Dopesick (2021)

The gripping limited series that exposes how one pharmaceutical company fueled the deadliest drug epidemic in American history.

Dopesick - Series Information

  • Original Title: Dopesick
  • First Air Year: 2021
  • Last Air Year: 2021
  • Created by: Danny Strong
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Crime, Drama
  • Content Rating (US): TV-MA
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 60 minutes
  • Number of Seasons: 1
  • Number of Episodes: 8
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • First Air Date: October 13, 2021 (United States - TV-MA), October 13, 2021 (United Kingdom - 15), October 13, 2021 (Germany - 16), October 13, 2021 (France - 18), October 13, 2021 (Australia - MA 15+), October 13, 2021 (Brazil - 16), October 13, 2021 (Spain - 18), October 13, 2021 (South Korea - 19)
  • Networks: Hulu
  • Alternative Titles: 成瘾剂量 (CN), DOPESICK: アメリカを蝕むオピオイド危機 (JP), 毒疫 (TW)
  • Production Companies: The Littlefield Company, Danny Strong Productions, John Goldwyn Productions, 20th Television
  • Production Countries: United States of America

Dopesick - Plot

The story of how one company triggered the worst drug epidemic in American history. Look into the epicenter of America's struggle with opioid addiction, from a distressed Virginia mining community, to the hallways of the DEA, and to the opulence of "one percenter" Big Pharma Manhattan.

Dopesick - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and see the harrowing story of America's opioid crisis unfold:

The true story of how America got hooked on a lie.

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Dopesick - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Danny Strong

Main Cast

  • Michael Keaton
  • Peter Sarsgaard
  • Michael Stuhlbarg
  • Will Poulter
  • John Hoogenakker
  • Kaitlyn Dever
  • Rosario Dawson
  • Will Chase
  • Cleopatra Coleman
  • Mare Winningham

Writers

  • Beth Macy
  • Danny Strong
  • Jessica Mecklenburg
  • Eoghan O'Donnell
  • Benjamin Rubin

Executive Producers

  • John Goldwyn
  • Michael Keaton
  • Danny Strong
  • Barry Levinson
  • Warren Littlefield

Dopesick - FAQs

Is Dopesick based on a true story?

Yes, Dopesick is based on Beth Macy's 2018 nonfiction book of the same name. The series dramatizes real events surrounding Purdue Pharma's aggressive marketing of OxyContin, the Sackler family's role in the opioid epidemic, and the federal investigation that eventually led to criminal charges.

Who are the main actors in Dopesick?

Dopesick stars Michael Keaton as Dr. Samuel Finnix, Peter Sarsgaard as prosecutor Rick Mountcastle, Michael Stuhlbarg as Richard Sackler, Kaitlyn Dever as Betsy Mallum, Rosario Dawson as DEA agent Bridget Meyer, Will Poulter as Purdue sales rep Billy Cutler, and Mare Winningham as Diane Mallum.

What is Dopesick about?

Dopesick examines how Purdue Pharma's deceptive marketing of OxyContin ignited America's opioid epidemic. The series weaves together multiple storylines — a Virginia mining community ravaged by addiction, federal prosecutors building a case against the company, and the Sackler family's ruthless pursuit of profit at the expense of millions of lives.

Where can I watch Dopesick online?

Dopesick is available to stream exclusively on Hulu with a subscription. All eight episodes of the limited series are available on the platform. Viewers outside the United States may find the series available through Disney+ or Star, depending on their region.

How many episodes does Dopesick have?

Dopesick consists of 8 episodes, structured as a single-season limited series. Each episode runs approximately 60 minutes. The complete miniseries premiered on Hulu on October 13, 2021, with episodes releasing weekly throughout the fall of that year.

Did Dopesick win any awards?

Dopesick received widespread awards recognition, earning multiple Emmy Award nominations including Outstanding Limited Series. Michael Keaton won the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Limited Series. The show also received Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations, cementing its status as one of 2021's most acclaimed productions.

Is Dopesick worth watching?

Dopesick earned strong critical praise, holding a high approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics lauded Michael Keaton's performance, the series' unflinching portrayal of the opioid crisis, and Danny Strong's layered writing. Audiences responded equally well, making it one of Hulu's most-watched limited series of 2021.

What is the content rating for Dopesick?

Dopesick is rated TV-MA, meaning it is intended for mature audiences only. The series contains graphic depictions of drug addiction and overdose, strong language, and disturbing content related to the opioid epidemic. Viewer discretion is strongly advised, particularly for those with personal connections to addiction.

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