Plot Synopsis

Based on Barry Meier's book, "Pain Killer," and on Patrick Radden Keefe's New Yorker Magazine article, "The Family That Built an Empire of Pain," PAINKILLER is a six-episode limited series that that explores some of the origins and aftermath of the opioid crisis in America, highlighting the stories of the perpetrators, victims, and truth-seekers whose lives are forever altered by the invention of OxyContin. An examination of crime, accountability, and the systems that have repeatedly failed hundreds of thousands of Americans, PAINKILLER is executive produced by director Peter Berg, Alex Gibney, and showrunners/creators Micah Fitzerman-Blue & Noah Harpster. All six one-hour episodes of PAINKILLER dropped on Thursday, August 10, 2023 on Netflix:

"The One to Start With, The One to Stay With": Seizing an opportunity, Richard bets on an opiate that relieves pain. College graduate Shannon takes a job at Purdue. Glen suffers a workplace injury.

"Jesus Gave Me Water": A patient using OxyContin attends a Purdue conference. Edie witnesses the drug's adverse effects. Richard faces roadblocks in his pursuit of profit.

"Blizzard of the Century": Glen is forced to detox when his addiction lands him in the ER. Edie struggles to convince her new boss, the US Attorney, to build a case against Purdue.

"Is Believed": Edie works to expose Purdue. Shannon enjoys the perks of her job but faces a moral dilemma. Pushed to the brink, Glen starts losing control at work.

"Hot! Hot! Hot!": Glen hits rock bottom, Shannon attends a raucous work afterparty, and Edie uncovers damning evidence in her case against a pharmaceutical giant.

"What's in a Name?": Glen starts sobriety. Shannon reevaluates her role. Using new evidence, Edie and the team take Purdue to court as the case comes to a stunning end.