stunning how there isn't a single weak link. Everyone is perfectly cast and does their job excellently.

[@viravdovenko2315]

it's funny how they think Albie is the nicest and purest although he is just the same as his male family, he basically sold his mother for money he knew he would lose ...

[@beautybychiara02]

fr

[@eden20111]

Albies mother? The teen boy? His mom never showed up in the show I’m confused we only heard her voice on the phone…

[@culturalresponse2447]

First of all. HE WAS BLUFFING. He had already put in a good word for his father before that. But his dad didn’t know that. You weren’t paying attention.

[@Paulxl]

​@@eden20111Albie literally says to his father that if he gives him a few thousands of euros, he would send a good word to his mother.

[@Paulxl]

​@@culturalresponse2447He didn't.

[@lazaromurad322]

Adam and Hailey have the exact same non existent love energy as their characters

[@danuzapaz3069]

😂

[@deepfriedokra]

I’m guessing this is sarcasm? Lol

[@soulliberator5995]

Hailey was high or tripping

[@alexarias5717]

@@soulliberator5995 lol i wondered the same thing but you can't know for sure

[@scriberothchild5335]

@@soulliberator5995I thought the same thing lmaoooo

[@westside.mp3]

this interviewer was SO good! one of the best i've ever seen, showing such eloquence, respect and at the same time a chill and fun vibes. great job!

[@SK-vd2bb]

Beautiful to see the chemistry between the cast members, especially between Abraham and Imperioli.

[@deborrahcresswell8896]

This is the first time I've come across this interviewer, thought she was amazing. She was so well prepared and had such an air of engagement and enthusiasm...first class.

[@MartinHomeVideo]

Sabrina Impacciatore is one of those people who don’t need to worry about acting cause she radiates so much natural charisma that she can tell with one look what others can’t with 4 lines of dialogue. And of course Jenifer is in the same league.

[@noraaalt]

I love these interviews - it kind of sets a new standard compared to all of the other interviews I’ve watched throughout my life. There’s a coziness in that it doesn’t feel rushed, there’s ample banter vs. good answers (which automatically means there are good questions being asked), and it feels authentic vs. put on. Want more of these with whoever ya’ll can get!!

[@weiduoduo]

The interviewer is so good, very well spoken and warm and very responsive to the interviewees.

[@mimiroselorraway274]

The interviewer deserves BIG props! None of those generic interview questions were ever uttered. Thank you for giving us such rich answers!

[@flufferduff007]

I never have the patience for a show but I am OBSESSED. It’s so different, I love the architecture, I never know what’s about to happen. It’s GREAT

[@aglayapiano]

I just love Jennifer so much. She is such a genuine and adorable person ❤

[@HH-gv8mx]

I hope she’s not the one who dies This season.

[@StreetTruckinTitan]

She always seems like she's high AF all the time.

[@HH-gv8mx]

@@StreetTruckinTitan yes. Or like she’s always on Xanax

[@mrzippykid088]

@@HH-gv8mx sucks that she actually was /:

[@jarataka26]

@@HH-gv8mx this didn't age well :(

[@Cgblu201]

This interview was amazing. The interviewer asked some really great questions. I almost felt like I was there with her just smiling and taking mental notes. I’m so glad that all the principle actors were included. They all seem like wonderful people. I hope to continue seeing them all in the future on other projects. Thank you for the time you all took to make this. I watched every minute of it.

[@charile2988]

This season has absolutely blown me away on every level it’s a slow burn with tensions rising in each episode and nothing can be easily figured out… you rarely see that these days…

[@hawaiiansoulrebel]

I’m liking season 2 a lot more than season 1. As much as season 1 was great, I find the characters this season more relatable.

[@ANGRY_YODA]

Agreed…as the cast mentioned mark’s writing left space for improvision but in season one the story was just revolving around few thing and there was nothing left to expect to come as out of the box…but in season 2 there were like so many possible consequences and constant suspense hooked me all throughout the show.

[@vb1816]

💯🙌

[@GwaiZai]

the characters in season 1 were toxic and funny. the characters in season 2 were toxic, funny and real.

[@juliohernandez5230]

you can tell the interviewer is a super fan, love it

[@MM-fy8yx]

Great actors and characters. Lucia and Mia have to be one of my favourite pairings on TV ever!

[@mavismcdavis]

I loved the first series, but this second one in Sicily was just sublime.

[@theronaldophotography4971]

The White Lotus Season 2 is phenomenal! Great actors, perfect pacing, excellent characters in a twisted crazy riveting plot. One of the gifts of modern television! Well done!

[@serendipityconsulting570]

I actually enjoyed it more than season 1!

[@yuribarreira6057]

Such great interviewer, not making the obvious questions everyone else always makes. And also a true fan of the show, made a lot of difference. She made such an interesting and unique interview, thank you for this.

