"[1][2][3] Each episode depicts a week in which 12 people became finalists in that week's lottery,[2] and the first half of the episode introduces the three finalists who are destined to win either the $1 million jackpot or one of the two $1,000 consolation prizes, the issues in their lives, and their plans to use the $1 million jackpot if they win it.

hosts the lottery drawing and announces the winner of the jackpot and that the other two finalists the episode focuses on have won the consolation prizes.

[2] $weepstake$ represented an update of the 1950s CBS anthology series The Millionaire,[2][3] in each episode of which an anonymous benefactor gave someone $1 million and the story of the effect of sudden wealth on their lives followed.

[1][2] NBC scheduled it as part of a slate of midseason replacement shows that debuted that evening to follow the successful Diff'rent Strokes: In order, NBC's new Friday line-up consisted of Diff′rent Strokes, Brothers and Sisters, Turnabout, Hello, Larry, and $weepstake$.

[6] Other than Diff′rent Strokes, the new line-up failed with audiences; out of 63 programs broadcast that week, Brothers and Sisters ranked 51st, Turnabout 50th, Hello, Larry 52nd, and $weepstake$ 59th.