Lucky – Review | Apple TV Series

LUCKY on Apple TV is a new action thriller series starring Anya Taylor-Joy in the title role. It’s survival and revenge in one, and I enjoyed it much more than expected. Actually, I did expect to like it, but the trailer didn’t win me over. Fortunately, the very first episode did. Read our Lucky series review here!

LUCKY is an Apple TV series with a great cast and a fast-paced plot. As someone who wasn’t the biggest fan of the trailer, actually watching the series was a wonderful surprise. From the very first episode, I was hooked, and I am happy to say that it lasts. And not least, thanks to the many twists and turns along the way.

This is an action-thriller hybrid, officially, but I loved the whole crime and mystery part of it just as much. Very early on, you’ll realize this is a survival and revenge story. Lucky (Anya Taylor-Joy) is focused on surviving, but others are in danger, as well. As far as revenge goes, there is plenty to go around!

Continue reading our Lucky season 1 review below. Find the first two episodes on Apple TV on July 15, 2026.

Survival of the smartest

The thing I first noticed about Lucky is that this isn’t a story about being the strongest or the fastest. Instead, it’s about being the smartest. Sure, some luck helps as well, but fortune favors the bold, and Lucky is certainly a very bold young woman.

When the series begins, we meet her in the aftermath of a successful heist of sorts. Unfortunately, her luck doesn’t last long, and soon she will have to use all the skills taught to her by her dad (Timothy Olyphant) if she is to survive.

Lucky soon finds herself hunted down from several sides, so she needs to embrace her darker side. The kind that will cheat and lie without batting an eye. Not to hurt anyone else, but to ensure her own survival. In a very literal sense, mind you.

Through flashbacks, we learn that she was raised to be smart and always notice ways out of any sticky situation. It’s all about remaining calm and in control. Also, it’s about ensuring you have cash and transportation so you can keep moving onward and away from danger.

Anya Taylor-Joy has more smarts than luck here

Despite both the name of her character and the Apple TV series, Anya Taylor-Joy plays a character who survives on being smart rather than being lucky. Sure, there are a few instances where luck plays a part, but that can be said for most people. In far more cases, she lives to see another day by outsmarting everyone else.

This is hardly a new character trait for Anya Taylor-Joy, who has played everything from an android in Morgan to a chess genius in The Queen’s Gambit, a witch in The VVitch, and even a mutant in The New Mutants.

More recently, we also saw her fighting monsters in The Gorge. In Lucky, she’s “only” up against very human criminals.

Also in the amazing cast of Lucky, you’ll see Annette Bening (The Bride!), Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (Lovecraft Country), Drew Starkey (Hellraiser), Clifton Collins Jr. (M.F.A.), and William Fichtner (The Outer Threat).

Start watching Lucky on Apple TV

The 2026 Apple TV series Lucky is based on the New York Times bestselling novel and Reese’s Book Club pick of the same name by Marissa Stapley. The TV series is created, co-showrun, written, and executive produced by Jonathan Tropper (The Adam Project) through his Tropper Ink banner as part of his deal with Apple TV.

Executive producer Cassie Pappas (Griselda, Silo) serves as co-showrunner alongside Jonathan Tropper. The series is executive produced by Reese Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter for Hello Sunshine, while star Anya Taylor-Joy executive produces through her production banner, LadyKiller.

The episodes of the series are directed by Jonathan van Tulleken (the Cape Fear series), Greg Yaitanes (Presumed Innocent), and Jet Wilkinson (Before, First Kill). Jonathan van Tulleken, who directed the pilot, also executive produces.

Personally, I always see it as a good sign when those in the cast or crew also produce. It just feels like they’re that much more invested in the project.

Overall, I was expecting to enjoy Lucky for the cast, and I did. However, I also truly enjoyed the plot, which I wasn’t expecting too much from. Lucky will get its global debut on Apple TV with the first two episodes, which are then followed by new episodes every Wednesday through August 19, 2026.

Lucky premieres on Apple TV on July 15, 2026.

Details

Creator: Jonathan Tropper
Writers: Jonathan Tropper, Cassie Pappas
Director: Jonathan van Tulleken, Greg Yaitanes, Jet Wilkinson
Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Annette Bening, Timothy Olyphant, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Clifton Collins Jr., Drew Starkey, William Fichtner, Mo McRae