Apple TV+ is doubling down on prestige drama with Lucky, a stylish limited series starring Anya Taylor-Joy as a con artist pulled back into the life she tried to escape. The show, based on Marissa Stapley’s bestselling novel and executive produced by Reese Witherspoon, is already generating buzz—and for good reason.
The show follows a young woman who attempts to escape a life of crime she was raised in, but ultimately must embrace her past to fight for her freedom. Jonathan Tropper created the series and serves as co-showrunner with Cassie Pappas. Reese Witherspoon is also involved as an executive producer. Filming is currently underway in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Premise: The series centers on a young woman, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, who tries to leave her criminal past behind, but is forced to confront it again to save herself.
- Based on a Novel: The series is adapted from the novel “Lucky” by Marissa Stapley.
- Creative Team: Jonathan Tropper is the creator and co-showrunner, with Cassie Pappas. Reese Witherspoon and Anya Taylor-Joy also serve as executive producers.
- Star-Studded Cast: The series stars Anya Taylor-Joy, with supporting roles filled by Annette Bening, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Timothy Olyphant, and Drew Starkey.
- Production: Filming is currently underway in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
- Apple TV+ Exclusive: “Lucky” is an Apple TV+ production, meaning it will be available exclusively on the streaming service.
The Story: One Last Job
At the heart of Lucky is Luciana “Lucky” Armstrong, a former grifter trying to go straight. But when her partner, Cary, vanishes with millions from a high-stakes heist, Lucky is forced to return to the shadows and outwit the law—and the criminal underworld—one last time. The story blends romance, suspense, and noir-tinged atmosphere, offering a female-driven twist on the classic con-artist narrative.
Taylor-Joy plays Lucky with a mix of charm, grit, and emotional complexity. It’s a role that seems custom-made for her, tapping into the same magnetic presence she brought to The Queen’s Gambit and Last Night in Soho.
Filming Locations & Behind-the-Scenes
Filming wrapped in mid-May 2025, with production taking place in Long Beach and downtown Los Angeles. Set photos revealed dramatic sequences, including car crashes and urban chases filmed along the Long Beach Promenade—suggesting Lucky leans into cinematic action as much as character-driven storytelling.
Director Jonathan Van Tulleken (known for Shogun and Top Boy) helmed the episodes, bringing a moody visual style to match the novel’s tension-filled tone.
Cast & Creative Powerhouse
The cast is packed with talent:
- Anya Taylor-Joy as Lucky (also executive producing)
- Drew Starkey (Outer Banks) as Cary, Lucky’s partner and love interest
- Annette Bening, Timothy Olyphant, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor round out the ensemble
Behind the scenes, Jonathan Tropper (Warrior, Banshee) serves as co-creator alongside Cassie Pappas (Halt and Catch Fire), with both handling showrunner duties. Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter produce under Hello Sunshine, continuing their trend of adapting Book Club picks into buzzy streaming hits (Daisy Jones & The Six, Where the Crawdads Sing).
From Page to Screen
The original novel was a New York Times bestseller and a Reese’s Book Club selection. Reviewers praised Stapley’s writing for its emotional depth and clever plot turns. Fans of The Flight Attendant and Killing Eve will likely find familiar tones here—glamour, psychological tension, and morally grey leads.
When Can We Watch It?
Lucky is currently in post-production. While Apple has yet to announce a release date, the timing of the wrap suggests a late 2025 premiere—possibly in time for awards consideration.
Given the high-profile cast, strong source material, and Apple TV+’s track record with limited series (Black Bird, Defending Jacob, Lessons in Chemistry), Lucky could be its next breakout hit.
Key Takeaways
- “Lucky” stars Anya Taylor-Joy as a reformed criminal pulled back into the game for one last score.
- Created by Jonathan Tropper, with Reese Witherspoon executive producing.
- Apple TV+ keeps beefing up its slate with buzzy projects and top-tier casts.
Overview of Lucky on Apple TV+
So, Apple TV+ is rolling out “Lucky,” a limited series starring Anya Taylor-Joy as a woman with a not-so-squeaky-clean history who’s forced to revisit her criminal roots for one last job. It’s shaping up to be a mix of crime, drama, and a shot at redemption.
Series and Film Synopses
“Lucky” zooms in on a young woman (Taylor-Joy) who managed to escape her criminal upbringing—until, well, she has to embrace her darker side for a final gig that could finally set her free.
The show digs into themes like identity, second chances, and how hard it is to really outrun your past. Taylor-Joy’s character is stuck navigating the world she thought she’d left for good.
Just to clear things up, this isn’t the same as the animated Apple TV+ movie “Luck” (2022)—that one’s all about magical creatures and good fortune, which is a totally different vibe.
Cast and Characters
Anya Taylor-Joy is leading as the reformed criminal forced to dip back into crime. If you’ve seen her in “The Queen’s Gambit” or “The Menu,” you know she’s got the chops for complicated roles.
The rest of the cast hasn’t been officially revealed yet. But with Taylor-Joy at the helm, I’d bet we’ll see some other big names pop up.
Hello Sunshine—Reese Witherspoon’s company—is backing the project, and if their track record is anything to go by, we’re probably in for more than just one standout female character.
Production and Development
Reese Witherspoon is executive producing “Lucky” through Hello Sunshine, with Jonathan Tropper as creator and writer.
Cassie Pappas is also executive producing, alongside Witherspoon and Tropper. The whole thing is coming together as an Apple Studios project, in partnership with Hello Sunshine.
Tropper’s no stranger to TV—he’s behind “Banshee” and Apple TV+’s “See,” so expect some solid storytelling and layered characters.
We still don’t know much about where they’re filming or who’s directing. Apple’s keeping that pretty close to the vest for now.
