Netflix is all set to bring its audience a gripping limited series titled “Painkiller,” expected to debut in 2022. With an impressive cast that includes Taylor Kitsch, Matthew Broderick, Dina Shihabi, and Uzo Aduba, the show promises to be a thought-provoking and hard-hitting exploration of the origins of the devastating Opioid crisis in the United States.
Here’s everything we know so far about this highly anticipated series.
The showrunners, Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster, who previously worked as producers on Amazon Prime‘s “Transparent,” are at the helm of this project. They draw inspiration from a real-life in-depth article titled “The Family That Built an Empire of Pain” written by Patrick Radden Keefe and published in The New Yorker in October 2017. Keefe, who serves as a consultant on the series, also wrote a book called “Empire of Pain,” which delves deeper into the subject matter.
“Painkiller” will comprise six 60-minute episodes, each of which will delve into the harrowing events surrounding the Sackler dynasty. The show utilizes material from Barry Meier’s book “Pain Killer: An Empire of Deceit and the Origin of America’s Opioid Epidemic” to shed light on the crisis that continues to wreak havoc on countless lives in the United States.
The series boasts an outstanding ensemble cast, with Uzo Aduba portraying the character of Edie, Matthew Broderick as Richard Sackler, West Duchovny as Shannon Schaeffer, Dina Shihabi as Britt Hufford, and Taylor Kitsch taking on the role of Glen Kryger. Other talented actors include Sam Anderson, Carolina Bartczak, Jack Mulhern, John Ales, Ana Kayne, Brian Markinson, Ron Lea, Tyler Ritter, and John Rothman.
“Painkiller” is a significant addition to the screen adaptations exploring the Sackler family’s involvement in the opioid crisis. It follows in the footsteps of the HBO documentary “Crime of the Century” and the 2021 Hulu/Star Original mini-series “Dopesick,” which also touched upon this pressing issue.
The production of “Painkiller” took place in various locations, including Hamilton, where Lopresti Pharmacy on Concession Street and East 31st Street served as a backdrop for some scenes. In addition, the show filmed on Barton Street East near Lottridge Street and at the Sheraton Hotel. The filming began on August 9th, 2021, and concluded on November 5th, 2021, slightly surpassing the original wrap date.
Alex Gibney, one of the producers involved in the project, visited the set in October 2021 and expressed his appreciation for the show’s direction. Netflix categorizes “Painkiller” as a “social issue TV drama” that promises to be both compelling and heartfelt, tackling an important topic with depth and sensitivity.
The show is set to premiere on August 10, promising a gripping exploration of the harrowing causes and far-reaching consequences of America’s devastating opioid epidemic. This hard-hitting drama delves into the lives of both the perpetrators and victims of the crisis, while also following an investigator on a relentless quest for truth. With an intense and compelling logline, “Painkiller” appears poised to shed light on one of the most pressing social issues of our time, inviting viewers to engage with the challenging realities faced by those entangled in the epidemic.
The limited series “Painkiller” holds immense promise to shed light on the tragic origins of the Opioid crisis, offering a stark reminder of the devastating impact it continues to have on communities across the United States. As Netflix prepares to unveil this gripping drama, viewers can look forward to a series that combines top-tier talent with an important and timely narrative.
As we eagerly await the release of “Painkiller,” the show serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of storytelling in addressing pertinent social issues. It is through such thought-provoking and impactful series that the power of entertainment truly comes to the fore, allowing viewers to engage with real-world events and the lives of those affected by them.