We Were the Lucky Ones is an adaptation of my book of the same name. It follows my relatives, the Kurc family, as they scatter at the start of the Second World War, determined to survive and to reunite. The 8-part series spans nine years and four continents and is live now on Hulu and Disney+. My heart is full of awe and gratitude for the brilliant humans who have touched this project!
“An intelligent, feeling, multithread family drama”
That’s how the LA Times describes WWTLO in its list of The Best Shows of 2024, adding that it’s “a study of character under the pressure of history.” We certainly appreciate finding ourselves in such good company. Scroll down to the photo of Joey King as Halina for the full story.
Erica Lipez Honored by Variety
Kudos to Erica Lipez, our brilliant writer/creator/showrunner/executive producer, for being awarded the Coalition for Faith & Media’s Spirituality in Entertainment Honor. A ceremony hosted by Variety will celebrate “individuals who are supporting often underrepresented themes of faith in storytelling and entertainment.” Erica could not be more deserving of this prestigious tribute, which aims to ensure…
“A breathtaking experience”
Awards Daily 2025 took a deep dive into some of the emotions and cinematic decisions behind the WWTLO adaptation. “Director and Executive Producer Thomas Kail has a strong connection with this story,” writes Joey Moser, “and he makes this limited series feel overwhelmingly urgent.” Describing the scene when Nechuma is not allowed back into her…
“stories I’d never seen before”
Variety examined our adaptation in the context of the need to find new perspectives amidst “a mighty wave of content that comes 85 years after the war began with Hitler’s invasion of Poland in 1939, an event depicted in We Were the Lucky Ones.” Show runner and executive producer Erica Lipez noted that “embedded in…
Ambassador Souza Dantas
Brazilian Ambassador to France Souza Dantas, based in Vichy during the German occupation, saved hundreds of lives by issuing unauthorized visas to Jews and others facing deportation and worse. Kveller details this history, including the fact that my grandfather was one of the fortunate recipients of the Ambassador’s compassion. Full story here.
Fala português?
For those who can read Portuguese, here’s an article in the Brazilian magazine Claudia about We Were the Lucky Ones or, as the series is called in Brazil, Nós Tivemos Sorte. I love that they feature a shot of the Farinholt family cameo in the scene where Addy races through the streets of Rio for…
A Holocaust story with “warmth and grace”
In a thoughtful essay, ReformJudaism.org describes how WWTLO differs from other Holocaust stories by being framed inside the Kurc family, “with doses of humor and humanity.” “It’s easy to put yourself in their shoes,”the article says, noting “the care and depth creator Erica Lipez imbues in its telling.” “Taking the story out of the history…
“A glittering cast”
With the launch of WWTLO overseas, the UK journal JewishNews gave the series a close look and interviewed Amit Rahav, who plays Jakob, and whose grandmother is herself a survivor. Amit reflected on his experience in the series, which he says has had a visceral impact on his sense of Jewishness. “It’s really made me…
The vital role of costumes
Variety interviewed Joey and our brilliant costume designer, Lisa Duncan, to discuss how her detailed research and careful choices supported the development of Halina’s character. Bright, stylish outfits in pre-war scenes give way to more somber tones as wartime life darkened. There were 46 costume changes in all for Halina – each one offering insight…
Beverly Hills Reads!
Thank you, Beverly Hills, CA, for inviting me to share some WWTLO love with the community and engage with the students of Beverly Hills High the next day. I love the statement by the city’s mayor: “Reading has the power to inspire, educate and unite us all.” Beverly Hills Courier article here.
