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Lottery Changed My Life

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Where to watch: TLC)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Jackpot winners learn that money can’t buy happiness.

Themes in this show include:   materialism

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The show sends the message that while money may be helpful in buying things, it doesn’t solve all problems -- and it doesn't buy happiness.
  • Role models:

    Some winners donate money to give back to their communities, but others go to town buying expensive things.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Some winners talk about being threatened or having their homes broken into after they won the jackpot. One person left her home town for safety reasons.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Lottery winners go on dream vacations and buy properties and luxury items, including cars like Corvettes, Mini-Coopers, GT Convertibles, and Class G Lincolns.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Occasionally people are shown in bars or other places with alcohol in the background.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Lottery Changed My Life

Parents need to know that this reality series -- in which people share their experiences after winning the lottery -- underscores the message that money doesn't buy happiness and that it can even cause problems. While some winners use the money for positive things, many spend their fortunes on properties and luxury items like luxury cars. Some winners even recount threats of violence and break-ins.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what they would do if they won the lottery. What would be some of the benefits? Would there be drawbacks? How would your friends and family react?
  • Is there anything wrong with wanting to buy expensive things that you've always dreamed about having with your winnings? Do winners have a duty to do something for others with the money?

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