"Painkiller" on Netflix: Cast and Characters

Netflix's limited series "Painkiller" sheds light on Purdue Pharma's role in the opioid crisis, sparking widespread debate and reminding viewers of the work that still needs to be done.

Netflix's latest limited series, Painkiller, is shedding light on one of the major culprits behind the opioid crisis. The six-episode series, which premiered on August 10, has captivated audiences with its focus on Purdue Pharma's role in the opioid epidemic. This has sparked widespread debate and reignited a conversation that has been ongoing for decades.

Purdue Pharma, one of the largest and most insidious contributors to the rise of opioids in the United States, particularly through its production of OxyContin, has caused a crisis that has affected countless lives. However, in recent years, there has been a slight decrease in deaths from prescription opioids due to improved access to information and the decline of Purdue Pharma.

For over a decade, Purdue Pharma has been embroiled in legal disputes, and despite numerous high-dollar settlements, the company continues to pay the price for the devastating impact it has had on individuals and communities. While Netflix's portrayal of the company and the people involved in the painkiller craze serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done, it cannot undo the harm caused by Purdue Pharma.

Painkiller aims to tell a complex story about the rise of the opioid epidemic and the company's culpability since the 2000s. The series highlights key figures, including the executives and salesmen responsible for the development of OxyContin.

At the heart of the drama is the Sackler family, who purchased Purdue Pharma in 1952 and shifted its focus to pain management in the early 90s. This led to drugs like fentanyl, codeine, and OxyContin becoming the company's main products. Unfortunately, within a few years, these drugs resulted in a wave of opioid-related deaths, while the Sacklers remained silent about their addictive properties.

Matthew Broderick takes on the role of Richard Sackler, one of the primary forces behind the production of highly addictive painkillers. He is joined by Sam Anderson as Raymond Sackler and John Rothman as Mortimer Sackler.

Uzo Aduba delivers a powerful performance as Edie Flowers, a lawyer with the US attorney's office in Roanoke, VA. Flowers is a composite character, based on real-world figures who played a significant role in developing a case against Purdue Pharma and its contribution to the opioid crisis.

Dr. Gregory Fitzgibbons, portrayed by John Ales, is another character inspired by a group of doctors who resisted prescribing OxyContin to their patients despite pressure from figures like Richard Sackler. Ales, known for his roles in Euphoria, Star Trek: Picard, and Station 19, brings this character to life in Painkiller.

While the drama in Painkiller draws heavily from real-life events, the series focuses on fictional characters who experience the consequences of the opioid crisis based on real-world experiences. The Kryger family, played by Taylor Kitsch, Carolina Bartczak, and Jack Mulhern, represents the tragic stories of countless families affected by the epidemic.

The cast of Painkiller includes a talented ensemble of actors who have come together to bring this important story to life. Alongside Matthew Broderick, Tyler Ritter, Ron Lea, Ana Cruz Kayne, West Duchovny, John Murphy, and Dina Shihabi contribute their skills to the series, portraying characters that add depth and authenticity to the narrative.