The one about love. The one about laughter. “The One About Matthew Perry,” the Netflix documentary about the late “Friends” star, is set to premiere Oct. 27, and a trailer was released ahead of its release on Tuesday.
The two-minute trailer chronicles Perry’s experience with fame and her realization that it wasn’t everything she really wanted. Using testimony from his sister, Mia Perry Bowick, and several close friends, as well as unreleased photos and videos from the Perry family’s private archive, the three-part series examines his career as a beloved actor and comedian, while also revealing details about his long struggle with drug abuse and his attempts at sobriety. The film’s release coincides with the third anniversary of Perry’s death.
“It took time for me to feel ready to share these memories and what it was like to love Matthew despite all the complexity of his life, to see him as a whole person, not just as Chandler or someone who struggled with addiction,” Perry Bowick said in a statement. “As his sister, he shaped who I am today, the person I strive to be, and the work I have devoted my life to. Matthew had a beautiful heart and a generous spirit, and even in his darkest moments he could make you laugh and feel loved. I hope this series gives everyone who loved him, personally or from afar, a deeper appreciation of who he truly was and the legacy he left alive.”
In addition to Perry Bowick’s testimonies, the series will also feature firsthand stories from Perry’s friends David Pressman and Roger Castillo, as well as several ex-girlfriends. There will also be new interviews with Perry’s collaborators from her early sitcom work and subsequent TV and film career, as told by former NBC Chairman Warren Littlefield and Season 1 writer Jeff Strauss; these will include a first-hand account of Perry’s “Friends” audition and the creation of Chandler Bing. It will also provide new first-hand accounts of his addiction and recovery journey shared by those closest to him.
The documentary is directed by Mary Robertson and executive produced by Robertson, Lisa Kalikow, Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman. Lora Moftah is co-executive producer along with producer Jessica Call and production company Maxine Productions, part of Sony Pictures Television.
“Matthew Perry was one of the comedic geniuses of our time,” Robertson said. “Through his numerous film, television and stage performances and his unforgettable role as Chandler Bing, he has made millions of us laugh, connect and feel a little less alone. And he has given us so much more by speaking boldly about addiction. But the public only knew part of his story. That’s why we decided to make this series: to help the people who knew and loved Matthew reveal the person behind this public figure.”
Watch the full trailer here: