Netflix Docuseries: Matthew Perry’s Family Details His Final Years

Netflix has released a three-part docuseries titled 'The One About Matthew Perry,' which examines the late actor’s life and death through the accounts of his family and close friends. The series, directed by Mary Robertson, centers on Perry’s younger half-sister, Mia Perry Bowick, who serves as the primary narrator. Bowick, a therapist, describes the experience of sharing a loved one with the global public during the peak of 'Friends' popularity. The show avoids interviews with former co-stars from the sitcom, as well as long-time friends and collaborators like Hank Azaria, Bradley Whitford, and Aaron Sorkin.

Perry’s struggle with substance abuse began in the late 1990s. He started taking prescribed painkillers after sustaining an injury on the set of the 1997 film 'Fools Rush In.' This initial use marked the beginning of decades of cycles involving relapse, detox, and periods of sobriety. His addiction continued to impact his professional life, interfering with projects such as 'Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.'

The series traces Perry’s health crises in detail. In 2018, he fell into a coma caused by sepsis resulting from opiate use. The show also addresses the 2021 'Friends' reunion, presenting it as a source of significant anxiety for Perry. He was still recovering from his coma and its complications at the time. Viewers who watched the reunion online noted his mannerisms and appearance, comments that hurt Perry, who was largely unaware of the extent of his recovery needs at that moment.

Perry chose to share his history publicly in later years. He released a memoir in 2022 and used his platform to help others with similar issues. Consequently, the docuseries does not offer major new revelations. Instead, it collates established facts with personal testimonies from those who witnessed his battles up close. The series includes previously recorded audio of Perry speaking about his life, alongside archival clips from his screen work and interviews.

Interviews in the series feature Perry’s close friends Roger Castillo and David Pressman. They recall pre-fame nights spent with Perry and Azaria at the Formosa Cafe in West Hollywood. The cast also includes multiple ex-girlfriends and a younger friend from one of his rehab stints. Jonathan Lynn, the director of 'The Whole Nine Yards,' speaks to Perry’s artistic ability. The series situates the run of 'Friends' within Perry’s broader life, covering his childhood between his parents' separate households and his attempts at new career directions after the show ended.

The final minutes of the series address the circumstances of Perry’s death in October 2023. He died from a ketamine overdose. The show notes that multiple criminal convictions resulted for his dealers and live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who administered the fatal dose. A former U.S. Attorney provides legal context in the closing segment. Bowick offers a sharp critique of Iwamasa’s role, arguing that he should have informed family members about Perry’s ketamine use. She describes intimacy as both Perry’s greatest fear and his greatest wish.

The series positions itself as the story of Perry’s life as told by his family, friends, and Perry himself. It relies on the voices of those closest to him rather than the famous cast members from his most recognized role. The three episodes are now available for streaming on Netflix.