When HBO released Luck in 2012, it became one of the few series that received wide acceptance from audiences for its original plot. The story is truly unique — not a repetition of narratives previously seen on streaming platforms — and this is quite typical of HBO’s style.
But beyond its originality, there are other factors that contributed to the popularity of Luck, which we discuss below — along with the possibility of whether we can still hope for a second season.
A Pivotal Poker Tournament in Episode 7
The entire series is revolving around horse racing, but that’s up to the 7th episode, where a casino scene with its popular poker gaming jumps in. This is a very significant part of the series in several aspects. First, the plot itself is engaging, given the interest many in the audience have for poker, as it falls in the similar category as horse racing and other gambling-related activities.
In recent years, amid the growth of digital casino platforms, not only the game but also playing online poker tournaments became widely popular, as they opened up the doors for wider audiences. So, seeing one of the important characters entering into a poker tournament makes the series even more interesting. A significant factor is the situation Jerry was in. Literally, he had lost his hope, and at the moment everything seemed to be lost, he wins the tournament — which gives both him and the audience some hope.
Indeed, Episode 7 marks a turning point by taking a detour from the racetrack into the world of high-stakes poker. One of the core characters, Jerry, enters a poker tournament with everything on the line. The sequence is portrayed with gripping tension and authenticity, mirroring the thrill of the horse races but in a new arena. The show deftly uses this poker subplot to deepen Jerry’s character: his unexpected success at the poker table becomes a much-needed victory when all seemed lost. This win not only revitalizes Jerry’s spirit, it also reinforces Luck’s theme that fortune can turn around at any moment – a moment that gives both him and the viewers a surge of hope.
With this being said, poker isn’t everyone’s cup of tea unless they practice a lot. Although every achievement naturally requires time, some social media posts attempt to teach shortcuts (take a look at the video below).
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But still, it takes time.
Stellar Cast, Original Storytelling, and Lasting Appeal
A major reason viewers still love Luck is the show’s rich ensemble of talent (some of them could definitely be considered great actors of the 21st century) and the distinctive storytelling behind it. Hoffman’s return to television after 25 years was itself a draw – as one report noted, the Oscar-winning actor hadn’t done a TV role since 1985, making his role in Luck a high-profile comeback. Critics welcomed Hoffman’s “tightly controlled yet open, emotional” performance as Ace Bernstein, amid “a beautiful hour of television”. The presence of seasoned stars mixed with up-and-coming actors gave the show a gravitas that fans continue to appreciate.
The series earned generally favorable reviews (82% of critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave positive notices) and was lauded for its “outstanding ensemble cast, immersive atmosphere, and terrific cinematography”, ultimately delivering an “absorbing” viewing experience. It even picked up several award nominations during its brief run, winning accolades such as a Guest Actor OFTA Television Award for Michael Gambon’s menacing turn as a casino investor. In hindsight, some commentators have gone so far as to call Luck “a short-lived masterpiece” with a “mind blowing cast” and near-perfect execution.
All of these factors – the top-tier acting, the unique subject matter, and the careful craftsmanship – have given Luck a lasting appeal. Years later, viewers still talk about the show in reverent tones, and new audiences continue to discover its singular season on streaming platforms, keeping its legacy alive.
Will Luck Ever Get a Second Season?
Considering how beloved the series became to its fans, it’s natural to wonder if Luck could ever return for a Season 2. Unfortunately, the show’s abrupt cancellation back in 2012 makes this prospect unlikely. HBO ended the series during the filming of its second season after a third horse was injured and euthanized on set. The network, along with creators Mann and Milch, decided that the risk to animal safety was too great to continue, even though the story had much more to tell.
This move came as a shock to the show’s devoted viewers – HBO had initially renewed Luck for a second season due to its creative promise, but real-life issues intervened. As one journalist noted at the time, Luck was cancelled “even as it was in production for its second season,” effectively cutting short a series that was “on the way to becoming one of the great series of its era”.
In the years since, HBO and the producers have given no indication of reviving Luck. There’s always the theoretical possibility that HBO (or another outlet) could explore a limited sequel or a reboot, especially in an era when many past shows have been revived. But realistically, all signs suggest that Luck will remain a one-season gem. Its premature end, while disappointing, has also immortalized its sole season as something special – a concise, self-contained story that viewers treasure.
As The Atlantic observed in the wake of the cancellation, Luck offered a “stylish, contemporary look at the essence” of horse racing that left a void when it ended, making us wonder if we’ll ever see its like again.