Is Painkiller on Netflix Based on a True Story? Exploring the Fictional Origins of the Opioid Crisis (2024)

painkiller

The limited series Painkiller is a gripping fictional account that delves into the origins and consequences of the devastating opioid crisis. While the storyline is fictional, it is based on extensive research, drawn primarily from two key sources: Barry Meier’s 2003 book Pain Killer and Patrick Laden Keefe (Patrick Radden Keefe) A 2017 article in The New Yorker that evolved into the 2021 book Empire of Empires of Pain. “

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These sources provide important insights into the crisis, particularly the Sackler family’s role in the opioid epidemic. The show’s creators and producers, including notable figures like Alex Gibney, ensured the show accurately reflected the complex and tragic reality of the opioid crisis. The series aims to reveal how the crisis began, revealing the conflicts between the pharmaceutical industry and monetary interests that led to its unfolding.

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With an emphasis on accountability and the hope of promoting deeper understanding, Painkiller explores the ongoing tragedy of the opioid epidemic, exploring the perpetrators, victims, and those seeking the truth behind this devastating public health crisis. This is a story that demands attention, one that has a significant impact on communities across North America, and the creators are committed to telling it accurately and powerfully.

Is Painkiller on Netflix based on a true story?

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Painkiller is a riveting six-episode miniseries on Netflix about the origins and consequences of the opioid epidemic in the United States. While the show is a fictional retelling, it is based on real-world events and extensive research into the opioid crisis. The series traces the impact of OxyContin, a highly addictive painkiller, and explores the role of Purdue Pharma, owned by the Sackler family, in its development and aggressive marketing.

The Sackler family’s actions and the widespread use of OxyContin led to a devastating wave of addiction, overdoses and deaths. Edie Flowers, played by Uzo Aduba, represents the determined investigators trying to uncover the truth behind the crisis and hold those responsible accountable.

While Edie is a fictional character, she represents the efforts of real-life law enforcement officers and individuals who have played a vital role in shining a light on the tragedies caused by the opioid epidemic. Painkiller highlights the ongoing nature of this crisis and the need to continue telling this important story. It serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of unethical pharmaceutical practices and the urgent need to address the opioid epidemic.

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Is Painkiller on Netflix based on a true story?

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Uzo Aduba

Edie

Matthew Broderick

Richard Sackler

Sam Anderson

Raymond Sackler

Taylor Kitsch

Glenn Krieger

Carolina Batchak

Lily Krieger

Tyler Ritter

John Brownlee

John Ayers

Dr. Gregory Fitzgibbons

Ron Lee

Bill Havens

Ana Cruz Kane

Brianna Ortiz

Siduchny

Shannon Shafer

Jack Mulhern

Tyler Krieger

Dina Shehabi

Britt

John Rothman

Mortimer Sackler

John Murphy

Michael Friedman

The continuing impact of the opioid crisis

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The opioid epidemic emerged in the early 1990s and has resulted in more than one million opioid overdose deaths in the United States. This crisis is exacerbated by inadequate regulation of the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, which results in unethical marketing and prescribing practices that prioritize profits over public health. Purdue Pharma, owned by the Sackler family, played a central role in this crisis by developing and aggressively promoting OxyContin, leading to widespread addiction and devastating consequences.

Despite numerous lawsuits and legal proceedings against Purdue Pharma, the Sackler family has faced limited liability. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2019, followed by a series of legal developments, including a 2021 settlement that provided legal protection to the Sackler family in exchange for a large payment. Complicated legal battles and the family’s vast wealth have added to the ongoing controversy surrounding the opioid crisis.

The role of investigative reports

Investigative journalism played an important role in shedding light on the opioid crisis and exposing the conduct of pharmaceutical companies like Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family. The research behind “Painkiller” dates back to the early 2000s, when reporter Barry Meier’s reporting in the New York Times alerted the public to the dangers of OxyContin and Purdue University’s marketing practices. His book Painkiller became essential reading for understanding the pandemic, and his work laid the foundation for the series.

Patrick Radden Keefe’s 2017 New Yorker article “The Family Who Built an Empire of Pain” further revealed the Sackler family’s involvement and became a touchstone for the show’s creators. Collaborations with Meyer, Keefe and acclaimed documentary filmmaker Alex Gibney ensure that Painkiller draws on deep expertise in the opioid crisis to provide a factual basis for its fictional retelling of events.

