Summary

• Explore Mike White's underrated gem "Enlightened" for a deeper dive into self-improvement and human connection.
• "Enlightened" and "The White Lotus" offer contrasting yet insightful perspectives on aspiration and reality.
• While "The White Lotus" captivates with dark humor, "Enlightened" shines in its portrayal of everyday interactions.

As fans eagerly await the release of Mike White’s most original projects. Starring Laura Dern as Amy Jellicoe, the series follows her journey to self-improvement after a humiliating meltdown. Enlightened explores Amy's transformation from a self-destructive executive to someone seeking a new path following her return to work from rehab.

Despite its critical acclaim and Dern's Golden Globe-winning performance, Enlightened lacked mainstream viewership and was canceled due to poor ratings. The series features a strong ing cast, including Diane Ladd as Amy’s mother, Luke Wilson as her ex-husband, and guest appearances by Jason Mantzoukas, Molly Shannon, and Dermot Mulroney. Enlightened is available for streaming, and while fans wait for The White Lotus season 3, it’s an excellent opportunity to revisit or be introduced to this underrated gem that is a big part of White’s body of work.

How Enlightened Compares To The White Lotus

Enlightened and The White Lotus highlight the intricate dance between intention and execution, but they do so through different lenses. In Enlightened, Amy embodies the complexity of well-meaning individuals whose actions often miss the mark due to a lack of self-awareness and empathy. Her journey highlights a relatable truth: despite our best intentions and personal growth, we remain vulnerable to setbacks that have the potential to derail our progress.

Amy's earnest but often misguided attempts at self-improvement create a character who's equally touching and infuriating, revealing the delicate balance between aspiration and reality. Like Amy, Tanya McQuoid, (Jennifer Coolidge) in The White Lotus, is on a quest for deeper meaning and self-discovery amidst the luxurious and chaotic settings of sun-kissed resorts. Tanya's journey, while frequently comedic, reveals the tragedy of her search for connection and self-worth.

Like Enlightened, The White Lotus examines the dysfunction that can arise in environments where personal growth is often tied to superficial or materialistic measures.

A core theme between the two shows is the gap between the pursuit of personal betterment and the often flawed, performative ways people attempt to achieve it. Enlightened explores the disconnect between the ideals promoted by self-help culture and the messy reality of implementing such ideals into one’s life. Like Enlightened, The White Lotus examines the dysfunction that can arise in environments where personal growth is often tied to superficial or materialistic measures.

Enlightened vs. The White Lotus: Which Is Mike White's Best Show?

While different in their approach, both shows offer something unique for viewers. Enlightened presents a refreshing change of pace by focusing on the quirks of everyday interactions. Its comedic heartbeat is found in mundane situations, offering a more intimate and accessible setting. White’s signature humor and insightful commentary on human behavior and societal norms are ever-present, providing a familiar sense of fun and cleverness.

In The White Lotus, each character’s personal aspirations collide with the grim truths of their privileged lives, exposing the darker facets of their personalities. It's White’s ability to blend sharp social commentary with humor that makes both shows a must-watch. For fans of White's work, Enlightened offers a compelling counterpoint to The White Lotus. Though it might have been ahead of its time, Enlightened reveals White’s enduring ability to craft characters and narratives that linger long after the screen fades to black.