Lucky 7
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
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 the dramatic series Lucky 7 features folks who won (and lost) the lottery and shows how their lives are changing as a result. Themes relating to wealth and greed are central to the show. Stories about single motherhood, infidelity, and other mature issues also are part of the story. Expect some strong language ("damn," "bitch"), a few violent moments (including an assault using a bottle), and occasional references to sex acts. Beer and wine consumption is visible, too. Teens should be able to handle it, but the show isn't really geared toward younger viewers.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
Based on the British hit series The Syndicate, LUCKY 7 is a dramatic comedy that features a group of Astoria, New York, gas station employees whose lives are changed when they win the lottery. The Gold Star Gas N Shop gang, including struggling father Matt Korzak (Matt Long), cashier Denise Dibinsky (Lorraine Bruce), musically gifted Samira Lashari (Summer Bishil), single mom Leanne Maxwell (Anastasia Phillips), and their kind-hearted manager Bob Harris (Isiah Whitlock, Jr.), win it big when their group purchases lottery tickets with the winning jackpot numbers. They all have big plans for spending their cuts of the winnings but soon realize they also must figure out how to cope with the ways their lives will change as a result. Meanwhile, cheerful mechanic Antonio Clemente (Luis Antonio Ramos), who chose not to contribute to the company lottery pool that week, must find a way to capitalize on his co-workers' win to make up for his unfortunate luck. Adding to the fray is employee Nicky Korzak (Stephen Louis Grush), an ex-con who involves his brother Matt in a crime to help him get some desperately needed money right before the big win. As each winner (and loser) tries to hide his or her secrets, everyone discovers that having money doesn't make all your problems disappear.
Is It Any Good?
It's an old story: average people win the lottery and face new problems thanks to suddenly becoming rich. Still, the show is compelling thanks to how the individual dramatic (and sometimes humorous) character-driven narrative threads are woven into the larger fabric of the family-like relationship of the group. Also interesting is the way each of these fictional stories highlights the array of consequences that real lottery winners face after winning the cash, including a loss of privacy and having to deal with people who believe they are entitled to cash gifts.
Viewers will be able to identify with some of these characters, all of whom are likable but flawed in some way. It's also frustrating to watch individuals and relationships deteriorate as greed takes over reason and characters fail to stay true to their core values and priorities. Overall, it's an entertaining series that will make you wonder what you would do if you won the lottery.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it would be like to win the lottery. How do you think winning a large amount of money would change your family's life? Do you think your family's values or priorities would change?
What kinds of things must be taken into consideration when adapting a film or TV series from another country to the United States, and vice versa? What are some differences in the way swearing, sex, violence, social tensions, and stereotypes are dealt with?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 24, 2013
- Cast: Anastasia Phillips, Lorraine Bruce, Matt Long
- Network: ABC
- Genre: Drama
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Community
College comedy's wit trumps some stereotyping.
-
The Office
Workplace spoof is hilarious but filled with mature humor.
-
Grey's Anatomy
Medical soap is gripping -- and occasionally graphic.
For kids who love great stories
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate