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

How we think about death shapes how we live. These white papers explore what’s changing in the way we approach end of life, and what it will take to build a world where everyone can live well through it.

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.