Dive into the gripping world of Painkiller,” a riveting limited series exclusively on Netflix that unveils the chilling web spun by a pharmaceutical giant’s potent drug, ensnaring countless lives in its sinister grasp. With unwavering intensity, the show immerses you in the heart of the opioid crisis, shedding light on the harrowing path it carved through society while offering a thought-provoking exploration of the pivotal moments when it could have been stopped.
Prepare to be invested in the stories of crime and greed as you follow the harrowing realities of this catastrophe. Keep reading to know where you can watch “The Painkiller” in Canada.
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What Is Painkiller All About?
Prepare to be transported into the dark underbelly of reality with “The Painkiller,” a gripping series that unveils the chilling saga of the opioid crisis’s birth and the ominous role played by pharmaceutical giant, Purdue Pharma. As the spotlight falls on Purdue Pharma’s enigmatic owner, Richard Sackler, you’ll journey through the narrative of how their creation, OxyContin, became a catalyst for one of the most devastating crises of our time. Delve deep into the heart of where it all began, as you bear witness to the Sackler family’s moral reckoning and the haunting repercussions that ripple across the lives of countless victims caught in the web they wove.
Who Are in the Cast and Production of Painkiller?
“Painkiller” is a series adapted from the books “Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty” by Patrick Radden Keefe and “Pain Killer: An Empire of Deceit and the Origin of America’s Opioid Epidemic” by Barry Meier. The show is helmed by director Peter Berg and boasts a collaboration of diverse production companies, including Blue Harp, Film 44, Grand Electric, and Jigsaw Productions. Behind the scenes, executive producers Micah Fitzerman-Blue, Noah Harpster, Eric Newman, and Alex Gibney bring their creative vision to life. The cast includes:
- Uzo Aduba as Edie Flowers
- Matthew Broderick as Richard Sackler
- Sam Anderson as Raymond Sackler
- Clark Gregg as Arthur Sackler
- Taylor Kitsch as Glen Kryger
- Carolina Bartczak as Lily Kryger
- Tyler Ritter as John L. Brownlee
- John Ales as Gregory Fitzgibbons
- Ron Lea as Bill Havens
- Ana Cruz Kayne as Brianna Ortiz
What is the Rating for Painkiller?
“Painkiller” has a TV-MA rating which means that it is meant for mature audiences. Sensitive topics, language, or scenes that are present in the series are not suitable for young audiences.
How Many People Watch Painkiller?
Netflix keeps a tight lid on the precise viewership figures for its original content, leaving us in the dark about the exact number of viewers for the series. Nevertheless, what’s crystal clear is the palpable viewer engagement with the series’ compelling subject matter and its nuanced portrayal. “Painkiller” further solidifies its status as a must-watch gem, as evidenced by the glowing reviews and critical acclaim it has garnered, despite its limited series format.
How Are the Reviews for Painkiller?
“Painkiller” instantly intrigues its audiences because of its topic. Despite the need for improvement, it was still appreciated for its careful yet truthful portrayal of the opioid crisis. While critics were not fully impressed with the show’s execution in terms of its story, it still offers something important with what it aims to show its audiences. As for its ratings, it has a 48% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a 7.5/10 rating on IMDb, and a 59/100 score on Metacritic. Some of the reviews for “Painkiller” say:
- “Shocking and heartbreaking as it is to see this story played out again, Painkiller is more of a reckoning with some highly dubious individuals and perhaps not enough of a reckoning with what created them,” says Ben Dowell of Times (UK).
- “Painkiller’s incongruous tone renders it less emotionally resonant than Hulu’s Peabody Award-winning Dopesick, and the six-episode series does not have much new to offer to the story other than a propulsive and righteous rage,” says Kristen Baldwin of Entertainment Weekly.
Where to Watch Painkiller in Canada?
You can watch “Painkiller” on different platforms available in Canada.
Is Painkiller Available on Streaming?
Netflix
“Painkiller” can be streamed on Netflix in Canada. The platform offers different subscription plans to cater to any viewer who wishes to avail a subscription making it convenient and accessible. Viewers can choose from different subscription plans as shown here:
Plan | Price | Number of Simultaneous Screens | Streaming Quality |
Basic with Ads | CAD$5.99 | 1 device | SD |
Basic | CAD$9.99 | 1 device | HD |
Standard | CAD$16.49 | 2 devices | HD |
Premium | CAD$20.99 | 4 devices | Ultra HD |
Aside from watching “Painkiller” on the platform, subscribing to Netflix gives you access to a lot of available streaming content that you can choose from on the platform. It is home to a lot of content from thrilling crime-based dramas such as “Better Call Saul” to light-hearted sitcoms like “Superstore” proving that Netflix’s wide selection of content has got you covered.
Is Painkiller Available for Rent (VOD)?
“Painkiller” is exclusively streaming on Netflix. This means that viewers who wish to view this series by renting or purchasing it may have to wait until it becomes available on any VOD platform in Canada.
Is It Painkiller on Cable or Free TV?
Since “Painkiller” is a Netflix original, it is only available to stream on the platform and is currently not airing or available on any free TV or cable networks in Canada.
Should I Use a VPN to Watch The Painkiller?
Luckily, you don’t need to use a VPN to watch the series. Availing of a subscription on Netflix allows you to stream all episodes of “Painkiller” without any restrictions in Canada.
The Giant Behind the Opioid Crisis
What adds intrigue to “Painkiller” is its fusion of fiction with real-life events. While the series may benefit from enhancing its emotional depth to draw viewers closer to the victims, it doesn’t diminish its commitment to presenting a raw and unfiltered portrayal of reality. Despite some narrative hiccups, “Painkiller” stands as a watchable and eye-opening experience, shedding light on the truths it aims to uncover, making it a valuable journey for its audience.
Be immersed in the reality of the opioid crisis and the people behind it when you watch “Painkiller” on Netflix Canada.