Mike White’s ‘Survivor’ Connections Enrich ‘The White Lotus’ Cameos

LOS ANGELES, February 22, 2025 — In a surprising twist for reality television, Mike White, known for his work on HBO’s acclaimed series “The White Lotus,” made headlines during the spring of 2018 when he competed on CBS’s “Survivor: David vs. Goliath.” This season uniquely juxtaposed the underdogs, known as the Davids, against the more affluent Goliaths, of which White was a member. White ultimately finished as a runner-up, losing to Nick Wilson, a former David player.

Despite his loss, “Survivor” proved to be a pivotal experience for White. He forged a lasting friendship with Jeff Probst, the long-time host of the show, who expressed interest in collaborating with White on future seasons. Probst noted the unique perspective White brought to the game, stating, “Good luck winning an argument with Mike White.” This camaraderie hints at how the social dynamics of “Survivor” have influenced White’s storytelling approach in “The White Lotus.”

Since the show’s debut in 2021, the stunning backdrop of Maui has set the stage for a narrative rich in character interactions that echo the competitive spirit of “Survivor.” White has strategically cast former contestants from his season—adding layers of intrigue for fans of the reality show.

In the first season of “The White Lotus,” Alec Merlino, an original Goliath tribe member, appeared as Hutch, a bartender. Merlino had an intriguing journey on “Survivor”. Despite not immediately aligning with White, a mid-season swap separated him from his tribe, leading him to form a cross-tribal alliance that eventually included White. Although he made a mark by blindsiding another contestant, he was ultimately voted off, becoming a jury member.

Additionally, Angelina Keeley and Kara Kay—who were also Goliath tribe members alongside White—pursued cameos in “The White Lotus” after a brunch invitation from White himself. Keeley recalled her surprise at being invited after their tumultuous game experiences, particularly notable moments like “jacketgate,” where Keeley famously begged another contestant for a jacket on a cold night. Kay reflected on their appearances, noting they thought they would play background roles until they discovered that their characters had lines.

Further connections from “Survivor” are seamlessly woven into the latest seasons. In the third season, viewers spotted Natalie Cole and Carl Boudreaux, both of whom were part of the Goliath tribe, as guests at the Maui resort. Cole expressed her astonishment at receiving a call from White for a cameo, admitting that she believed he harbored negative feelings towards her following their time on the show. “The fact that he could look beyond the way he felt about me in Fiji and ask me to come do a part speaks volumes about him as a person,” Cole stated.

This interconnectedness between White’s reality TV roots and his scripted work offers viewers a fascinating perspective on character dynamics, blending past experiences with new narratives on screen. With “The White Lotus” currently releasing episodes every Sunday night on HBO and Max, fans can expect more surprises and connections as the season unfolds.