The new Netflix series Painkiller is a gripping and poignant story about the opioid epidemic that has ravaged America for decades.
The series follows four central characters as they navigate the devastating effects of addiction and the intricate web of deceit surrounding the pharmaceutical industry.
Richard Sackler
At the epicenter of the narrative is Richard Sackler, the scion of the renowned pharmaceutical company Purdue Pharma. Sackler is responsible for the development and marketing of OxyContin, a potent opioid-based pain medication that was falsely marketed as non-addictive. Sackler’s greed and deception led to the overprescription of OxyContin, which in turn fueled the opioid epidemic.
Edie Flowers
Edie Flowers is an adept lawyer at the US Attorney’s office who is tasked with investigating Purdue Pharma for its role in the opioid epidemic. Flowers is a symbol of resilience and the relentless pursuit of justice. She faces an uphill battle against Purdue Pharma, but she is determined to hold the company accountable for its crimes.
Shannon Schaeffer
Shannon Schaeffer is a former college athlete who unexpectedly finds herself on Purdue Pharma’s sales team. Schaeffer is initially drawn to the company’s promise of financial security, but she soon realizes that she is being used to push a dangerous drug. Schaeffer is a pawn in the game of corporate greed, and she is forced to make difficult choices that will have a major impact on her life.
Glen Kryger
Glen Kryger is a dedicated family man whose life takes a tragic turn after an injury leads to a prescription of OxyContin. Kryger is initially grateful for the pain relief that OxyContin provides, but he soon becomes addicted to the drug. Kryger’s story is a poignant representation of the countless lives that have been derailed by the opioid crisis.
Painkiller is a powerful and disturbing series that is not for the faint of heart. However, it is an important and necessary story to tell. The series exposes the truth about the opioid epidemic and the people who are responsible for it. Painkiller is a call to action for all of us to work together to end this crisis.
The series is available to stream on Netflix now.
Here are some additional details about the series that you may find helpful:
Painkiller is based on the book Pain Killer: An Empire of Deceit and the Origin of America’s Opioid Epidemic by Barry Meier.
The series is directed by Peter Berg and written by Patrick Radden Keefe.
Painkiller is a six-episode limited series.
Painkiller is rated TV-MA for mature audiences.