[@sophiek8019]

Good interviewer - well researched , super smart questions, and doesn't interrupt - we need more people like this !

[@coreycruz2542]

32:33 when F Murray Abraham says "You really did your homework, thanks a lot" to the interviewer - I wholeheartedly agree! Such a good interview.

[@RaxOldies]

Great interviews !! I was surprised that Simona Tabasco broke into Italian since she spoke English so well in the show, but I guess it was more comfortable for her. Hope there's a Season three!

[@JB19504]

It was renewed for a third season.

[@RaxOldies]

@@JB19504 Thanks..yep I think I heard India....that should be interesting !!

[@camrynalexander2592]

This was such a great interview! I loved how it shows a clip of the actors in a way that gets you so excited to see them being interviewed. This season has me talking to everyone I know to get them to watch it. Great cast!

[@fhm21]

Seeing Aubrey Plaza on screen makes me so happy. Like Saturday morning happy.

[@sergeykoval9608]

Happy for amazing Italian actors to get opportunity to show their talents to the whole World! ❤

[@truckarttinbox9644]

ughhhh when Simona Tabasco spoke in italian to convey her thoughts. so cool and so well said! really happy she conveyed that message in Italian

[@rawrruby]

audrey plaza is a class act, love that shes doing shows.

[@godbyone]

I think she land a role that everyone will talk about.

[@hotrodmama4911]

I didn't think Mike White could top Season 1 characters and plot, but he does it again. I love this show. He hits on so many topics that are spot on, but not talked about. Cannot wait for Sunday night!

[@ArchiesLens]

i''m glad Jeniffer Coolidge is getting her flowers.

[@denarendall]

The White Lotus is by far the best series I’ve ever watched. There’s something so addictive about it. And the casting is simply perfect!

[@lmb4876]

Casting WAS absolutely perfect…You are spot on!!

[@SurrenderDorothyForever]

What a great interviewer she is!!! I really love this show!

[@marijam7718]

This interviewer did a really good job👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@HH-gv8mx]

Yes! I was trying to pick up clues on what might happen in the season based on the reactions on their faces.

[@getmeouttatennessee4473]

Yes she did. She is so deep in her questioning and responses. No standard Hollywood interviews. I hope she has a long career.

[@ImnotassweetasIusedtobe]

And a bit OT but her look and eyeshadow are gorgeous! It’s a hard look to pull off but she does so beautifully. I hope she gets more work because she’s very charismatic and seems to connect with these folks…

[@sydniscott7275]

I can listen to F. Murray Abraham’s voice all day long 😌

[@markhennthemesiah26]

I love the enthusiasm of each and everyone most especially the very well prepared interviewer. She slayed it nicely 👍.

[@worldsbiggestholdthegirlfan]

This is the most calm I've ever seen Aubrey, she's usually super eccentric and hilarious. She's still awesome, but I love seeing her more subdued side too!

[@TheChrischris27]

The interviewer was fantastic. Her questions were so good and she obviously loved the show. This cast is just so fantastic

[@mariakathleen9813]

Aubrey Plaza was so beautifully dressed in this interview. I want her blouse and loved it with the red nails and lipstick. Bravo to her or her stylist. Very elegant.

[@ImnotassweetasIusedtobe]

Omg the actor playing Greg is Uncle Rico?! I LOVED him in that role! That’s one of my favorite films of all time 😂❤

[@etamommy]

Was shocked to make that connection- did not recognize him as the same actor!

[@jozen1986]

Uncle Rico and Stifler’s Mom! They deserved each other!

[@ethereallioness]

omg i had no idea!

[@nancymcclymont2858]

I love this show! I also have to say that this interviewer was so refreshingly human, so connected, & sharp!

[@julianyc422]

These Women are so intelligent and respectful to each other. And kind and tease her with LOVE. Love these Women.

[@AnnaKwonda]

This interview is just incredible. Every last human in these is so well-spoken. Love them, they're incredible.

[@ThereskaJanee]

Sabrina (Valentina): "We celebrated birthdays together." Bea (Mia): "Yeah we did." 🤣🤣🤣

[@bollewillem1]

I loved the Italian actresses. They made the show in my opinion.

[@leonardo47000]

Wow! All so wonderful and warm. I love these cast members and how they care. Some of the best interviews EVER.

[@JeffSans]

best cast. amazing actors. i love every scene and dialogues. most series have skippable boring scenes, but this one i feel like i was like a fly on the wall

[@candir6735]

Beautiful interview ! Just perfection like the second season of White Lotus. I was practically in tears by the end of the last panel with the Italian actresses. Wonderful ❤

[@brinsonopinion]

This was wonderful...so engaging, completely engrossing, really well done!

