The Crime of the Century (TV series)

The Crime of the Century is a 2021 American documentary television miniseries directed by Alex Gibney. It examines the opioid epidemic in the United States, focusing on the roles of pharmaceutical companies, distributors, and the government in its creation and perpetuation.

The series is presented in two parts. Part one delves into the origins of the epidemic, exploring how Purdue Pharma aggressively marketed OxyContin despite knowing its addictive potential. It also examines the actions of other pharmaceutical companies involved in the production and distribution of opioids.

Part two focuses on the consequences of the opioid crisis, including the devastating impact on communities and families. It also investigates the political and economic forces that have hindered efforts to address the problem and hold those responsible accountable.

The documentary features interviews with medical experts, former drug company employees, government officials, and individuals and families affected by opioid addiction. It seeks to expose the systematic failures that allowed the crisis to escalate and continues to claim lives.

The miniseries aired on HBO and is available for streaming on HBO Max. It received generally positive reviews for its comprehensive investigation and hard-hitting portrayal of the opioid epidemic.