Netflix has unveiled a trailer for its documentary series about Matthew Perry, titled The One About Matthew Perry. The series focuses on the late Friends star's life, career and struggles with addiction.
In the trailer, Perry's close friends and family members open up about the 17 Again and The Whole Nine Yards star. The footage prominently features Perry's sister, Mia Perry Bowick, who shares details about the large sums of money her sibling had spent trying to beat addiction. The trailer also includes some of Perry's most iconic on-screen moments from Friends.
In a particularly poignant moment, one person reveals how Perry “saved my life” through his own advocacy to help fellow addicts. There is also touching archival footage of Perry discussing his demons in his own words.
Series logline and description
A logline for the upcoming series reads: “Told through intimate testimonies from close family and friends, this documentary event reveals the real Matthew Perry—generous, funny, vulnerable, larger than life—and the battles he fought to become the man behind the icon. A raw record of a life lived in full, and the honesty that became his greatest legacy.”
The One About Matthew Perry is the first in-depth documentary about the actor since his death. The series will shed light on the different facets of his life, from the comedy genius to the man struggling with addiction, and also a campaigner to help others get sober.
A Netflix description goes on to state: “Tender and unflinching, the series doesn't separate Matthew's humor from his pain, or his fame from his addiction. It sits with both, the way the people who loved him had to. Millions around the world are touched by addiction - their own, or someone they love - and this series speaks directly to them.”
Release date and Perry's death
The streaming platform is releasing the three-part factual series on October 27. The programme will come out a day before the third anniversary of the star's death. Perry died on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54. He was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home. His cause of death was the acute effects of ketamine, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.
His death sent the world into mourning, with his Friends co-stars paying tribute to Perry. Prior to his death, Perry had released his 2022 autobiography, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir.
Sister's reflection
Reflecting on the decision to open up about her brother's death, Mia Perry Bowick said: “It's taken time for me to feel ready to share these memories and what it was like to love Matthew through all the complexity of his life—to see him as a whole person, not just as Chandler, and not just as someone who struggled with addiction. As his sister, he shaped who I am today, the person I strive to be, and the work to which I've devoted my life.
“Matthew had a beautiful heart and a generous spirit, and even in his darkest moments, he could still make you laugh and feel loved. I hope this series gives everyone who loved him, whether personally or from afar, a deeper appreciation for who he truly was, and the legacy he leaves behind.”
The One About Matthew Perry will be released on Netflix on October 27.
