'Painkiller' fact vs. fiction: What the Netflix show got right about the opioid crisis, OxyContin, and the Sackler family

Libby TorresAug 17, 2023, 04:01 IST

Matthew Broderick as Richard Sackler on Netflix's "Painkiller."Keri Anderson/Netflix

Netflix's new drama "Painkiller" is a fictionalized retelling of the origins of America's opioid crisis.
But while some parts of the show were dramatized for TV, others are inspired by real-life events.

Starring Matthew Broderick, Uzo Aduba, and Taylor Kitsch, Netflix's buzzy new drama "Painkiller" is a fictionalized retelling of real events — namely, the rise of the powerful opioid OxyContin, which was developed and distributed by Purdue Pharma.

Broderick plays Richard Sackler, a member of the controversial Sackler family that owns Purdue, and who himself was once president of the company. And while some events portrayed on the show may seem too bizarre to be true, many were, in fact, rooted in reality.

Here's what Netflix's "Painkiller" got right and wrong about the opioid crisis, Purdue Pharma, and the Sackler family.

Arthur Sackler did have a career in psychiatric medicine, although it's unclear if he was regularly performing lobotomies.

Clark Gregg as Arthur Sackler on Netflix's "Painkiller."Keri Anderson/Netflix

Yes, Purdue Pharma did give away OxyContin plushies as part of their marketing plan.

Matthew Broderick as Richard Sackler on "Painkiller," with OxyContin plush mascots visible in the background.Keri Anderson/Netflix

And yes, OxyContin is chemically related to heroin.

Glen (Taylor Kitsch) lies on a mattress on the floor in the midst of withdrawal from OxyContin on "Painkiller."Keri Anderson/Netflix

Curtis Wright did leave the Food and Drug Administration after the FDA approved OxyContin, and later took a job at Purdue.

Matthew Broderick (center) as Richard Sackler on Netflix's "Painkiller."Keri Anderson/Netflix

The OxyContin cheerleaders seen at a Purdue gala were likely a dramatized part of the story.

Matthew Broderick as Richard Sackler on Netflix's "Painkiller."Keri Anderson/Netflix

One of Howard Udell's secretaries was addicted to OxyContin.

Brian Markinson as Howard Udell on Netflix's "Painkiller."Keri Anderson/Netflix

And yes, Rudy Giuliani did help broker a deal between the US government and Purdue Pharma.

Tyler Ritter and Uzo Aduba on Netflix's "Painkiller."Keri Anderson/Netflix

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