Common Sense Media Review
OxyContin-focused addiction drama has language, sex, greed.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Painkiller
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
This series follows the story of how the popular PAINKILLER OxyContin fueled the opioid epidemic in America. It centers businessman Richard Sackler (Matthew Broderick), who followed in his uncle's footsteps to sell a product by any means necessary to make billions. Investigator Edie Flowers (Uzo Aduba) is trying to follow the trail of the painkiller to whoever is responsible. Shannon (West Duchovny) becomes a sales rep for OxyContin, making a living off selling a product she doesn't know much about to doctors. These doctors prescribe it to people like Glen (Taylor Kitsch), a car repairman injured on the job and newly introduced to this addictive substance. Although these people are from different walks of life, they're all destroyed one way or another by "The drug you never knew you needed."
Is It Any Good?
From the first testimonial, this series captures your attention. Painkiller is emotional, fast-paced, and balances intrigue with information. The acting performances are powerful, the dialogue is sharp and reflective of modern times, and the story is engrossing. Archival footage and testimonials from real people affected by the epidemic enhance the story. One odd element of the show has Richard Sackler's uncle Arthur's ghost influencing the younger Sackler, which could be seen as trivializing or sensationalizing the character's very real actions. The strong language, sexual content, violence, and drug abuse make this suitable for older viewers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about prescription drug advertisements in Painkillers. Do you see any drug advertisements in today's media landscape? What do they depict? Do you think they're being transparent? How do they make you feel? How are they similar and different to how they marketed prescription drugs in the 1980s?
Were you aware of the opioid epidemic in the United States? Did this series change any perceptions you had before? How do you feel about the dramatization in this series? Do you think this affects how this issue is being portrayed?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 10, 2023
- Cast : Uzo Aduba , Matthew Broderick , Taylor Kitsch
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 5, 2023
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