“The true story of how America got hooked on a lie.”
The story of how one company triggered the worst drug epidemic in American history. Look into the epicenter of America's struggle with opioid addiction, from a distressed Virginia mining community, to the hallways of the DEA, and to the opulence of "one percenter" Big Pharma Manhattan.
Where to Watch
Streaming, rent and purchase options
Episodes
8 Episodes
1. First Bottle
Richard Sackler begins to launch a powerful new painkiller, a rural doctor is introduced to the drug, a coal miner plans her future, a DEA Agent learns of blackmarket pills, and federal prosecutors decide to open a case into OxyContin.
2. Breakthrough Pain
OxyContin is on the market but faces a potential threat, Purdue’s vast influence reaches the town of Finch Creek, Bridget steps outside her DEA authority, and the criminal investigation of OxyContin begins.
3. The 5th Vital Sign
Doctor Finnix begins to taper Betsy off OxyContin, Bridget sees the toll the drug is taking on communities, Rick and Randy investigate the world of “pain societies”, and with sales climbing, Richard Sackler makes bigger plans for his new drug.
4. Pseudo-Addiction
Sky-high OxyContin sales are threatened by reports of abuse, prosecutors investigate a claim central to OxyContin marketing, and Finnix begins to question the safety of the drug.
5. The Whistleblower
With OxyContin abuse spreading across the country, Bridget brings the fight to Purdue while Rick and Randy seek to find a whistleblower within Purdue to tie their case together.
6. Hammer the Abusers
Richard Sackler faces a catastrophic challenge to Purdue’s bottom line, Bridget takes her fight to the FDA, Finnix reassesses his life as Betsy struggles to kick her addiction, and Rick and Randy find a bombshell piece of evidence.
7. Black Box Warning
Richard Sackler and Purdue work the system to prevent their drug from being reigned in, Bridget has a breakthrough in her mission, Betsy has hit rock-bottom while Finnix explores new avenues, and Rick and Randy ready their criminal case.
8. The People vs. Purdue Pharma
Rick and Randy’s criminal investigation now threatens Richard Sackler’s empire, activists take action against Purdue, and Finnix tries to heal his beloved community that’s been ravaged by addiction.
Cast & Crew
Michael Keaton
Samuel Finnix
Peter Sarsgaard
Rick Mountcastle
Michael Stuhlbarg
Richard Sackler
Will Poulter
Billy Cutler
John Hoogenakker
Randy Ramseyer
Kaitlyn Dever
Betsy Mallum
Rosario Dawson
Bridget Meyer
Will Chase
Michael Friedman
Cleopatra Coleman
Grace Pell
Parker Sack
Dirk
Story & Production Details
Reviews & Thoughts
Really impressed with the acting performances here. The Michael Keaton / Kaitlyn Dever / Will Poulter storyline was super well done, though I struggled to really care about the Rosario Dawson one. In general I think the series is good in the first 30%, amazing in the next 50%, and then a little bit of a let-down when trying to tie it all together. Still, very much worth a watch.
