Inside Netflix's Deeply Moving New Matthew Perry Docuseries

Before landing the role that turned him into a global household name, Matthew Perry made a desperate plea to the universe. Facing years of rejection in Hollywood, the aspiring actor prayed for stardom at any cost. That moment of youthful longing became a poignant shadow over the rest of his life, especially as global celebrity failed to fix his deepest personal struggles. Now, a three-part Netflix docuseries titled *The One About Matthew Perry* delivers an intimate retrospective on the late star. The project explores the full scope of his journey, moving past simple sitcom nostalgia to examine how public adoration intersected with private turmoil.

Watch

Clips tied to this story.

▶Watch on YouTube

Spanning three hourlong installments, the series captures Perry's path from a quick-witted young talent trying to break into the industry to an international sensation on *Friends*. It candidly depicts his complex relationship with Chandler Bing, the sarcastic, vulnerable character that defined his career. Yet the episodes venture far beyond his years on the soundstage. According to reports, the documentary treats his fame as a lens to explore deeper themes of faith, companionship, professional ambition, and his commitment to helping fellow substance abusers find sobriety.

BUZZBEAT

Perry passed away on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54, after losing consciousness in a hot tub at his Los Angeles residence due to the acute effects of ketamine. Rather than framing his death as shocking sensationalism, the production presents it as the heartbreaking end of a multi-decade battle between intense addiction and hard-fought recovery. By viewing his final months through the broader arc of his lifelong health battles, the documentary honors the vulnerability that endeared him to audiences worldwide. It offers a bittersweet reflection on an icon who gave so much joy to millions while quietly fighting for his own peace.