The CNN Film American Pain follows twin brothers, Chris and Jeff George, who trafficked more than $500 million in opioid pills in the United States. In just a few short years of operation, they created one of the largest drug empires, attracting clients from around the country.
Weaving together hundreds of hours of FBI wiretap recordings, undercover videos, and exclusive jailhouse interviews with the twins, this fast-paced thriller traces the Georges’ rise and fall, corruption and violence, which ultimately led to the ruin of scores of lives, including their own.
“American Pain is the story of the greatest drug racket to hit the Sunshine State since the cocaine cowboys of the 1980s,” said Darren Foster, director of American Pain. “The George brothers were the biggest players among a colorful cast of characters who made millions during Florida’s pill mill boom. Together with their trusty suppliers – a pharmaceutical industry pumping out billions of powerful and addictive pills – they fueled the worst drug epidemic in American history.”
Drug overdose deaths in the United States reached record levels in 2022. Opioids continue to be the driving cause of drug-related deaths.
“The ongoing opioid epidemic is at the forefront of our national conversation on public health,” said Amy Entelis, CNN's executive vice president for talent and content development. “Through Darren’s carefully-researched and compelling film, it is urgent to amplify this important issue that continues to impact Americans across the country.”
Don't miss the CNN premiere on Sunday, February 5, at 9 p.m. ET.
