I was mistaken. Damn, I thought for sure there had to be a connection. Not just the cast, but the overall vibe of that show is very similar to White Lotus. Highly recommend it, though. It's a fantastic show.

You're just missing out, that's for sure. Michael Imperioli is good (as usual), but he is not carrying the show by any means. I stand by the fact that you have to enjoy this show in chronological order. It plays with your expectations and while the storyarchs are self contained, there are clear parallels and call backs. Also, with one of the characters you're missing half of the story if you skip season 1.

It's a quick watch anyway. 8 episodes if I'm not mistaken.

Honestly, why skip the first season? There is a whole character who is pretty much an ongoing reference to the first season. Plus, the first season is fantastic and the second season is turning out just as good. The show has an atmosphere about it that is quite unlike anything else I have ever seen, aside from Mad Dogs, which is from the same producer or showrunner (i think).