The Netflix series Painkiller, created by Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster, delves into the origins of the opioid crisis, shedding light on wealthy CEO Richard Sackler and his company Purdue Pharma. The series aims to entertain while spreading the crucial message about the dangers of opioids and corporate greed. Eric Newman, the producer, hopes that the success of Painkiller will inspire more creators to address the ongoing opioid epidemic and educate the public.
The story of Painkiller is based on Patrick Radden Keefe’s New Yorker article “The Family That Built an Empire of Pain” and Barry Meier’s novel Pain Killer: An Empire of Deceit and the Origin of America’s Opioid Epidemic. It focuses on Purdue Pharma and Richard Sackler, as well as the victims whose lives were devastated by the highly addictive drug OxyContin. It’s a powerful narrative that exposes the hidden profits made by the wealthy, while real people suffer.
During a conversation with Collider’s Christina Radish, Eric Newman emphasized the importance of making the series accessible to the average viewer. While the subject matter is deeply troubling, the goal was to present it in a digestible and engaging manner. Painkiller features a talented cast, including Matthew Broderick, Uzo Aduba, and Taylor Kitsch, and each episode is introduced by real victims, showcasing the devastating effects of corporate greed. Balancing entertainment with the message was essential for the creators.
The ultimate aim of the series is to reach as many people as possible. Eric Newman and his team wanted to ensure that the overwhelming devastation caused by the epidemic did not overshadow the series. They hope that by utilizing Netflix’s expansive audience, they can spread the message far and wide. Newman believes that creators have an obligation to address this topic, and he hopes that Painkiller’s success will lead to more series focusing on the opioid epidemic.
The opioid epidemic has been explored in other shows, such as Hulu’s Dopesick, which received critical acclaim. Despite the growing awareness of the dangers of opioids, the epidemic is still ongoing. Newman believes that Painkiller’s success lies in its ability to reinforce the message that these drugs are dangerous, reaching a wide audience. He encourages more creators to join the fight for public awareness and hopes to see more series addressing the issue in the future.
Painkiller is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
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Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
