Netflix is set to explore the life and legacy of Friends star Matthew Perry in a new three-part documentary series titled The One About Matthew Perry, directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Mary Robertson. The series will premiere on October 27.
Best known around the world for playing Chandler Bing across 236 episodes of Friends between 1994 and 2004, Perry became one of television’s most recognizable comedy stars. Away from the screen, he also spoke openly about his long struggle with addiction, turning his personal experience into an important part of his public legacy.
What Will The One About Matthew Perry Explore?
Described as the first in-depth documentary about Perry, the three-part series will look beyond his public image to tell the story of the person behind one of television’s most beloved characters.
The documentary is built around previously unheard testimony from Perry’s sister, Mia Perry Bowick, as well as his lifelong best friends. Memories from friends and creative collaborators will also offer new insight into both his career and the private struggles that accompanied it.
The series will trace Perry’s journey from a rising comedy star to the actor who became synonymous with Chandler Bing, while exploring the more complicated reality of his life away from the spotlight.
What Previously Unseen Material Will Be Featured?
The One About Matthew Perry will include unreleased photographs and videos from the Perry family’s private archive. Combined with firsthand accounts from those closest to him, the material will provide a more personal perspective on Perry’s life.
His sister Mia Perry Bowick, a licensed psychotherapist, writer and speaker, is among the central voices in the documentary. Bowick said that it had taken time for her to feel ready to share her memories of her brother and emphasized her hope that the series would allow audiences to see him as a whole person rather than solely as Chandler or through the lens of his struggles with addiction.
Who is Behind The One About Matthew Perry?
The documentary is directed by Emmy winner Mary Robertson and produced by Maxine Productions, part of Sony Pictures Television.
Robertson, Lisa Kalikow, Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman serve as executive producers, with Lora Moftah as co-executive producer and Jessica Call as producer.
Robertson described Perry as one of the comedic talents of his generation, while explaining that the documentary was created to give the people who knew and loved him the opportunity to reveal the person behind his public image.
When Will The One About Matthew Perry Premiere on Netflix?
The One About Matthew Perry will premiere on Netflix on October 27. The documentary will consist of three episodes, offering an intimate look at Perry’s career, personal struggles and lasting legacy through the memories of the people who knew him best.
