All about Friends star Matthew Perry's docuseries on life, sobriety and fame

The upcoming three-part documentary series, The One About Matthew Perry, highlights the late Friends star's journey through Hollywood fame, personal heartbreak, and his $7 million fight for sobriety.

In Short

• The One About Matthew Perry explores the Friends star’s life beyond fame
• The unseen archival footage forms a central part of the documentary series
• The show is scheduled to release on Netflix on October 27

Actor Matthew Perry’s life, global stardom, and severe personal struggles are set to be explored in an upcoming three-part documentary series titled The One About Matthew Perry. Scheduled for release on October 27, 2026, the show will delve into the late actor's journey from playing Chandler Bing on Friends to his lifelong fight against substance abuse and his $7 million quest for sobriety. Featuring unseen archival footage alongside exclusive interviews with his sister Mia Perry Bowick and close personal circle, the docuseries serves as a definitive chronicle of his career, personal relationships, and health advocacy.

The three-part series will stream globally on Netflix, coinciding with the third anniversary of Perry’s death in October 2023. Designed as an in-depth retrospective rather than a standard biography, the platform release provides viewers full access to his life story, spanning his early years in Canada, his decade on prime-time television, and his final days in Los Angeles.

At the heart of the project is the sharp contrast between Perry’s public persona as one of television’s most beloved comedy actors and his private, agonising struggle with substance abuse. The docuseries explores his decade-long tenure on Friends, illustrating how his battle with alcohol and prescription medication escalated behind the scenes during the height of the sitcom's global popularity.

The narrative also addresses his extensive efforts toward recovery, drawing directly on details surrounding his $7 million quest for sobriety, which included 15 rehab stays and multiple surgical procedures. Beyond his personal health struggles, the series underscores his dedication to helping others facing similar battles, highlighting his establishment of the Perry House sober living facility and his long-term addiction advocacy.

To ensure an intimate and accurate portrait, the production secured significant participation from Perry's family and personal circle. The docuseries features deeply personal interviews with his sister, Mia Perry Bowick, alongside contributions from his stepfather, veteran broadcast journalist Keith Morrison. Viewers will also hear previously unreleased personal audio recordings, private home videos, and reflections from colleagues who witnessed both his talent on set and his off-camera anguish.

The three-part series is directed by Emmy-nominated director Mary Robertson, known for her work on high-profile investigative documentaries, and produced by Maxine Productions in association with Sony Pictures Television. The creative team aimed to move past tabloid headlines to deliver an empathetic, balanced, and authoritative chronicle of a cultural icon who sought to be remembered for his human impact rather than just his comedic timing.

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