Matthew Perry’s Sister Mia Perry Bowick Breaks Her Silence in New Netflix Documentary

Matthew Perry’s life beyond Friends is set to receive a deeply personal examination in Netflix’s upcoming three-part documentary series, The One About Matthew Perry. Among the most significant voices featured in the project is Perry’s younger sister, Mia Perry Bowick, who speaks about her brother on camera for the first time since his death.

The documentary, directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Mary Robertson, promises to look beyond Perry’s global fame as Chandler Bing and explore the man behind the beloved sitcom character. It will revisit his career, relationships, struggles with addiction and efforts to help others facing similar battles.

Mia Perry Bowick shares a different side of her brother

For years, Matthew Perry was known to audiences primarily as the sarcastic and quick-witted Chandler Bing from Friends. Away from the screen, however, he faced a long and a difficult struggle.

Mia Perry Bowick offers a family perspective on that part of his life. In the documentary’s trailer, she describes the sense of loneliness and emptiness her brother would speak about. One of the documentary’s most striking revelations is Bowick’s claim that Perry spent around $7 million on efforts to become sober, underscoring how seriously he approached his recovery.

Her appearance also adds an intimate dimension to a story that has largely been told through Perry’s own interviews and public accounts.

From Chandler Bing to a global star

Perry became an international celebrity after Friends premiered in 1994. The sitcom ran for 10 seasons and 236 episodes, turning its six central actors into household names around the world.

The documentary will revisit the beginning of that journey, including Perry’s audition for Friends and the development of Chandler Bing. Former NBC Entertainment president Warren Littlefield and first-season writer Jeff Strauss are among those providing insight into the actor’s rise on the show. But the series will not be limited to Friends. It will also look at Perry’s other film and television work, including Fools Rush In, The Whole Nine Yards, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and Mr. Sunshine.

Perry was unusually open about his addiction and recovery struggles during his lifetime. His 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, also gave readers a candid account of his experiences.

Netflix’s documentary continues that conversation through accounts from people who knew him during different periods of his life. Perry’s longtime friends, recovery companions and professional collaborators are among those featured.

Never-before-seen family material

Another key element of The One About Matthew Perry is its access to the Perry family’s private archive.

The series incorporates previously unreleased photographs and videos, giving viewers a glimpse into Perry’s life away from Hollywood. Alongside Bowick, longtime friends Roger Castillo and David Pressman also speak about their relationship with Perry for the first time on camera.

Their memories are expected to provide a more personal portrait of the actor — one that extends beyond his public image and his struggles.

A story of humour, fame and vulnerability

The documentary’s trailer juxtaposes Perry’s enormous success with his private battles. In archival footage, Perry reflects on his desire for fame and the realization that becoming famous could not resolve the problems he carried internally. For Bowick, telling her brother’s story is about presenting him as a complete person!

Netflix says the series is intended to explore Perry’s life through the memories of family, friends and colleagues who knew him closely. Director Mary Robertson has similarly described the project as an attempt to reveal all aspects of Perry’s story that the public did not see.

When will The One About Matthew Perry premiere?

The One About Matthew Perry is a three-part Netflix documentary series directed by Mary Robertson. All three episodes are scheduled to premiere globally on October 27, 2026.

Matthew Perry died on October 28, 2023, aged 54. The documentary therefore arrives shortly before the third anniversary of his death, bringing together personal memories, archival material and new interviews to revisit the life and legacy of one of television’s most recognisable comedic performers.