Watch Rx: The Quiet Revolution

Rx: The Quiet Revolution is a documentary series produced and hosted by acclaimed filmmaker David Grubin. It premiered on PBS in 2015 and explores the history, science, and societal impact of pharmaceuticals from their early origins to modern-day innovations. Over three hour-long episodes, Grubin interviews experts, researchers and patients to provide a comprehensive overview of the pharmaceutical industry.

Episode one covers the story of the discovery of the first drug - quinine - and explores how it revolutionized the treatment of malaria. As the pharmaceutical industry progressed, more drugs became available to solve a variety of ailments. The episode analyzes how these drugs were tested and approved for public use, highlighting the disastrous side-effects of thalidomide on pregnant women in the 1960s, which led to stricter regulations by the FDA. The episode ends with the creation of the AIDS cocktail, which marked the beginning of a new era of pharmaceutical innovation.

The second episode delves into the ongoing crisis of antibiotic resistance. It details the discovery of penicillin and how its initial success led to the overuse and abuse of antibiotics, which has caused bacteria to become resistant. The episode also explores the potential of bacteria as a source of new drugs and the importance of stewardship in preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. Grubin interviews experts who discuss the serious implications of antibiotic resistance and the need for global collaboration to tackle the issue.

The third episode examines drug development and innovation in the twenty-first century. Pharmaceutical companies are depicted as chasing the "blockbuster drug" - a medication offering a multi-billion dollar profit. The episode raises questions about the ethics of the industry and the challenges of developing a drug that truly benefits society. Grubin interviews experts who argue that the current approach to drug development is flawed, citing the need for prevention rather than treatment, and the benefits of personalized medicine. The documentary ends with a hopeful message, suggesting that real progress is being made through technological advancements and collaborations.

Throughout the documentary, Grubin interviews a range of people, including patients who have been positively impacted by specific drugs, researchers who devote their lives to discovering new treatments, and pharmaceutical company executives responsible for creating and marketing new drugs. While the perspective of pharmaceutical companies is not entirely defended, Rx: The Quiet Revolution does not hesitate to offer different perspectives and comprehensive analysis of the pharmaceutical industry.

The impact of the pharmaceutical industry on patients is a recurring theme throughout the series. Viewers are introduced to people who rely on medication for their daily lives; some share their stories of the barriers they face in acquiring the medicine they need, while others describe how they have been cured of life-threatening diseases. These personal stories are compelling and remind viewers that the industry is not just a business but a lifeline for millions of people.

Another noticeable feature of the documentary is the impressive production quality. Stylized visualizations and animations help explain complex scientific concepts in an accessible way, and Grubin's eloquent narration makes the content more engaging. The use of historical footage when detailing medical breakthroughs also adds to the educational value of the documentary.

Overall, Rx: The Quiet Revolution is a thought-provoking and informative documentary series that offers a nuanced examination of the pharmaceutical industry. The documentary wisely avoids painting the industry as a savior or villain and instead presents a balanced and comprehensive analysis of the subjects it covers, which include the history, innovation, and ethical concerns of pharmaceuticals. While the story of the industry is ongoing, Rx: The Quiet Revolution offers viewers a greater understanding of how pharmaceuticals have changed the world and where the industry is headed.

Rx: The Quiet Revolution is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between April 2, 2015 and on PBS