Southern Charm Serves as Inspiration for White Lotus: The Ratliff Family’s Swanky Roots Revealed
Get ready to dive into the glitzy world of wealth and social hierarchy as “The White Lotus” brings us season three with a fresh outlook inspired by Bravo’s “Southern Charm.” Sam Nivola, who plays the adorably entitled Lochlan Ratliff, spilled the tea that creator Mike White had a specific source in mind—yup, you guessed it—”Southern Charm.” In a recent chat, Nivola revealed that White encouraged the cast to binge the reality series to get a grasp on the delusions of grandeur that characterize their roles. Nivola noted, “Mike told us to go watch Southern Charm,” and emphasized that Jason Isaacs, who embodies the Ratliff patriarch, took his cues from that cast, particularly with his charming, albeit pretentious, Southern accent.
For those living under a rock, “Southern Charm” has been serving up socialites’ drama from Charleston for ten seasons now. So, it makes total sense that the Ratliffs, a wealthy family based in Durham, N.C., would channel that elite Southern energy. Star Cameran Eubanks gave Jason a thumbs-up on Instagram for nailing that classic Southern drawl she instantly recognized as akin to former castmate Thomas Ravenel’s. As Isaacs himself noted in an HBO TikTok clip, the local accent is a distinctive mix of upper-class English tweaked with Southern charm; it’s influenced by local culture and boasts a set of quirks that only locals would catch.
Meanwhile, Parker Posey, who portrays Victoria Ratliff, leaned into her personal experience with the wealthy Southern set to sculpt her character’s “snotty effect,” turning her acting into a worthy commentary on the elite society. “I’ve met some really wealthy people and Southerners that are almost affected,” she explained, revealing a cheeky side of her character development.
As the show continues to unveil its eclectic cast, it seems like “The White Lotus” has no shortage of charm, scandal, and humor, keeping audiences tuned in week after week. So, buckle up; we’re in for a ride through opulence with these characters!
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and People Magazine, Variety, HBO TikTok
