HBO has released the official trailer for The Hotline, a new documentary short that offers an intimate look inside Never Use Alone (NUA), an overdose prevention helpline serving as a crucial lifeline for people at risk of opioid overdoses.
Written and directed by Ricki Stern and Jesse Sweet (Nature of the Crime), the HBO Original documentary premieres Wednesday, November 18, 2026, on HBO and will also be available to stream on HBO Max.
About the Documentary
The Hotline provides unprecedented access to the volunteers who staff Never Use Alone, a service that connects individuals using opioids with trained operators who remain on the line during use and can contact emergency services if the caller becomes unresponsive.
Many of the hotline’s operators have personal experiences with addiction, recovery, or loss, allowing them to provide support free from judgment while offering a vital human connection during moments of crisis.
As calls unfold in real time, the documentary paints a powerful portrait of the ongoing opioid epidemic in America and highlights the extraordinary impact compassionate support can have on those facing addiction.
Beyond documenting emergencies and life-saving interventions, the film explores the emotional challenges faced by operators, many of whom view the work as part of their own recovery journeys and a way to honor those they have lost.
Featured Participants
- Never Use Alone (NUA) operators
Credits
Written & Directed By
- Ricki Stern
- Jesse Sweet
Producer
- Ricki Stern
Executive Producer
- Simon Kilmurry
Production Company
- Break Thru Films
Presented By
- HBO Documentary Films
Film Details
- Title: The Hotline
- Genre: Documentary Short
- Network: HBO
- Streaming Platform: HBO Max
- Premiere Date: November 18, 2026
- Runtime: 36 Minutes (9:00 p.m. – 9:36 p.m. ET/PT)
Synopsis
The Hotline follows the volunteers of Never Use Alone, an overdose prevention helpline that offers anonymous support to people using opioids. Through real-time calls and deeply personal stories, the documentary examines addiction, recovery, loss, and the power of human connection amid one of America’s most devastating public health crises.
The Hotline premieres November 18, 2026 on HBO and streams on HBO Max.
