Netflix sets Oct. 27 date for Matthew Perry docuseries

Netflix will release a three-part docuseries about the late Friends star Matthew Perry, titled The One About Matthew Perry, on Oct. 27, 2026, the streaming service announced on Sept. 1.

The premiere falls one day before the third anniversary of Perry’s death on Oct. 28, 2023, at age 54, and 15 days from now. Perry lived in Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto as a child, The Canadian Press reported, and is often described as a Canadian-American actor.

The series is directed by Mary Robertson, an Emmy winner known for Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, and produced by Maxine Productions, part of Sony Pictures Television, TheWrap reported. The executive producers are Robertson, Lisa Kalikow, Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman.

Netflix said the series traces Perry’s journey from rising comedic star to the man “the world still loves as their favourite Friend,” and offers new details on his private struggles, according to Khaleej Times. It draws on unreleased photos and videos from the Perry family’s private archive, Euronews reported.

The story is told through the people closest to him. Perry’s sister, Mia Perry Bowick, and his lifelong best friends give what Netflix called previously unheard testimony. None of the coverage read by Canada News Media says whether any of his Friends co-stars appear.

Robertson said the aim was “to let the people who knew and loved Matthew reveal the person behind the public figure,” according to TheWrap.

Perry Bowick said in a statement: “As his sister, he shaped who I am today, the person I strive to be, and the work to which I’ve devoted my life.” She also said she hopes the series “gives everyone who loved him, whether personally or from afar, a deeper appreciation for who he truly was,” The Canadian Press reported.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office attributed Perry’s death to the acute effects of ketamine, with drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine listed as contributing factors, Euronews reported. The Canadian Press said five people have been convicted in connection with his death, including his live-in personal assistant, a drug addiction counsellor and two doctors.

For Canadian viewers, Friends reruns stream in Canada on Crave,Daily Hive noted. Netflix has not published Canadian-specific release details, and no Canadian screening or event has been announced.

Netflix did not say how much of the archive footage has been seen before, or how many of the people interviewed have spoken publicly about Perry.

All three episodes are expected to be available on Oct. 27. Netflix has not said whether a trailer will be released before then.

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Via TheWrap, The Canadian Press, Euronews and Khaleej Times. Netflix’s own announcement was not read directly.