385848 04: Actor Matthew Perry stars as Chandler Bing in NBC’s comedy series “Friends.” (Photo by Warner Bros. Television)
Netflix has announced a documentary series exploring the life and legacy of the late Matthew Perry, the man behind Chandler Bing in legendary sitcom Friends.
Friends is widely considered to be the most successful and enduring sitcom ever created; even today it finds new viewers and dedicated, life-long fans. Matthew Perry was a huge part of that. His sarcastic, energetic and forever quotable performance as Chandler Bing projected him into television stardom. Off camera, Perry suffered from a secret, decades-long battle with drug and alcohol addiction. He would go on to bravely speak in public about addiction, advocating for addiction recovery and counselling. Perry wrote about his experiences extensively in his 2022 memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. In October 2023, he sadly passed away, and the world lost a true comedy legend.
On October 27, marking three years after his passing, Netflix will release a three-part documentary series, titled The One About Matthew Perry, exploring the life and legacy of Matthew Perry. Described as an intimate exploration of his life, told by the people who knew him best, the series is directed by Emmy-winner Mary Robertson (The Fall of Diddy) and produced by Maxine Productions. Executive producers include Lisa Kalikow, Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman.
The series features exclusive testimonies from his sister Mia Perry Bowick, lifelong best friends, and firsthand memories from his creative collaborators. Viewers will also see unreleased photos and videos from the Perry family’s private archive.
Check out the official logline for the series:
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.
This documentary is the first in-depth, definitive documentary about the Friends star, serving to honour him and the immense legacy he left behind. “Matthew Perry was one of the comedic geniuses of our time,” director Mary Robertson said in a statement. ‘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.”
Perry’s sister, Mia, is interviewed in the documentary, and shares personal memories of her brother allowing fans to see him as the man he was — not just Chandler Bing. “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,” she said. “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 releases on Netflix on October 27, 2026, marking three years since the beloved actor passed away.
