Netflix’s new documentary series, The One About Matthew Perry, revisits the life, career and struggles of the actor best known for playing Chandler Bing in the popular sitcom Friends. Released on October 27, 2026, the three-part series examines Perry’s long battle with addiction, the relationships that shaped his life and the circumstances surrounding his death in 2023. The documentary has also attracted attention for its critical reception, with a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes at the time of reporting.
Rather than focusing only on Perry’s fame and achievements, the series explores the difficult experiences behind his public image. Through interviews with family members, close friends and people who worked with him, it examines how his addiction affected his relationships and how those closest to him viewed the events leading up to his death.
Perry’s younger half-sister, Mia Perry Bowick, is among the contributors to the documentary. His friends Roger Castillo and David Pressman also share their experiences, while Warren Littlefield, the former NBC Entertainment president who helped bring Friends to television, offers insight into the actor’s career. The series also draws on photographs and videos from the Perry family archive, presenting a more personal picture of the actor away from the spotlight.
Members of Perry’s inner circle describe feeling betrayed by people they believe took advantage of his addiction and financial resources. Their accounts raise questions about the responsibilities of those who remain close to someone struggling with substance dependence, particularly when that person has money, fame and access to powerful networks.
The documentary examines how Perry’s vulnerability may have left him exposed to people who supplied him with drugs rather than helping him seek lasting treatment. His sister and friends reflect on the difficulties of watching someone they cared about repeatedly struggle with addiction, even as he continued to pursue sobriety.
Perry’s battle with substance use began decades before his death. He had reportedly become dependent on pain medication after receiving Vicodin following a Jet Ski injury while filming the 1997 romantic comedy Fools Rush In. What followed was a prolonged cycle of treatment, recovery attempts and relapses that he later discussed publicly.
At the height of his career, Perry was one of television’s most recognisable comedy actors. Friends, which ran from 1994 to 2004, became a global hit and established him as a household name. His performance as Chandler, known for his sarcasm and comic timing, made him a fan favourite. However, the success of the sitcom existed alongside personal difficulties that became increasingly difficult to manage.
Perry later spoke openly about his addiction and his efforts to recover. In 2013, he opened a sober-living facility, reflecting his interest in supporting people dealing with substance dependence. He also continued working in television, film and theatre, including writing and performing in The End of Longing, a play staged in London’s West End in 2016.
His death in October 2023, at the age of 54, shocked fans and colleagues around the world. The medical examiner determined that the acute effects of ketamine were the primary cause of death, with drowning also contributing. The circumstances prompted investigations into how the drug had been obtained and the role played by people around him.
The case led to criminal proceedings against several individuals accused of supplying ketamine to Perry. His personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, admitted to administering ketamine to the actor. Investigators also examined the involvement of medical professionals and drug suppliers, exposing concerns about the illegal distribution of the substance and the exploitation of a person struggling with addiction.
Jasveen Sangha, who was described by prosecutors as the “Ketamine Queen”, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison in April 2026. The case became a major part of the wider public discussion surrounding Perry’s death and the accountability of those who provided him with drugs.
The documentary does not feature interviews with the main Friends cast members. Instead, it concentrates on Perry’s personal relationships, the recurring nature of his addiction and the legal consequences that followed his death. Its approach has been described by critics as an intimate portrait of a gifted performer whose professional success did not protect him from serious personal struggles.
The series has received positive reviews for revisiting Perry’s story without treating his addiction as a simple cautionary tale. Its central themes include the difficulty of recovery, the limits of support from family and friends, and the danger posed by people who may exploit vulnerability for financial gain.
For viewers who remember Perry primarily as the witty Chandler Bing, the documentary offers a more complicated account of the man behind the character. It recognises his humour, talent and efforts to help others while examining the painful realities of his addiction.
By returning to the circumstances of his death and the experiences of those closest to him, The One About Matthew Perry also renews the conversation about addiction, treatment and accountability. The series presents his story as both a tribute to his life and a reminder of the risks faced by people who struggle with substance dependence.