Disclaimer: The above information is for general information purposes only. All information on this website is provided in good faith, but we make no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on this website.

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Category: Entertainment

Is Painkiller on Netflix Based on a True Story? Exploring the Fictional Origins of the Opioid Crisis (2024)

FAQs

Is Painkiller on Netflix Based on a True Story? Exploring the Fictional Origins of the Opioid Crisis? ›

Painkiller, a fictionalized telling of the origins and aftermath of the opioid crisis in America. The causes and consequences of America's opioid epidemic unfold in this drama following its perpetrators, victims and an investigator seeking the truth.

Is the Painkiller on Netflix based on a true story? ›

Painkiller is a fictionalized drama series that sheds light on the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic caused by overprescribing addictive painkillers.

Is Glen from Painkiller based on a true story? ›

One of these characters is Glen Kryger (Taylor Kitsch), a car mechanic who becomes addicted to the drug after hurting his back on the job. While the true events of the opioid epidemic are very real, Glen is an entirely fictional character.

Is the opioid crisis real? ›

As a result, 60,000,000 people struggle with the addictive effects of opioids globally and more than 100,000 people die every year of opioid overdose, many of them with fentanyl, an analgesic drug that is 50–100 times more potent than heroin or morphine.

Is edible flowers Painkiller based on a real person? ›

“The world of Edie Flowers, who is a fictitious person — but is a composite of a number of investigators, runs alongside the very real Richard Sackler. Having those points of intersection where the two worlds come together was incredibly impactful and powerful.”

Is Shannon Schaefer based on a real person? ›

Is Shannon Schaeffer based on a real person? Not exactly. Shannon's character is an amalgamation of many people who worked as sales representatives for Purdue Pharma. Essentially, she's a composite character, similar to Uzo Aduba's portrayal of federal prosecutor Edie Flowers.

Is OxyContin available still? ›

Production of Oxycontin is being discontinued, but other prescription drugs containing oxycodone remain.

What happened to Glen in Painkiller Netflix? ›

Despite his best efforts, Glen can't resist the pull of the addictive pills, and he overdoses the next day in his car. We hear a police dispatcher call for a 10-55 after some locals see him passed out, signifying his death has been confirmed by medical personnel.

Where is Richard Sackler now? ›

Since 2013, he has lived outside Austin, Texas.

Is there an opioid crisis in America now? ›

This crisis claims more than 187 lives per day . Evidence also suggests that the impacts of the opioid crisis have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 public health emergency with significant increases in alcohol and substance abuse and worsening mental health.

What state has the largest opioid epidemic? ›

State Trends

Across the decade, however, West Virginia remained the state with the highest overdose death rates, rising from 31.5 per 100,000 people in 2011 to 77.2 per 100,000 people in 2021. *Changes in opioid overdose death rates were unable to be calculated for North Dakota, as data are unavailable for that state.

What is the opioid capital of the United States? ›

Montgomery County, Ohio, was recently given a title that no community wants to receive: the overdose capital of the United States. According to a June 19 article on the website of Columbus news station WCMH-TV, Montgomery County experienced 365 overdose deaths in the first five months of 2017.

How true is Painkiller? ›

As the team was finishing the show, lawyers approached and said for legal reasons, the show had to put disclaimers at the beginning of each episode, which read: “This program is based on real events. However, certain characters, names, incidents, locations, and dialogue have been fictionalized for dramatic purposes.”

What's the difference between OxyContin and oxycodone? ›

The differences are simply that oxycodone is an opioid substance that is the main ingredient in a number of pain medications (including OxyContin) and that OxyContin is the time-release version of oxycodone.

Was there a whistleblower at Purdue Pharma? ›

Steven May started at Purdue Pharma as a sales rep in 1999, and years later went on to allege fraud against Purdue as a participant in a whistle-blower lawsuit (which was dismissed on procedural grounds).

Is Purdue Pharma still in business? ›

As of August, 2023, Purdue Pharma remains in chapter 11 bankruptcy, pending a Department of Justice appeal to the United States Supreme Court, of a 2nd U.S. Circuit Court Of Appeals ruling that the bankruptcy proceedings may continue.

Where is Curtis Wright now? ›

Currently, Wright is in his seventies, and his last known job was working as a consultant. Beyond that, the details of where he is now and what has happened to him since are unknown. Wright was never officially charged with any serious crimes despite playing such a key role in getting OxyContin approved.

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