[@williamargenbright6361]

The White Lotus' is most definitely my favorite shoe right now. The characters are amazing and the scenery if from one of my favorite locations in the world.

[@alexandragarcia2524]

I love a good shoe

[@nandomercy1]

@@alexandragarcia2524 😂

[@SchnippSchnappShnappi]

This interview is as perfect as the show itself, thsnk you!

[@WoodlandT]

This interviewer is incredible. It’s such a treat to see quality meet quality. Thanks for this 💙

[@1bepradayourself]

Love season 2! The interviewer was A1! She eats this show for breakfast, lunch & dinner.

[@bensmithy4279]

The entire CAST was amazing! I honestly can't remember seeing a better series in ages!

[@mindy561]

Agree...Niki Novak is INCREDIBLE interviewing. Excellent work!

[@agencyeditor8379]

Her questions are killer! Very fresh.

[@elainedexter1773]

Obsessed w white lotus also lmaoo the actress that plays Portia is so similar to her actual character it’s insane watching the interview

[@KartikChainani]

Actor who played Albie saying Greg is the most heinous and the two of them realizing he might be spoiling something 😂

[@sunbear_413]

Always appreciate a good interviewer. Good original questions and engaging and doesn't interrupt responses.

[@NE-ns8mk]

The very last thing that Sabrina said about Jennifer Coolidge is so cute and touching 🙃

[@kcam3683]

Fantastic second season of a brilliant show and these interviews were so enjoyable to watch, the interviewer did a wonderful job.

[@ewolfgirl]

Awesome interview! Love this show! Mike White has created a masterpiece here! He has made some of my family’s fav all-time movies (Napoleon Dynamite, School of Rock, Nacho Libre). We quote them all the time 😂🎉

[@sammyclemens5390]

Mike White wasn’t involved in Napoleon Dynamite. Maybe you’re thinking of Jon Gries as Uncle Rico?

[@ewolfgirl]

you’re right! Was thinking of Jared Hess, who did Napoleon Dynamite

[@denisefromdc1796]

If Jennifer Coolidge's neighbors weren't being nice to her and inviting her over every chance they had, they're obviously idiots.

[@joelwillis2043]

how would you know?

[@dawnwilliams8051]

This was one of the best interviews of a series I’ve seen

[@ceced1417]

This show was so good! Im ready to see it again. Luved the characters! Great interview. Luv all the behind the scenes stuff.

[@JamieSGibson96]

Loved listening to everyone’s answers and getting to know a bit more about the actors. Season 2 was my absolute favourite!!!

[@amicuscureye]

Haley being a real one and saying what we’re all thinking about Theo/cam.

[@jramsey9690]

Mike White IS a genius, such a great writer and director. Underrated.

[@kynamatthewson7702]

Intrigue and menace in a beautiful setting...what's not to love? Even better than the first season. 10/10.

[@denarendall]

Right?! Season 1 was incredible, but season 2 somehow topped it! Addictive!

[@kevinsmith4741]

This interviewer is AMAZING you can tell she’s really invested in acting and the show

[@bbdaria3023]

really liked the first White Lotus season but absolutely love this season !!!!

[@goodiesgumdrops1164]

A Sophisticated interview for a Sophisticated show! Bravo!

[@arg98]

Wow! What a show. The interviewer here nailed the questions. An obvious fan of the series with genuine enthusiasm.

[@Life-oo2tr]

These were really great questions and sparked thought and conversation with the actors. So refreshing to have a decent interviewer!

[@dsgp7835]

That was a really well done interview.

[@MrDuboce]

I've always been a huge Jon Gries fan (since The Pretender). Putting him with Jennifer Coolidge was genius. I didn't even know it was him for the first 15 minutes of the first episode. He really escapes into this character, Greg, with such skill.

[@girlwhomustnotbenamed4139]

Their chemistry is off the charts, and they are so hilarious here together as well 😁

[@yeahyeahyouright4783]

I don't really enjoy watching interviews because of the predictable questions but the interviewer came prepared and left no crumbs

[@gaelgarciabarchive]

F. Murray Abraham complimenting the interviewer’s questions! nice!

[@97accio]

they all love each other so much and it shows!! the Italian actresses describe their bonds so beautifully.

[@reneebarnes2050]

Speaking about Jennifer’s neighbours… have they been living under a rock for the past 20 plus years? How would they not know her work? She’s iconic In every way. Just love her ❤️

[@IntegrityVoid]

Kudos to the interviewer! Great job. Particularly enjoyed the perspectives of all three Italian actors at the end.

[@drocpdp]

WOW!!! Amazing questions that really helped GREATLY enhance the post-watching experience and drew out a really good idea of the making of the show!!! Interviewer, really great job!!