Georgia Hunter’s high school assignment led her to uncover stunning facts about her family, which inspired her to pen the historical novel “We Were the Lucky Ones.” The novel has now been adapted into an eight-episode television drama that tells the story of a Jewish family forced to scatter across multiple continents during World War II in a bid to survive and reunite. The series, which stars Joey King and Logan Lerman, has Erica Lipez as the showrunner and Tommy Kail as the director and executive producer.
Hunter reveals that her grandfather never spoke of growing up in Poland, his Jewish upbringing, or his family’s Holocaust survivor background. She only learned about his past after his passing when she interviewed her grandmother for a school assignment. It was during a family reunion that Hunter heard stories of survival that she had never heard before, prompting her to delve into the research and record her family’s history.
Kail expresses his delight in working with Hunter, highlighting the years of their acquaintance that led to the creation of the series. The team behind the series aims to bring a modern storytelling approach to the Holocaust narrative, showcasing the family’s journey across four continents during the war. They have incorporated the grandfather’s music compositions into the series, adding a personal touch to the storytelling.
The resurgence of Holocaust era stories in media, often told by third-generation survivors like Hunter, signifies a shift towards bringing this history to life for younger generations. Joey King, who stars in the series, emphasizes the importance of educating people about the Holocaust through storytelling and hopes that the show will resonate with audiences, particularly the younger generation. She believes that each narrative from this period in history is significant and worth sharing.
Hunter reflects on the timeliness of bringing such stories to the forefront in today’s world and hopes that the series will inspire viewers with its themes of courage, perseverance, and hope. She believes that connecting with the younger audience is crucial as they are the future. The show, set to premiere on Hulu on March 28th, aims to humanize the Holocaust experience and remind audiences of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
