The acclaimed factual drama series Dopesick explores the disturbing scandal surrounding Purdue Pharma and the deadly opioid crisis in America. The series, which first aired on BBC Two with a double bill on Sunday, April 28, 2024, and subsequent episodes airing weekly, offers a nuanced and harrowing portrayal of the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic.
America’s Dark Addiction Secret
Based on the non-fiction book Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors and the Drug Company That Addicted America by author Beth Macy, the eight-part series investigates the true story of the dealers, doctors, and the powerful pharmaceutical company that fueled America’s opioid crisis. OxyContin, an addictive painkiller aggressively marketed by Purdue Pharma, is at the center of this tragic tale.
Impressive Casting
Dopesick boasts a remarkable cast, including Oscar-nominated actor Michael Keaton as Dr. Samuel Finnix, a dedicated physician serving an Appalachian community. Kaitlyn Dever portrays a miner and patient of Dr. Finnix who discovers the dark side of OxyContin. Will Poulter and Rosario Dawson also star as a Purdue Pharma sales representative and a DEA agent, respectively. Michael Stuhlbarg completes the ensemble as the reclusive Purdue Pharma CEO, Richard Sackler.
The series, which initially premiered in 2021 on streaming platforms, received widespread critical acclaim for its exploration of the scandal from multiple perspectives. Dopesick was nominated for Primetime Emmys and Golden Globes, and its terrestrial broadcast on BBC Two further expands its reach.
The narrative structure of Dopesick is particularly noteworthy. By using composite, fictional characters, the series offers a more nuanced and truthful portrayal of the opioid crisis over an extended timeline. This approach allows creator Danny Strong to capture a “higher truth,” as he explains, by weaving together various anecdotes and perspectives.
Essential Viewing
Dopesick is a compelling and necessary watch, shedding light on one of the most devastating scandals in recent history. It exposes the greed and consequences of powerful corporations and their impact on vulnerable communities. With strong performances and a sophisticated narrative, the series offers a definitive dramatization of the opioid crisis, providing a harrowing yet essential viewing experience.
Dopesick: The Billion-Dollar Drug airs Sundays at 10:00 pm on BBC Two.
