Conference 2026

Research

Evidence and storytelling can reshape how we live and die.

‍At End Well, our research explores the intersection of healthcare, media, and culture — showing how ideas become action and how stories shift the way individuals, families, and society approach serious illness, grief, and the end of life.

Publications

Featured White Papers

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2025

Changing the Channel on Death: How Television Can Lead the End-of-Life Revolution

Explores how television can build comfort and intention around life's most important conversations — by portraying end-of-life experiences accurately, and as a natural part of life.

  • Viewers who watched end-of-life storylines were significantly more likely to start conversations with loved ones about their wishes.
  • Authentic portrayals of illness reduced fear and encouraged planning behaviors, like updating advance directives.
  • Humor, realism, and medical expertise made difficult topics more relatable and impactful.
Download the White Paper PDF

2023

Death on Television: Flipping the Script

Our first white paper examined how U.S. television has historically portrayed death — most often through violence, accident, or sudden tragedy — rather than how most people actually die: through illness, aging, or natural causes.

  • The majority of TV deaths are violent, reinforcing fear and avoidance rather than acceptance or preparedness.
  • When death from illness or advanced age is shown, the dying are often reduced to plot points in other characters' stories.
  • Entertainment has a profound role to play in public health — preparing audiences for the universal experience of loss.
Download the White Paper PDF

The Stakes

Why Our Research Matters

End Well's research provides the evidence base for culture change — bridging media, healthcare, and lived experience so that dying well becomes part of living well.

  • 90%

    of Americans say it's important to discuss end-of-life wishes…

  • 27%

    …but only about a quarter have actually done so.

  • Families who talk about care preferences experience less stress, anxiety, and complicated grief.