Why Patrick Schwarzenegger Won’t Watch the Last Episodes of ‘The White Lotus’ With His Family – It Gets ‘Bonkers’

Patrick Schwarzenegger is no stranger to the limelight, having grown up in a high-profile family and carving out his own acting career. But his latest role in The White Lotus season 3 has presented an unexpected challenge: deciding not to watch the show’s final episodes with his family due to the intense and provocative storylines.

Schwarzenegger, 31, stars as Saxon Ratliff, the privileged eldest son of a wealthy North Carolina family. The season, set in Thailand, has continued the show’s tradition of blending sharp social satire with darkly comedic drama. Known for its escalating stakes and shocking twists, The White Lotus has pushed the boundaries of storytelling each season, and the third installment is no exception.

Appearing on The Drew Barrymore Show on March 25, 2025, Schwarzenegger revealed that while his family watched the season premiere—including a nerve-wracking nude scene featuring the actor—he decided to watch the last two episodes on his own. His reason? The show’s content becomes, in his words, “crazy” and “bonkers.”

When Satire Turns “Bonkers”

The turning point appears to be episode 6, which aired just before Schwarzenegger’s interview. Titled “Denials,” the episode portrayed the aftermath of a wild Full Moon Party. Characters woke up to recall participating in drug use and other shocking acts, including an incestuous encounter involving Saxon and his brother Lochlan (played by Sam Nivola). Critics called the episode “WTF-inducing,” describing it as one of the show’s most controversial moments.

For Schwarzenegger, these increasingly extreme storylines—and the knowledge that even more intense revelations lay ahead—prompted his decision. Watching these explosive final episodes alongside his family, including his father Arnold Schwarzenegger and mother Maria Shriver, might have been a step too far. As he told Drew Barrymore, “The last episodes are crazy.”

Balancing Family Dynamics and Acting Milestones

While Schwarzenegger has embraced the challenge of his White Lotus role, calling it a “dream” after years of acting classes and roles in shows like HBO’s The Staircase and Gen V, the provocative nature of season 3’s narrative tested the limits of family-friendly viewing. His mother’s humorous comments about his nude scene already highlighted the family’s engagement with the show. But as the season progressed into darker territory, Schwarzenegger opted to draw the line.

The decision also reflects the common struggle faced by actors with high-profile families. Balancing the artistic demands of a complex character against the personal discomfort of sharing risqué or controversial content with loved ones can be challenging. In Schwarzenegger’s case, it appears that choosing to watch these episodes solo was the most comfortable way forward.

A Season Unlike Any Other

Season 3 of The White Lotus has proven to be its most boundary-pushing yet. While previous seasons hinted at sexual tensions and intricate family dynamics, the third installment dove into darker, more explicit territory. Critics have noted that the season’s tone is sharper, more satirical, and often unsettling. The show’s penchant for shocking deaths and intense finales has left viewers on edge, wondering just how far it will go before the final credits roll.

For Schwarzenegger, stepping away from family viewing was not just about personal preference—it was a recognition of the show’s ability to shock and provoke, leaving even its own cast members surprised by its twists and turns. By making this choice, Schwarzenegger has allowed himself to enjoy the show on his own terms, even as he continues to embrace the role that has brought him critical acclaim and greater exposure in the industry.