According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.420 million household viewers and gained a 0.1 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.

Joining them as the new guests are Mark (Steve Zahn) and Nicole Mossbacher (Connie Britton), with their children, the sixteen year old Quinn (Fred Hechinger) and college sophomore Olivia (Sydney Sweeney), who has brought her friend Paula (Brittany O'Grady).

Another new guest is Tanya McQuoid (Jennifer Coolidge), a highly strung middle aged woman who has arrived with her mother's ashes.

In June 2021, HBO announced that the first episode of the season would be titled "Arrival", and that it would be written and directed by series creator Mike White.

Whatever amusement The White Lotus provided on a scene-to-scene basis in 'Arrivals' was followed immediately by a kind of lingering bitterness — the way you feel an ache in your jaw after eating something very sour or very tart.

"[4] Alex Noble of TheWrap wrote, "The episode ends on a comically foreboding note, the champagne problems bubbling up in the ritzy guest rooms in sharp contrast to the drama playing out in Armond's office below.

The show's satirical vibe (via White's keen eye for social nuances) is already abundantly clear, even if the plot that's to unfold is decidedly not.

"[6] The episode received a nomination for Outstanding Contemporary Costumes at the 74th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, losing to Hacks.