'The White Lotus' Characters Are Reading Some Insane Books — & Fans Think They're Major Easter Eggs

1883

It makes sense to start with 1883, as the Dutton family origin story began when James Dutton, played by Tim McGraw, set out with his family to find a better life in the West following the Civil War. He became the first Dutton to settle in Montana, a decision that came after he lost his daughter, Elsa.

James is married to Margaret, portrayed by Faith Hill, who is a strong-willed woman and former Civil War nurse. The two of them traveled out west with their three children, Elsa, John, and Spencer.

Elsa was the couple's eldest daughter and also served as the narrator in 1883. Prior to her death, her first love was a cowboy named Ennis, but he was killed in a gunfight. Then, not long afterward, she fell in love again with a Comanche warrior named Sam, but while they dreamed of building a life together, Elsa ultimately died. Again, it was her death that determined the family's decision to settle in Montana.

Meanwhile, John Dutton Sr., the eldest son of James and Margaret, was only a young boy in 1883. Fans later get to meet him as a grown man in 1923. The couple's youngest son, Spencer, also doesn't appear in 1883 but goes on to play a key role in the next generation's story.

Traveling west alongside the Duttons is James' widowed sister, Claire nee Dutton, who is weighed down by unimaginable grief. She lost six of her children, as well as her husband, Henry, before the journey even began.

So, Claire brought her final child with her, Mary Abel, but tragedy struck her yet again when Mary was killed during their journey out west. The loss hits Claire so hard that she decides to take her own life at her daughter's grave.

1923

By the time 1923 begins, James and Margaret have both passed and their sons, John Sr. and Spencer, are raised by James' brother, Jacob Dutton, who takes over the Dutton Ranch and assumes the role of family patriarch. He's also married to Cara Dutton, who's originally from Ireland.

At the same time, John Dutton Sr. has grown into a capable rancher and is married to Emma Dutton.

Together, they have a son named Jack, who represents the next generation of Duttons and is engaged to Elizabeth Strafford.

The storyline of Spencer Dutton, who fans didn't get to meet in 1883, starts in 1923. Again, he was the youngest child of James and Margaret, and as an adult, he served in World War I, worked in Africa, and eventually fell in love with his wife, Alexandra.

Now, it's presumed that John Dutton II was the son of Spencer and Alexandra, but this hasn't been confirmed. What we do know is that he eventually fathers John Dutton III, the present-day patriarch of the Yellowstone Ranch.

Yellowstone

In Yellowstone, John Dutton III is the strong force behind the modern Dutton empire. As both a rancher and Montana's governor, he stands at a crossroads between tradition and change.

John was married to Evelyn Dutton, but she ultimately died following a horseback riding incident. This left John to raise their four children, Lee, Beth, Kayce, and Jamie, on his own.

Their eldest son, Lee, was poised to inherit the ranch but was killed in the show's first season.

Beth, their only daughter, is a complex and fiercely loyal woman who's married to Rip Wheeler, John's right-hand man.

Rip was actually taken in by John as a teen. Together, he and Beth then took in Carter, a troubled foster teen whom they're raising on the ranch.

As for Jamie Dutton, he eventually learns he was adopted despite being raised as John's son. He also has his own son, Jamie Jr., with his ex, Christina.

Finally, Kayce, the third Dutton son, doesn't have the closest bond with his father. He's married to Monica Long Dutton, a Native American woman from the Brocken Rock Reservation, and they have a son named Tate.

The pair had a second son, John Dutton IV, too. Sadly, he died shortly after he was born following a car accident on the way to the hospital.

1. Severance

This series speaks for itself; Severance has become a cultural phenomenon, taking the world by storm, becoming Apple TV's most popular show — yes, even surpassing Ted Lasso! Employees at Lumon Industries undergo a procedure that splits their consciousness, creating a severed "innie" at work and an "outie" outside. Utilizing sci-fi, the series does a deep dive into the themes of work-life balance, identity, and corporate control.

Your outie can enjoy Severance on Apple TV+.

2. Silo

Silo deserves justice, and I’m here to serve it — the show has always been severely and undeservedly undermarketed. A mesmerizing post-apocalyptic show, Silo is based on the best-selling book series by Hugh Howey, set in a ruined and toxic future where thousands of people live in a giant silo deep underground. Of course, that’s not all, but I’m not here to spoil it for you! Silo offers mind-bending twists you’ll want to experience first-hand.

Silo is available on Apple TV+.

3. ​Stranger Things

This worldwide phenomenon is so popular that I’m wondering if it even requires an introduction? Ok, ok, for the (two) people who do need the introduction, without further ado, Stranger Things. In a small, 1980s Indiana town, a group of young friends experience and witness gravity-defying supernatural forces and terrifying government exploits. In the search for answers, they unravel more than they bargained for. While I can’t confirm if it’s the most popular sci-fi series, Stranger Things has certainly altered pop culture and reinvented what the genre could be, popularizing science fiction to new audiences, and influencing the TV landscape.

You can find Stranger Things is on Netflix, with a fifth and final season quickly approaching in October. Rumors have it the final season will be split into two parts.

4. The 100

Sci-fans can all agree that The 100 is a must watch. It’s set 97 years after a nuclear war has destroyed all of civilization. Those that survived now live on the 12 international space stations in orbit at the time. The series stars with the survivors in space sending 100 of their juvenile prisoners back to Earth to test its habitability, as resources are running scarce on the space stations. It’s a wildly addictive show, to say the least. So, what are you waiting for?

The 100 is now streaming on Netflix.

