Hulu’s 8-Part Thriller Inspired By True Events Is The Perfect Weekend Binge

by

Hulu’s Dopesick deals with a very difficult and upsetting topic, but it’s ultimately a compelling show to watch. Although it’s not as graphic as some other true crime dramas on Hulu, it powerfully portrays the callousness and lack of compassion shown by those in charge at a major American pharmaceutical company.

Although Dopesick is a fictionalized story, many of the characters are inspired by real people. The acting has received a lot of positive attention, particularly Michael Keaton’s performance as the character Samuel Finnix. Critics love the show, and audiences agree, giving it a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Plus, you can watch the entire series in about eight hours.

What Is Dopesick About?

The series Dopesick tells the stories of people deeply affected by the opioid crisis – a doctor trying to help, a miner injured on the job, a pharmaceutical sales rep, and a DEA agent. Instead of just showing the crisis as a distant problem on the news, Dopesick powerfully connects with viewers by showing the human side of the story and how the experiences of different people are all related. This makes it a truly compelling and essential show on Hulu.

Dopesick is a standout TV show because it thoughtfully explores mental health, specifically focusing on addiction and its broad effects on communities. Unlike many other shows about addiction that center on a single person’s story, Dopesick takes a wider look at the issue. It’s based on real events, detailing the controversial marketing tactics and legal battles surrounding a dangerously addictive pain medication.

Dopesick’s Real-Life Inspiration Explained

The series draws inspiration from Beth Macy’s book, Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America, and offers a disturbing portrayal of the opioid crisis in the United States. It reveals how people became addicted to drugs like OxyContin and the far-reaching consequences this had on communities. While marketed as a safe option for pain relief, OxyContin proved to be highly addictive.

Though some characters are fictional, the Sackler family is based on a real group of people who have been called “the most evil family in America.” The show Dopesick details the legal fights and claims against the Sacklers, focusing on their alleged efforts to hide the risks of OxyContin and push doctors to prescribe it too often. While the show simplifies the complicated legal process, it’s a frustrating and upsetting watch.

Dopesick Is Not An Easy Watch

The series Dopesick tackles the serious issue of the opioid crisis and features many deeply sad stories. For example, we see Dr. Samuel Finnix, who initially believes he’s helping patients with OxyContin but later becomes addicted himself, and Betsy Mallum, who turns to heroin because it’s more affordable than the prescribed pain medication. Actress Kaitlyn Dever received an Emmy nomination for her moving performance as Betsy.

Although many great dramas offer satisfying conclusions, Dopesick doesn’t quite provide that. Viewers might feel that those accountable for the opioid crisis haven’t faced enough consequences, and legal issues are still being resolved. This ongoing situation could even fuel a second season of Dopesick, though one hasn’t been confirmed yet. Despite this, Dopesick remains a powerful and worthwhile show to watch.

Read More

2026-02-06 15:08