Dopesick release date: How to watch Will Poulter series in the UK
Everything you need to know about the gripping series as it comes to BBC iPlayer.
One of the most harrowing scandals in recent history is put to screen in factual drama Dopesick, which details the story of America's opioid health crisis.
Michael Keaton, Will Poulter and Rosario Dawson are among the stars assembled for this ensemble drama, which explores the scenario from every angle – from the victims themselves, to law enforcement and the boardrooms of Big Pharma.
Dopesick wowed critics upon its initial premiere back in 2021, but now looks poised to find a whole new audience as the BBC acquires it for both terrestrial broadcast and streaming via iPlayer.
Although Netflix's 2023 series Painkiller covers some of the same events and themes that Dopesick does, it ultimately did not achieve the same heights of critical acclaim – meaning this remains the definitive drama on the topic.
Find out why by tuning in when it lands on BBC iPlayer this week, or alternatively stream now on Disney Plus. Here's all the details you need on Dopesick.
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Dopesick UK release date
Dopesick is available to stream in full on BBC iPlayer from Sunday 28th April 2024. For terrestrial viewers, the show will also be airing a double bill every Sunday night from 10pm on BBC Two.
Alternatively, Dopesick is also accessible on Disney Plus, where it has been streaming since November 2021. For our friends across the pond, the show is available on Hulu.
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Dopesick cast
Oscar-nominated lead actor Michael Keaton plays Dr Samuel Finnix, who has served his close-knit Appalachian community for decades with care and dedication.
Kaitlyn Dever co-stars as a miner who is among the first of Dr Finnix's patients to be prescribed Oxy, and soon discovers first-hand that it is infinitely more addictive than had been claimed.
Guardians of the Galaxy star Will Poulter is a Purdue Pharma sales rep named Billy Cutler, who is so keen to deliver strong numbers that he doesn't think to scrutinise the information he's been given.
Rounding out the cast is Ahsoka actor Rosario Dawson as DEA agent Bridget Meyer and Michael Stuhlbarg (Boardwalk Empire) as reclusive Purdue Pharma CEO Richard Sackler.
In summary, here's a list of the main Dopesick cast:
- Michael Keaton as Dr Samuel Finnix
- Peter Sarsgaard as Rick Mountcastle
- Michael Stuhlbarg as Richard Sackler
- Will Poulter as Billy Cutler
- John Hoogenakker as Randy Ramseyer
- Kaitlyn Dever as Betsy Mallum
- Rosario Dawson as Bridget Meyer
Dopesick plot
Dopesick is based on a non-fiction book by author Beth Macy called Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors and the Drug Company that Addicted America.
The official synopsis explains that the series, "examines how one company triggered the worst drug epidemic in American history. The series takes viewers to the epicenter of America’s struggle with opioid addiction, from the boardrooms of Big Pharma to a distressed Virginia mining community to the hallways of the DEA.
"Defying all the odds, heroes will emerge in an intense and thrilling ride to take down the craven corporate forces behind this national crisis and their allies."
Specifically, it focuses on the marketing, release and aftermath of pain relief medication Oxycontin, which was claimed to be non-addictive in the vast majority of cases – however, this proved to be a wildly misleading statement.
Years later, many families and communities are still dealing with the consequences of being prescribed the opioid, which has contributed to a health crisis that persists in North America.
Dopesick trailer
Check out the official Dopesick trailer below for a glimpse of what the hard-hitting miniseries has in store.
Dopesick is available to stream on BBC iPlayer from Sunday 28th April 2024. Stream now on Disney Plus – sign up to Disney Plus from £4.99 a month.
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