HBO’s Answer To Knives Out Is A 3-Part Black Comedy Rated Near-Perfect On Rotten Tomatoes

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HBO’s popular and highly-rated show is taking a page from the successful Knives Out films. Creator Rian Johnson, known for directing Daniel Craig as the sharp and distinctive detective Benoit Blanc, has mastered the art of the murder mystery. Each Blanc investigation, from the first Knives Out movie to Wake Up Dead Man, offers a fresh and unique experience.

Each new installment of the “Knives Out” series—whether the story unfolds in a spooky old mansion, on a remote island, or in a quiet town church—tackles a relevant social issue. The films use comedy, satire, and memorable characters to offer commentary on topics like politics, the gap between rich and poor, and the damaging effects of envy and greed. More than just a typical murder mystery, “Knives Out” uses the familiar whodunit format to deeply explore its characters and their roles in society. The films also feature committed performances from a stellar cast, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Edward Norton, Josh Brolin, Kerry Washington, and Glenn Close, who fully embrace their roles, no matter how large or small.

HBO’s Emmy-winning series, The White Lotus, is similar to the Knives Out films – it’s much more than just a dark comedy. With a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The White Lotus explores similar ideas, shifting between different luxurious resorts and introducing a diverse cast of characters. Each resort is filled with people like families struggling to enjoy their vacation, couples with troubled marriages, and friend groups on the verge of falling apart. Through these characters, the show cleverly examines the dynamics between the wealthy guests and the staff who serve them, highlighting the power imbalances that exist.

Like the Knives Out films, the latest season of The White Lotus really shines because of its incredible cast. Jennifer Coolidge is consistently brilliant, and Murray Bartlett delivers a standout performance, but I was especially impressed with the new British talent, like Aimee Lou Wood. These actors make even the most flawed and secretive characters feel incredibly real – and honestly, a little unsettling. While it’s not a traditional ‘whodunit’ like Benoit Blanc’s investigations, each season still kicks off and concludes with a shocking act of violence, which adds a fantastic layer of suspense to the already tense atmosphere within the resort.

Both Knives Out & The White Lotus Have The Potential To Last Forever (& Should)

Benoit Blanc, like many renowned detectives, is sought after globally to crack the most baffling murder cases. Each film featuring him has used a new location to explore different themes: Knives Out focused on the destructive power of family greed, Glass Onion exposed the problems with extreme wealth, and Wake Up Dead Man delved into how religion can isolate people and the risks of blind faith.

The Knives Out movies, led by Benoit Blanc, have the potential to become a long-running, beloved mystery series, much like classic TV shows featuring detectives like Hercule Poirot or Sherlock Holmes. Daniel Craig’s portrayal of Blanc could easily fill that role. What makes this franchise special is its ability to stay fresh and original. Each film will likely feature a new location reflected in Blanc’s style, along with a new group of actors and engaging supporting characters – as seen with Ana de Armas, Janelle Monáe, and Josh O’Connor – ensuring the series remains exciting and avoids becoming predictable.

Because The White Lotus is an anthology series, it has endless possibilities for future storylines. Each season will feature a new resort location with a fresh set of guests, and the interactions between the staff and visitors will vary depending on the local culture. Creator Mike White has consistently demonstrated his ability to tackle new topics and themes while keeping the show’s signature darkly comedic and unsettling atmosphere. The first season examined the effects of wealth and privilege, the second explored issues of sex and power, and the third focused on people’s tendency to create false images of themselves.

Currently, there are three Knives Out movies and three seasons of The White Lotus, with a fourth season of The White Lotus—set in the French Riviera—coming soon. If the creators and writers continue to deliver surprising and emotionally resonant stories, there’s no reason why either the Knives Out series or The White Lotus couldn’t continue for many more installments—perhaps a dozen or more.

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2026-04-20 00:18