Netflix's "intimate" Matthew Perry documentary unveils emotional trailer ahead of October release

The One About Matthew Perry, the upcoming documentary from Netflix, has unveiled its full trailer. Telling the story of the late Friends star, the three-part series is scheduled to be released on the streamer next month.

The documentary is centred on the late actor, who passed away in October 2023 at the age of 54. As well as assessing his legendary performance as Chandler Bing in the beloved sitcom, the series will feature interviewers from his closest friends and peers.

"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," reads the logline.

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Ahead of its premiere in October, Netflix has released a two-minute trailer, with several scenes from Friends being intercut with an interview involving Perry. One of his siblings, in their own interview, said that Perry's story was a mix of "comedy and tragedy".

The rest of the trailer touches on his legacy, ranging from his acting work to his advocacy. Several close friends opine that he would want to be remembered for making people laugh, while one interviewee says that the actor "saved" his life.

The documentary, which is directed and produced by Mary Robertson, is billed as a "raw record of a life lived in full", with the series set to depict "the honesty that became his [Perry's] greatest legacy".

Speaking to Tudum, Robertson said: "Matthew Perry was one of the comedic geniuses of our time. 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," they added.

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Mia Perry Bowick, the late actor's sister, said of the documentary: "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.

"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."

The One About Matthew Perry is released on Netflix on 27 October.

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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media.  His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.