Matthew Perry's sister and close friends lead new Netflix doc

Netflix released The One About Matthew Perry on Monday, a three-part docuseries that examines the actor's life through the eyes of his inner circle. The series, directed by Mary Robertson, avoids a standard celebrity tribute in favor of a look at addiction from the perspective of those who lived with it. It does not feature any of Perry's co-stars from Friends, a choice that distinguishes it from other recent documentaries about the actor.

The series runs 270 minutes across three episodes. It includes interviews with people who knew Perry outside of his professional career. Notable absentees include Janice and Gunther, as well as key creative forces from the NBC sitcom. The only writer from the first season of Friends to appear is Jeff Strauss. Warren Littlefield, who served as NBC's entertainment president during the show's run, is also included.

Mia Perry Bowick, Perry's younger sister, serves as a central figure in the narrative. Born when Perry was 14, she grew up with a famous brother and became a psychotherapist. She shares memories of learning about his first rehab stint through a tabloid headline and the events of the day he died. Her account provides a personal look at the family dynamics surrounding his struggles.

Friends Roger Castillo and David Pressman discuss their time with Perry in his early years in Hollywood. They recall the group that hung out at the Formosa Cafe and lived in cheap apartments in Los Angeles. The documentary also features ex-girlfriends René Ashton and Rome, who speak about their intimate relationships with Perry. These individuals offer perspectives that focus on the personal side of his life rather than his public career.

The series includes Tim Harrington, who met Perry in recovery and lived in his house for a year. West Huddleston, who worked with Perry on drug court advocacy campaigns, also appears. These voices highlight the ongoing work related to addiction and recovery that Perry supported. The documentary aims to show the difficulty of caring for someone with addiction, even when that person is famous and wealthy.

Robertson previously directed Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV. The new series includes clips from Perry's talk show appearances and a cultural critic's commentary on his talent. While the series contains new stories from those close to Perry, it also revisits familiar talking points about the success of Friends. The documentary presents a mix of personal recollections and broader context on Perry's career and death.