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Lottery Changed My Life
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What parents need to know
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.
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What's the story?
LOTTERY CHANGED MY LIFE features otherwise-ordinary people who share their stories about where and when they bought their winning lottery ticket, how they found out that they'd won, and what they did next -- from buying expensive cars to making major donations to traveling around the world. Some of the winners also discuss the negative repercussions of winning the lottery, like losing friends and/or their fortune by getting involved in projects with unscrupulous investors. In between each segment, lottery trivia questions are asked and answered.
Is it any good?
Lottery Changed My Life showcases the variety of ways that people spend their lotto winnings and highlights the fact that many of these winners choose to live simple lives and/or give back to their communities. Others make the most of the opportunity by helping loved ones or following their true passions.
Some people may find these stories inspiring, but overall the series isn’t very interesting. Hearing about winners' inability to trust former friends and/or the fact that they wound up living in fear of predators isn’t exactly fun, either. But it ultimately underscores the lesson that winning loads of money doesn’t necessarily solve problems or guarantee happiness, and that's not a bad lesson to learn.
Talk to your kids 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?
TV details
- Premiere date: August 6, 2009
- Network: TLC
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
For kids who love reality TV
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