5. Fallout

What can I say, video game adaptations reign supreme in the sci-fi & post-apocalyptic space, wink, wink! Fallout takes place in a future, post-apocalyptic Los Angeles — the result of a nuclear onslaught. As a girl who’s played the game, the creator, Jonah Nolan, nailed it. It’s player’s choice, so the show’s story and plot line is his own iteration, but he brought in all of the elements players know and love from the game — we’re talking all the nitty, gritty details too, from the uniforms, the settings, creatures you encounter, and more.

Fallout is streaming on Prime Video, and better yet, has been renewed for a second season.

6. ​Lost

Lost walked so (almost) all of the shows on this list could run. The series premiered in 2004 and revitalized the genre at a time where sitcoms dominated the cable space. With a pilot often hailed as one of the best in television history, the series quickly gained traction and soared to the top in its heyday. Because, who doesn’t love a little deserted island scenario? I can tell you who doesn’t, and it’s not the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815, but again — no spoilers!

You can watch Lost on Netflix.

7. ​Black Mirror

If you’re not up to committing to an entirely new TV show, I get it, and that’s why I give you Black Mirror. Black Mirror consists of stand-alone episodes that explore techno-paranoia, and is actually a modern-day reworking of The Twilight Zone. Black Mirror’s hauntingly good catalogue of episodes will quite literally never leave you disappointed. What’s more, especially in their recent seasons, you get to see actors you normally wouldn’t see tackling this genre — Miley Cyrus, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jon Hamm, Michaela Coel, Cristin Milioti — the list could go on.

Black Mirror is exclusively on Netflix.

8. Foundation

Another majorly underrated Apple TV+ sci-fi series—also ironically based on award-winning novels—is Foundation. The show follows a band of exiles on a journey to save humanity and rebuild civilization amid the collapse of the Galactic Empire.

Foundation is streaming on Apple TV+.

9. ​3 Body Problem

This is an interesting one — 3 Body Problem is based on a novel many thought would be too conceptually complicated to adapt for the screen, but Netflix did it, and did it well. Known for its visually stunning visuals and the drama that ensues throughout the 45 minute to an hour long episodes, 3 Body Problem is every sci-fi lover's dream. I don’t want to botch its intricate story, so I’ll reiterate its Netflix synopsis: The story begins in 1960s China when a young woman makes a fateful decision that reverberates across space and time into the present day.

You can find 3 Body Problem on Netflix.

10. ​Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Where are the Trekkies out there? If you’re a Star Trek fan and haven’t seen Star Trek: Strange New Worlds—what are you doing?! This iteration serves as a prequel to the 1966 series, following Captain Pike, Science Officer Spock, and Number One as they explore new worlds aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise. For a franchise that’s been around for 59 years and has gone through countless iterations, it’s a feat in and of itself that this series has been so critically acclaimed by the cult following these characters and their stories have amassed over decades.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is streaming on Paramount+.

11. ​The Boys

The Boys is centered around superheroes, yes—but because their powers come from a chemical compound called Compound V, the series leans heavily into sci-fi. It’s definitely an outlier on this list, with its satirical edge that offers sharp commentary on corporate greed and corruption through the lens of superhero culture. Still, it's an important contender on the list, modernizing and subverting one of today’s most popular tropes: the superhero.

The Boys is streaming on Prime Video.

12. ​Lost in Space

If you’re already missing Parker Posey after the now-concluded third season of White Lotus, you can catch more of her in the modern-day reboot of the 1965 classic Lost in Space. While the plot follows the same general premise as the ’60s version, it’s been of course ~revamped~. Set 30 years in the future, the series centers on the Robinson family, who’ve been chosen to start a new life in a distant space colony. But when their ship is abruptly thrown off course, they crash-land on a dangerous alien planet and are forced to fight against all odds to survive – and escape. They’re not alone, though. Among the stranded are the unsettlingly charismatic Dr. Smith (Parker Posey!) and the inadvertently charming Don West.

Lost in Space is on Netflix.

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The Fiona Beaded Slide Sandals by Maeve

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PUMA Speedcat OG Sneakers

The Speedcat OG's from PUMA are definitely heating up to be one of spring's coolest sneakers. Anthro currently sells them in the cutest colors – we adore this butter yellow iteration that matches the spring season!

Maeve Pointed-Toe Moto Mary Jane Flats

Edgy yet girly, these light pink Mary Jane flats are fitted with some fun studs along the buckles that easily pair well with any silver accessories! The pointed toe is exaggerated perfectly, so you can step out with confidence this spring.

By Anthropologie Lug Boat Loafers

Boat shoes are perfectly preppy, especially when worn with a spring outfit that incorporates linen, stripes, breezy tops, and cute sunnies!

By Anthropologie Thong Kitten Heels

These low-lying kitten heels are ideal for nights out or happy hours with your squad. They're shoppable in so many fun spring colors, too!

Intentionally Blank x Anthropologie Ellery Studded Jelly Sandals

Jelly sandals are definitely making a comeback – and we are definitely here for it! These fisherman-style ones boast some cool silver studs to elevate the look beyond just the jelly aspect. You'll have tons of fun styling these casually with denim shorts and graphic tees for a throwback 'fit.

Maeve Netted Mary Jane Flats

Mesh flats are absolutely ahh-mazing for the warmer months because they let your feet breathe unlike any other shoe. Featuring an espadrille-style platform sole and a wide, woven texture, these Anthropologie shoes were practically made for spring and summer!

New Balance 9060 Sneakers

For all your hot girl walk needs, these sleek pink sneaks are the way to go! Plus, you can totally pair 'em up with a more elevated 'fit for springtime picnic hangs and important errands.