The Fight for Justice in America’s Opioid Epidemic
Paul Farrell, Jr. is Featured in The Bitter Pill — a powerful new documentary airing on PBSAbout Paul Farrell, Jr.
“Taking on Big Pharma. Fighting for Communities. Seeking Justice.”
Paul Farrell, Jr. is a nationally recognized trial attorney from Cabell County, West Virginia which like many communities across the country was devastated by the opioid crisis. With deep personal ties to the region, Farrell has dedicated his career to holding some of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies accountable for their role in fueling addiction, loss, and systemic harm.
His innovative legal strategies have gained national attention, shaping the course of what would become the largest civil litigation in U.S. history.
The Story Behind The Bitter Pill
Farrell’s relentless pursuit of justice is at the heart of The Bitter Pill, a new documentary directed by Emmy®-nominated filmmaker Clay Tweel and produced by Shannon Riggs, Tim Grant, and Mary Rohlich.
Set in West Virginia, the film captures Farrell’s fight to not only recover damages for his community but also to rebuild hope in the face of corporate greed and systemic failure.
Through courtroom drama and behind-the-scenes access, The Bitter Pill showcases both the legal and human stakes of this historic battle.
The Bitter Pill Documentary - Exclusive Q&A with Paul Farrell and Filmmakers
Join attorney Paul Farrell, director Clay Tweel, and the producers of The Bitter Pill for an exclusive post-premiere Q&A in Paul's hometown Huntington, West Virginia. In this candid discussion, the team dives deep into the making of the documentary, the legal battles that inspired it, and the human stories behind America’s opioid crisis.
They answer questions about how The Bitter Pill came to life, the challenges of telling such a complex story, and the impact they hope it will have on accountability, justice, and change.
Why This Matters
- Personal Commitment: Farrell’s work is fueled by his lifelong ties to the people of West Virginia.
- National Impact: His leadership has shaped litigation strategies across the country.
- Historic Scale: This case stands as the largest civil litigation in U.S. history, with ripple effects far beyond one community.
Watch the Documentary
Timed with Opioid Awareness Day, The Bitter Pill will premiere nationally on PBS’s POV series on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 10 pm (check local listings).
The documentary will be available to stream until December 10, 2025, on:
- PBS.org
- PBS App
- PBS YouTube Channel
Paul Farrell, Jr. continues to fight for communities devastated by the opioid epidemic.
👉 Learn More About His Work