Netflix releases Matthew Perry docuseries without Friends cast

Netflix released The One About Matthew Perry on Monday, a three-part docuseries directed by Mary Robertson. The series runs for a total of 270 minutes and examines the actor's life through the perspectives of people close to his personal and professional struggles.

The documentary excludes all five surviving co-stars from the hit NBC sitcom Friends. No members of the main cast appear in the film, nor do high-profile writers or producers from the show's later seasons. The only individual from the Friends production team included is Jeff Strauss, a writer for the first season. Warren Littlefield, who served as the entertainment president at NBC when the show aired, also appears.

Robertson, who previously directed Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, chose to center the narrative on individuals who knew Perry outside the spotlight of his biggest television role. The primary narrator is Mia Perry Bowick, Perry's younger sister. She was born when he was 14 and grew up as the sibling of a celebrity. Bowick became a psychotherapist after observing Perry's decades of battles with addiction.

Bowick provides accounts of learning about Perry's first rehabilitation stint from a tabloid headline and details the events of the day he died. Other key contributors include Roger Castillo and David Pressman, friends from Perry's early years in Hollywood. These individuals recall his time struggling as an actor in cheap apartments and frequenting the Formosa Cafe in Los Angeles.

The series also features several former girlfriends who knew Perry intimately but were not among his most famous partners. René Ashton and Rome are included in the cast of interviews. Ashton, in particular, offers personal anecdotes from their relationship, including a specific reference to a private flight. The documentary positions these voices as offering a more grounded view of Perry compared to A-list celebrities who might have dominated the narrative.

Supporting figures in the recovery community play a significant role in the later episodes. Tim Harrington, who met Perry in recovery and lived at his house for a year, shares his experiences. West Huddleston, who worked with Perry on drug court advocacy campaigns, also provides context on Perry's efforts to help others after his own recovery.

The film incorporates biographical details and archival clips that cover the standard timeline of Perry's career. However, the pacing often relies on repeated talk-show footage and general discussions about the success of Friends. A cultural critic provides a brief overview of Perry's talent and the show's impact, while Littlefield offers insights from his own published book.

The series concludes by focusing on the emotional toll on those who supported Perry. The narrative emphasizes the difficulty of providing care and love to a person struggling with severe addiction, even when doing everything possible. The final segments highlight the unresolved questions and emotional weight carried by those who remained in his life until his death.