Viewers of BBC’s Industry are left reeling after graduate ‘works himself to

Viewers of banking drama Industry were left reeling at the ‘realistic’ depiction of the finance industry in last night’s premiere episode that featured sex in public, drug-fuelled nights out and a character who worked himself to death.

The show, which is airing on HBO in the US and BBC Two in the UK, follows a group of ambitious graduates as they compete for a limited number of positions at Pierpoint & Co, a fictional London bank.

In a bombshell twist, one of the group, Hari (Nabhaan Rizwan) was found collapsed in a bathroom cubicle after a gruelling work schedule that saw him sleep at work and leave the office just once in 48 hours.

He kept himself awake by taking Modafinil, a drug used to treat narcolepsy that is touted as a so-called ‘smart drug’ that can help brain performance. 

The storyline echoes the real-life tragedy of Moritz Erhardt, a 21-year-old intern at Bank of America Merrill Lynch who was found dead in the shower at his east London flat in 2013.

Bombshell twist: One of the group, Hari (Nabhaan Rizwan) was found collapsed in a bathroom cubicle after a gruelling work schedule that saw him sleep at work and leave the office just once in 48 hours. Pictured, Hari curled up on the bathroom floor in the office

Sex in a bathroom: Meanwhile Robert (Harry Lawtey) gets caught up in the hedonistic side of the job and finds himself struggling to stay awake after pulling an all-nighter during which he took ketamine on the dancefloor and had sex in a club toilet (pictured)

Living the high life: A scene from the trailer showing the bankers celebrating in a club 

Struck a chord: Viewers commented how the depiction was reminiscent of the situations they had come across while working in the City in real life

Mr Erhardt, who was just days away from completing his coveted placement, had an epileptic seizure after working for 72 hours straight, although a coroner was unable to rule whether exhaustion had triggered the seizure.

While viewers were left shocked by Hari’s death, some who claimed to have first-hand knowledge of the sector said the drama reflected the characters and pressures of a real-life workplace in the City. 

One tweeted: ‘Had it on a delay but I liked #Industry, some very recognisable characters from the milk round. Not sure which bit I liked best though….’

Another posted: ‘I worked in the city for 12 months and those that I worked with were no different to what I saw in #industry. Truly revolting people.’

A third wrote: ‘Whilst it’s not really like my training contract at all, there are characters and scenes in #industry that are close enough to cause a tightening in my stomach and a surge of anxiety.’

The show is penned by British writers Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, who have firsthand knowledge of the world of international finance.

True to life: While viewers were left shocked by Hari’s death, some who claimed to have first-hand knowledge of the sector said the drama reflected the characters and pressures of a real-life workplace in the City. The writers have firsthand knowledge of the sector

Seen through the eyes of an American outsider Harper Stern (Myha’la Herrold), Industry reveals the lengths young professionals will go to secure their dream job. 

Hari is one of the few graduates who went to a state school and makes it clear from the start that he is willing to work long days to set himself apart from his private school peers.

‘I’m logging those nocturnal hours, trying to make a good impression,’ he tells Harper after three weeks at the company. 

To another graduate, Gus (David Jonsson) leaving the office shortly after 10pm, he says: ‘No one here is going to tell you this, but you need to put in face time,’ to which Gus replies: ‘No I don’t. Staying up all night isn’t going to enhance my work.’

Hari stays at the office long after his colleagues have left, washing down mystery pills with cans of Red Bull. When tiredness eventually…