Southern Charm Sparks The White Lotus Accents: A Reality Show Homework Assignment!
HBO’s *The White Lotus* is diving into new waters this season, and it turns out the cast got a little homework from creator Mike White. According to Sam Nivola, who plays the Ratliff family’s youngest son Lochlan, the team was tasked with watching Bravo’s *Southern Charm* for inspiration. Nivola revealed that Jason Isaacs, who portrays the dad Timothy, modeled his accent and character after the feel of that show. So, basically, we’re seeing those glitzy, wealthy vibes from Charleston seep into the world of high-society satire!
In case you’ve missed it, *Southern Charm* is a reality show that brings viewers into the lives of Charleston’s elite—think Southern hospitality meets social media chaos. The series just kicked off its tenth season, which will run through March, keeping the gossip mill running full steam ahead. Isaacs’ attempts to nail down an accent (a combo of jet-lagged charm and frantic entrepreneur) have certainly caught the attention of *Southern Charm* alums. Cameran Eubanks Wimberly, a former star on the reality series, chimed in on Instagram, pointing out that Isaacs’ portrayal leans more towards “old Charleston” than a true North Carolina dialect.
While Nivola was busy emulating the social dynamics of *Southern Charm*, his co-star Sarah Catherine Hook, who plays Piper Ratliff, was blessedly already in tune with the Southern vibes since she hails from Alabama. Hook joked that she felt a bit left out for not being told to watch the show, but it appears her Southern roots gave her the right kind of instinct to nail her character.
As for the plotline, buckle up! The Ratliffs are a seriously dysfunctional crew: Timothy’s financial troubles are poised to ruin them all, while a pill-happy mom and a pair of squabbling siblings make for a drama-fueled family dynamic. And in a cheeky surprise twist, Ke Huy Quan makes a voice cameo as Timothy’s partner-in-crime, showing that even in the world of luxury vacations, pals can still keep you guessing.
With all the charm and chaos this season promises, will it live up to the *Southern Charm* standard that inspired its character development? Guess we’ll just have to tune in and see how many laughs and tears White has packed into this third round of *The White Lotus*!
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and Entertainment Weekly, PEOPLE, Bravo
