X

Join or Sign In

Sign in to customize your TV listings

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Painkiller

Painkiller exposes the roots of the most pressing health epidemic of the 21st century. Powerful narcotic painkillers, or opioids, were once used as drugs of last resort for pain sufferers. Purdue turned OxyContin into a billion dollar blockbuster by launching an unprecedented marketing campaign claiming that the drug's long-acting formulation made it safer to use than traditional painkillers for many types of pain. That illusion was quickly shattered as drug abusers learned that crushing an Oxy could release its narcotic payload all at once. Even in its prescribed form, Oxy proved fiercely addictive. As OxyContin's use and abuse grew, Purdue concealed what it knew from regulators, doctors, and patients.

Loading. Please wait...

Content not available in your region? ExpressVPN can help you stay connected wherever you are. Get 4 extra months FREE with TV Guide's exclusive offer.

Cast & Crew See All

Uzo Aduba
Edie Flowers
Matthew Broderick
Richard Sackler
Taylor Kitsch
Glen Kryger

Season 1 Episode Guide See All

Episode 1

The One to Start With, The One to Stay With

Thu, Aug 10, 202351 mins

Seizing an opportunity, Richard bets on an opiate that relieves pain. College graduate Shannon takes a job at Purdue. Glen suffers a workplace injury.

Where to Watch
Painkiller, Season 1 Episode 1 image

Featured Video

Painkiller
Painkiller
2:26

2:26 Painkiller

Awards

  • 2024 - Critics Choice Award - Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television - nominated
  • 2024 - Actor - Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series - nominated
  • 2024 - CSC Award - Best Cinematography in TV Drama - Non-Commerical - winner
  • 2024 - ReFrame Stamp - TV - winner

You May Also Like See All

The Office
Homicide: Life on the Street
The Staircase
The Sopranos

Popular Shows See all shows

Peaky Blinders

6 Seasons
A notorious gang in 1919 Birmingham, England, is led by the fierce Tommy Shelby, a crime boss set on moving up in the world no matter the cost.
77   Metascore
2013 Suspense, Drama

Detective Hole

1 Season
A brilliant but troubled detective, Harry Hole, hunts a serial killer while battling a corrupt adversary, Tom Waaler, as they navigate ethical gray areas, with Harry determined to bring the criminal to justice.
67   Metascore
2026 Suspense, Drama

The Witcher

5 Seasons
Geralt of Rivia, a mutated monster-hunter for hire, journeys toward his destiny in a turbulent world where people often prove more wicked than beasts.
63   Metascore
2019 Action & Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Suspense

The Night Agent

4 Seasons
While monitoring an emergency line, a vigilant FBI agent answers a call that plunges him into a deadly conspiracy involving a mole at the White House.
69   Metascore
2023 Action & Adventure, Drama, Suspense

The Lincoln Lawyer

5 Seasons
An iconoclastic idealist runs his law practice out of the back of his Lincoln Town Car in this series based on Michael Connelly's bestselling novels.
64   Metascore
2022 Suspense, Drama

How to Get to Heaven from Belfast

1 Season
Three lifelong pals embark on a chaotic quest to solve the mystery of their old friend's suspicious death and keep their own dark secret under wraps.
79   Metascore
2026 Comedy, Suspense