Blab Entertainment
Netflix to Release Three-Part Docuseries on Matthew Perry on Oct. 27, 2026
Netflix has announced that it will debut a three‑part documentary series titled The One About Matthew Perry on October 27, 2026. The date falls almost exactly three years after the actor’s accidental overdose on October 28, 2023, and marks a moment of reflection for fans and the industry alike.
The series is billed by the streaming service as the first in‑depth documentary about the former Friends star. Directed and executive produced by Mary Robertson—known for her 2023 feature Quiet On Set: The Dark Side Of Kids TV—the project is produced through Robertson’s Maxine Productions. Netflix’s release notes say the docuseries will include never‑before‑seen family photographs and videos from the Perry archive, along with interviews with longtime friends and creative partners. The notes do not confirm whether any of the original Friends cast will appear.
Matthew Perry (August 19, 1969 – October 28, 2023) was an American‑Canadian actor who rose to international fame as Chandler Bing on NBC’s sitcom Friends (1994‑2004). His career spanned roles on Ally McBeal, The West Wing, The Ron Clark Story, and the NBC series Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. He also co‑created, co‑wrote, executive‑produced, and starred in the ABC sitcom Mr. Sunshine (2011) and the CBS revival of The Odd Couple (2015‑2017). Perry earned several Primetime Emmy nominations and became a vocal advocate for addiction recovery after his own struggles with drugs and alcohol.
In October 2023, Perry died from the acute effects of ketamine use, compounded by accidental drowning. Five people were charged in connection with his death; all pleaded guilty and received sentences ranging from house arrest to prison terms. The actor’s death sparked renewed public discussion of substance‑use issues in Hollywood.
Mary Robertson said in a statement that the project “aims to show the man behind Chandler Bing and Perry’s candid public discussions of addiction.” She added that “he was one of the comedic geniuses of our time, but the public only knew part of his story.” Robertson’s previous work has focused on the darker aspects of television production, and she has expressed a long‑standing interest in telling the personal stories of performers.
Perry’s sister, Mia Perry Bowick, a licensed psychotherapist, is a central figure in the series. In interviews released by the documentary’s producers, Bowick described the project as an effort to share what it was like to love her brother “through all the complexity of his life.” She said, “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.” Bowick’s involvement provides an intimate perspective that has not previously been available to the public.
Netflix’s decision to release the series on the anniversary of Perry’s death aligns with the company’s broader strategy of producing biographical documentaries that explore the lives of deceased actors. The platform has released similar projects, such as The One About Matthew Perry, which aim to contextualize a star’s career while addressing personal challenges. The timing also positions the series for viewership during the fall streaming season, a period when audiences often seek new original content.
At present, the series has not yet revealed a full list of interviewees beyond Bowick and the unnamed “friends and creative partners.” No confirmation has been issued regarding appearances by former Friends co‑stars. Netflix will make the series available on its global platform on October 27, 2026, and viewers can expect a comprehensive look at Perry’s life, career, and the factors that shaped his legacy.
The docuseries will likely generate interest from fans of Friends, scholars of television history, and those following discussions about addiction and mental health in the entertainment industry. As the release approaches, additional details about the production and participant roster may emerge, but for now the series remains a singular, in‑depth portrait of a beloved actor whose influence continues to resonate.
The series is billed by the streaming service as the first in‑depth documentary about the former Friends star. Directed and executive produced by Mary Robertson—known for her 2023 feature Quiet On Set: The Dark Side Of Kids TV—the project is produced through Robertson’s Maxine Productions. Netflix’s release notes say the docuseries will include never‑before‑seen family photographs and videos from the Perry archive, along with interviews with longtime friends and creative partners. The notes do not confirm whether any of the original Friends cast will appear.
Matthew Perry (August 19, 1969 – October 28, 2023) was an American‑Canadian actor who rose to international fame as Chandler Bing on NBC’s sitcom Friends (1994‑2004). His career spanned roles on Ally McBeal, The West Wing, The Ron Clark Story, and the NBC series Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. He also co‑created, co‑wrote, executive‑produced, and starred in the ABC sitcom Mr. Sunshine (2011) and the CBS revival of The Odd Couple (2015‑2017). Perry earned several Primetime Emmy nominations and became a vocal advocate for addiction recovery after his own struggles with drugs and alcohol.
In October 2023, Perry died from the acute effects of ketamine use, compounded by accidental drowning. Five people were charged in connection with his death; all pleaded guilty and received sentences ranging from house arrest to prison terms. The actor’s death sparked renewed public discussion of substance‑use issues in Hollywood.
Mary Robertson said in a statement that the project “aims to show the man behind Chandler Bing and Perry’s candid public discussions of addiction.” She added that “he was one of the comedic geniuses of our time, but the public only knew part of his story.” Robertson’s previous work has focused on the darker aspects of television production, and she has expressed a long‑standing interest in telling the personal stories of performers.
Perry’s sister, Mia Perry Bowick, a licensed psychotherapist, is a central figure in the series. In interviews released by the documentary’s producers, Bowick described the project as an effort to share what it was like to love her brother “through all the complexity of his life.” She said, “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.” Bowick’s involvement provides an intimate perspective that has not previously been available to the public.
Netflix’s decision to release the series on the anniversary of Perry’s death aligns with the company’s broader strategy of producing biographical documentaries that explore the lives of deceased actors. The platform has released similar projects, such as The One About Matthew Perry, which aim to contextualize a star’s career while addressing personal challenges. The timing also positions the series for viewership during the fall streaming season, a period when audiences often seek new original content.
At present, the series has not yet revealed a full list of interviewees beyond Bowick and the unnamed “friends and creative partners.” No confirmation has been issued regarding appearances by former Friends co‑stars. Netflix will make the series available on its global platform on October 27, 2026, and viewers can expect a comprehensive look at Perry’s life, career, and the factors that shaped his legacy.
The docuseries will likely generate interest from fans of Friends, scholars of television history, and those following discussions about addiction and mental health in the entertainment industry. As the release approaches, additional details about the production and participant roster may emerge, but for now the series remains a singular, in‑depth portrait of a beloved actor whose influence continues to resonate.
