It's an opportunity most of us can only dream about: winning the lottery and then being shown around three stunning properties by a design expert. That's the concept of My Lottery Dream Home, a show hosted by David Bromstad.
But when we're not busy fantasising about being on the show, we're wondering how it gets made and which couples on My Lottery Dream Home have won the most money.
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So we've rounded up five of our favourite facts about the series:
1. Season 1 of My Lottery Dream Home took a while to get made because producers struggled to find lottery winners who wanted to be on a reality show.
"We reached out to close to 1,000 lottery winners and we got 10 to appear on our first season," Mike Krupat from 7Beyond productions told Mediaweek. "Once other winners saw the show and how it was about wish fulfilment and making people's dreams become a reality, people were more willing to take part.
"Lottery winners don't really need the exposure and they don't need the money to participate. The truth is they have great stories to tell, which is appealing to them."
2. Tuk and Brian Kutz were fans of the show before they appeared on it. After winning $200,000 on a scratch ticket they contacted producers asking to be on an episode. They agreed and found a new home on Whidbey Island through the show.
"My wife and I had always watched that show before we won the scratch ticket," he said in an interview with HeraldNet. "I used to joke we'd have David find us a house if we ever won."
RELATED: Everything you need to know about My Lottery Dream Home host David Bromstad
3. While viewers might seem surprised that lottery winners wouldn't splash out on a massive mansion with every feature you could dream of, the participants on My Lottery Dream Home often take a conservative approach.
"It all depends on how much money they've just won," Bromstad told the New York Post. "Some people are living pay cheque to pay cheque and they're pretty smart, like, 'Wow, I'm 35 years old and I've just won a million dollars — it's going to change my life for the moment but I've got to be smart about it'."
4. Similarly, the thing the couples most want in their new home isn't a pool or a view, it's to be close to family. "A house could be in the middle of nowhere, and they always stay close to family. That was something that really surprised me," Bromstad revealed to AOL.
5. The most money a couple on My Lottery Dream Home has won is Rick and Lorie, who appeared in the first episode of Season 1. They hit the jackpot winning $180 million (all prices in this article are in US dollars) but only wanted to spend between $1.5 million and $2.5 million on their new home.
They were shown a mountainside property valued at $5.8 million and ended up taking the plunge on that house before buying more land, including a bison farm, on the mountain.
Stream episodes of My Lottery Dream Home on 9Now.
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As an enthusiast and expert in the realm of television production and reality shows, particularly those centered around unique concepts like My Lottery Dream Home, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the intricacies behind the scenes. My familiarity with the industry, coupled with a keen understanding of the show's dynamics, allows me to provide insightful information.
Firstly, the article touches upon the challenge faced during the inception of My Lottery Dream Home's first season. The struggle to find lottery winners willing to participate in a reality show is not uncommon. Drawing from my knowledge, such endeavors often require extensive outreach efforts, as highlighted by Mike Krupat from 7Beyond productions. In this case, reaching out to nearly 1,000 lottery winners before securing 10 for the inaugural season underscores the initial difficulty in convincing winners to share their stories on television.
Secondly, the mention of Tuk and Brian Kutz, who were fans of the show before becoming participants, adds a fascinating layer to the narrative. It exemplifies the show's impact on its audience, turning viewers into active participants. The couple's desire to have David Bromstad find them a house after winning $200,000 on a scratch ticket reflects the show's influence on real-life decisions.
Moving on, the article highlights the surprising aspect of lottery winners on the show opting for a more conservative approach when selecting their dream homes. David Bromstad's insight into participants' considerations based on their financial situations reflects a nuanced understanding of human behavior post-lottery windfall. This aligns with the show's theme of wish fulfillment and responsible decision-making.
Furthermore, the revelation that the primary desire for participants isn't extravagant features like pools or scenic views but rather proximity to family adds a human touch to the show. Bromstad's acknowledgment of this preference underscores the importance of family ties, even in the context of fulfilling extravagant dreams.
Lastly, the information about the couple Rick and Lorie, who won $180 million but opted for a relatively modest home purchase, reinforces the idea that financial windfalls don't always translate into extravagant spending. Their decision to spend between $1.5 million and $2.5 million on a home, despite the vast amount won, showcases a pragmatic approach to newfound wealth.
In summary, My Lottery Dream Home goes beyond the surface of showcasing luxurious houses; it delves into the personal stories, dreams, and responsible choices of lottery winners. The challenges faced during production, the show's impact on its audience, and the diverse decisions made by participants contribute to the show's unique appeal and success.
