Netflix has released the trailer for its three-part documentary series on the life and death of Friends star Matthew Perry, and it promises an emotional look at the actor through the eyes of those closest to him.
Perry, who became famous as Chandler Bing in the New York-set sitcom, died in 2023 from drowning and the 'acute effects' of the horse tranquiliser ketamine.
Emotional interviews and unseen archive
The series, titled The One About Matthew Perry, features interviews with Perry's sister Mia Perry Bowick and his best friend of more than 40 years, Roger Castillo, both seen overcome with emotion during their conversations.
While none of Perry's Friends co-stars participated, contributors include show writer and producer Jeff Strauss and TV executive Warren Littlefield, who greenlit the show's pilot. The series calls itself the 'first in-depth documentary about the actor' and includes previously unreleased photos and videos from the Perry family archive.
Director's tribute
The series is directed by Emmy winner Mary Robertson, who described Perry as 'one of the comedic geniuses of our time' in the official Netflix announcement.
Robertson added: 'Through his many films, TV, and stage performances, and his unforgettable portrayal of Chandler Bing, he made millions of us laugh, connect, and feel a little less alone.'
'He also gave us so much more by bravely speaking about addiction. Yet the public only knew part of his story. That's why we set out to make this series: to let the people who knew and loved Matthew reveal the person behind the public figure.'
Fans react to trailer
The trailer has already drawn hundreds of thousands of views on social media, with many commenting on the emotional impact of hearing Perry in his own words.
In one archive clip, Perry says: 'Making people laugh. It's a world that I want to be involved in.' In another, he reflects on his plea for fame, saying: 'I said, “God, you can do anything to me, just please make me famous.” I got a phone call and I instantly knew my whole life was going to change. But God did not forget the other part.'
Perry's sister reveals in the trailer that he spent $7 million trying to get sober, adding: 'That's how seriously he took his disease.'
Online reactions included a tweet from James Prescott saying 'This is going to be emotional,' while Hannah Walsh admitted on X that she had been reduced to tears on her way to work by the trailer. @GogitoFritos commented: 'Man. It's gonna be hard but absolutely watching this.'
The One About Matthew Perry premieres on Netflix on October 27.
