About The Trade

The Trade is a 2018 American television docuseries on Showtime that focuses on the opioid crisis. It gives an unflinching, close-up portrayal of the different sides of the drug trade, from addicts and their families to law enforcement and cartel members. It tackles the dark realities of the opioid crisis in ways few before have attempted.

Making / Production

The Trade was produced by the legendary Showtime network. The series was created and directed by Matthew Heineman. Heineman's prior experience in portraying drug-related violence and its impact on societies in films like Cartel Land made him the perfect choice for this project.

Actors

Note: Given the documentary nature of this series, featuring real people involved in the opioid crisis, it does not feature traditional actors or scripted roles.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• While “The Trade” has the structure of a TV series, it doesn’t offer closure on the opioid epidemic, as it's an ongoing crisis.
• The director Matthew Heineman has previously worked on projects concerning drug trafficking such as the documentary film "Cartel Land".

Awards

Despite its gripping subject matter, as of yet, The Trade has not received any major awards.

Quotes

• "We are not the problem, we are the solution to the problem." - Unnamed law enforcement officer.
• "It's not a war that can be won, but it's a battle you have to fight." - Unnamed individual discussing the opioid crisis.

Music, Soundtrack

• "Opening theme song": The pulse-pounding intensity of the opening theme perfectly captures the urgency and danger inherent within the subject matter.