Netflix explores Matthew Perry’s life beyond ‘Friends’ in three part documentary

The series features unseen family photos, archival footage and interviews with people Perry helped in recovery

Netflix has released a three episode documentary series exploring the life of Matthew Perry, offering viewers a closer look at the actor beyond his role as Chandler Bing in Friends.

Titled The One About Matthew Perry, the series examines Perry’s personal experiences, relationships and struggles with addiction through interviews with family members, friends and people he supported during their own recovery journeys. Perry died at his Los Angeles home in October 2023, aged 54.

Director Mary Robertson, who previously worked on documentary projects including Quiet on Set, told Gold Derby acknowledged that the cast had been close to Perry and were grieving his death. Although the actors do not participate, the documentary includes contributions from people involved in the sitcom. Jeff Strauss, a writer and producer who worked on its first season, and Warren Littlefield, the former NBC Entertainment president who approved the pilot, are among those featured.

Perry’s family also plays a central role. His sister, Mia Perry Bowick, joined the project to help audiences understand the person behind his celebrated television character. The series includes previously unreleased family photographs and footage.

Speaking to Netflix’s Tudum, Perry Bowick explained that it had taken time for her to feel ready to share memories of her brother and the complexities of loving someone who struggled with addiction. She said she wanted viewers to see him as a whole person rather than defining him solely by his acting career or personal difficulties.

Perry was open about his addiction and used his experiences to advocate for recovery support. In 2013, he received the Champion of Recovery award at the White House for his efforts, which included helping establish a men’s sober living facility. The Matthew Perry Foundation was established after his death to continue that work.

Robertson told Vulture that she hoped the project would help people while offering both emotional comfort and entertainment.

All three episodes of The One About Matthew Perry are now streaming on Netflix.