Painkiller EP's Bold Take on Opioid Crisis Sets the Bar High, Challenges Dopesick with Powerful New Approach

Summary

Painkiller director Pete Berg acknowledges the coincidental timing between his show and Dopesick, but believes both can coexist with their own unique tones.

Painkiller may face a disadvantage when compared to Dopesick because of the latter's positive reviews and achievements. This could lead to the copycat effect influencing how Painkiller is received. However, it's worth mentioning that other productions like HBO's Euphoria also address the opioid crisis, showcasing its extensive scope and the potential for various shows on the subject.

Painkiller director and executive producer Pete Berg has acknowledged the coincidental timing between his show and Hulu's Dopesick. Both shows explore the opioid crisis during its early stages, particularly focusing on Purdue Pharma's involvement. Dopesick received critical acclaim when it was released two years ago, earning Michael Keaton an Emmy. However, Painkiller has received more mixed reviews, mainly due to its inconsistent tone.

In a recent interview with TheWrap, Berg discussed the timing of the two shows. He mentioned that Painkiller and Dopesick were in development concurrently, indicating that this parallel development does not diminish the impact of either show. According to Berg, the complex nature of the opioid crisis provides a wealth of material for Painkiller to delve into. Here is the full quote from Berg:

How Dopesick's Success Hurts Painkiller

Both shows were in development around the same time, which occasionally occurs in our industry. However, they premiered before us. Despite this, our show carries a distinct tone and can coexist harmoniously with their exceptional production. The topic we tackle is incredibly intricate and substantial, capable of accommodating multiple perspectives.

Regrettably for Painkiller, it is at a disadvantage due to Dopesick being released first, despite Berg's explanation of their parallel development. Painkiller will inevitably be subjected to the copycat effect or, at the very least, will suffer in comparison. Any actions taken by Painkiller will undoubtedly be compared to Dopesick, particularly due to the extensive praise garnered by the latter show.

Painkiller is already facing disappointment just two days after its release. While Dopesick has maintained an impressive score of 89 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, Painkiller is struggling with a mere 44 percent. Despite having experienced actors like Matthew Broderick and Uzo Aduba, it seems that Painkiller's ratings are not up to par.

However, it's important to note that comparing Painkiller to other shows covering the opioid crisis may not be entirely fair. In recent years, there have been several media pieces addressing this issue, such as HBO's Euphoria, which takes a more personal approach through the character of Rue, a drug-addicted individual. While it is true that the opioid crisis is widespread and has inspired multiple shows, this reasoning doesn't seem to be benefiting Painkiller at the moment.

Source: TheWrap