Streaming, Trailers, and Availability
“Lucky” is being made exclusively for Apple TV+, adding to the platform’s ever-growing lineup of originals. It’s still in development, and there’s no official release date yet.
No trailers or sneak peeks have dropped so far. Apple usually waits until a few months before launch to start teasing new shows.
Once it’s out, “Lucky” will be available to anyone with an Apple TV+ subscription. You can watch on the Apple TV app, smart TVs, game consoles, or whatever streaming device you use.
Apple TV+ costs $9.99 a month, but new users can snag a seven-day free trial. It’s also bundled in with Apple One if you’re already deep in the Apple ecosystem.
Critical Reception and Cultural Impact
There’s already a decent amount of buzz around “Lucky”—not surprising, considering the unique storytelling and the cast. Critics and fans are definitely talking.
Awards and Nominations
Even though it hasn’t dropped yet, “Lucky” is already on the radar for some major awards. Anya Taylor-Joy, still riding high from “The Queen’s Gambit,” brings her Golden Globe and SAG Award-winning talent to the show, which puts it in the conversation for the next round of award seasons.
Industry insiders are betting on nominations, especially since Apple TV+ has had a good run lately with shows like “Ted Lasso.” Limited series often do well at the Emmys, so who knows—maybe “Lucky” will be next.
Plus, Reese Witherspoon’s involvement adds some extra prestige. Her production company has a pretty solid track record when it comes to successful adaptations.
Influence of Female-Centric Stories
“Lucky” keeps up Apple TV+’s streak of female-driven narratives. It’s based on Marissa Stapley’s New York Times bestselling novel, and joins a growing list of women-centered stories on the platform.
The show is another collaboration between Apple TV+ and Hello Sunshine—Witherspoon’s company, which, along with Reese’s Book Club, has always pushed for more female authors and stories.
With a complicated female lead, “Lucky” is helping move TV away from old-school crime stories where women barely get a look-in. It’s a welcome change, honestly.
Critics are already pointing out how the series is nudging the industry toward better representation for women, both on screen and behind it.
Themes and Magical Elements
What’s interesting about “Lucky” is how it weaves in subtle magical touches with the crime drama—nothing over the top, just enough to keep things fresh. The show pokes at ideas like fate, luck, and what happens when you try to outrun your own story.
The main character’s arc is tied up with themes of “good luck” and chance, giving the crime genre a bit of a twist. The magic here isn’t flashy—it’s more about adding depth to the story than anything else.
If you’re thinking of Apple TV+’s “Land of Luck,” this isn’t quite that. “Lucky” keeps its magical elements grounded, which should appeal to folks who like a dash of the supernatural without going full fantasy.
There’s also some thoughtful stuff about moral gray areas—how luck and privilege can shape where you end up. It’s a little deeper than your average heist show.
Reception by Audiences and Critics
Early reactions? Pretty positive. People are talking up the cast chemistry and how the story pulls you in. There’s already buzz on social media, especially from fans of Taylor-Joy’s earlier work.
Critics are giving props to how the adaptation stays true to the book, but they’re also noting the smart tweaks for TV. The visuals have gotten some shout-outs too—the show apparently looks as good as it sounds.
Some are comparing it to “Ladykiller” and other recent crime dramas, but “Lucky” seems to be carving out its own space. The pacing, in particular, is getting attention for balancing character moments with plot.
All in all, it’s looking like “Lucky” could be one of those rare shows that lands with both critics and audiences—a sweet spot Apple TV+ seems to hit more often than not.
Frequently Asked Questions
People have plenty of questions about Apple TV+’s “Lucky,” especially with Anya Taylor-Joy in the lead. Here’s what we know so far, based on Marissa Stapley’s bestselling novel.
When is the release date for ‘Lucky’ Season 1 on Apple TV+?
Right now, “Lucky” is expected to premiere on Apple TV+ in April 2025. But honestly, Apple’s being pretty quiet about the exact date.
Filming is going on through 2024, so fingers crossed for a spring launch.
How many episodes are there in the ‘Lucky’ series on Apple TV+?
It’s a limited series, so don’t expect a super long run. Apple TV+ usually does 6-8 episodes for these, but nothing’s set in stone.
Episodes will probably land in that 45-60 minute range—pretty standard for streaming.
Which cast members are confirmed for the ‘Lucky’ series on Apple TV+?
Anya Taylor-Joy’s the big name here (here’s her IMDb), and you’ve probably seen her in “The Queen’s Gambit” or “The Menu.”
Annette Bening is also on board, along with Timothy Olyphant. Reese Witherspoon is producing through her company.
The show comes from Jonathan Tropper, who’s got credits like “Banshee” and “See” under his belt.
What genre is the ‘Lucky’ series on Apple TV+ classified under?
“Lucky” is a drama series, with a heavy dose of crime and suspense. It follows a woman’s messy return to her old criminal life, hoping it’s the last time.
It’s adapted from Marissa Stapley’s bestselling novel, so expect a mix of personal drama and high-stakes plotting.
Are there plans for multiple seasons of ‘Lucky’ on Apple TV+?
Nope, “Lucky” is billed as a limited series, which usually means one and done.
There’s no word on any follow-up seasons. Looks like they’re aiming to tell a complete story in this first run.
Has ‘Lucky’ on Apple TV+ received any critical acclaim or notable awards?
Well, “Lucky” hasn’t hit screens yet, so there aren’t any reviews or shiny awards to speak of. It’s still in production, with the premiere slated for 2025—so, yeah, we’ll have to wait and see what critics think.
That said, the folks behind it have plenty of accolades already. Anya Taylor-Joy, for example, is a SAG and Golden Globe Award winner, and the series is executive produced by none other than Oscar-winner Reese Witherspoon. So, expectations? Pretty high.
