Streaming service Netflix has announced the release of the documentary series The One About Matthew Perry, dedicated to the life and career of American actor Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the iconic show Friends. The project consists of three episodes and, according to its creators, will reveal previously unknown details of both the star's career and his personal life. The documentary series is set to premiere on October 27.
The Actor's Sister — the Central Figure of the Project
The main subject and narrator of the documentary series is Matthew Perry's sister, Mia Perry Bowick. She will share personal memories of her brother, and previously unpublished photographs and videos from the family archive will appear on screen. Mia admitted that it took her time to feel ready to speak publicly about her brother's life: she wanted to present Perry as a whole person, not just a star or a person with an addiction. "Matthew had a wonderful heart and a generous soul, and even in his darkest moments he could still make you laugh and make you feel loved," Netflix quotes the actor's sister as saying.
From Comedy Star to the Battle with Addiction
The creators promise to trace Perry's journey from young comedy star to one of the most renowned television artists of his generation. The series will pay special attention to his personal struggles and battle with addiction. According to the makers, viewers will learn new details about the actor's private life and his legacy of open conversations about addiction and the importance of helping those who face it. The project's director called Perry one of the greatest comedic talents of his generation and noted that the public only knew part of his story, which is why the team decided to give the word to those who personally knew and loved the actor.
The Team Behind the Camera
Mary Robertson, known for her work on the documentary series Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV and for producing Framing Britney Spears, serves as director and executive producer of The One About Matthew Perry. Other executive producers include Lisa Kalikow, Eli Holzman, and Aaron Sidman; Laura Moftak is a co-executive producer, and Jessica Cole is a producer. Netflix notes that some of the actor's "closest friends" and "creative colleagues" took part in the project, though it is not yet known whether other stars of Friends will appear in the series.
Context: The 2023 Tragedy and the Investigation
As a reminder, Matthew Perry died in October 2023 at the age of 54; the cause of death was an accidental ketamine overdose. Following this, law enforcement agencies launched an investigation into how the drug came into the actor's possession and established the involvement of several individuals in its illegal supply. Five people were arrested in the case: two doctors, Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez, the actor's personal assistant Kenneth Iwama, intermediary Eric Fleming, and drug dealer Jasvinder Sangha. The documentary series, released nearly three years after the star's death, will examine this tragedy within the broader context of his life and his public stance on addiction.
Premiere Date and Format
The three-episode documentary series The One About Matthew Perry will be released on Netflix on October 27. The project is positioned as a personal and family narrative in which archival materials are combined with the memories of loved ones, helping fans better understand what kind of person Perry was and appreciate his legacy.
