It shouldn't have been called 'The One About Matthew Perry'

I grew up watching Matthew Perry play Chandler Bing.

I would set my VCR to record at 7pm every weeknight, because it first aired at a time when there was no live tv, no streaming; no special DVD set.

I loved the show so much, I wanted to watch each episode by myself, with my sisters, with my boyfriend - so I didn't miss a single joke. Such was the cultural impact of Friends at the time.

I knew the episode titles were part of the humour; The One with Unagi, The One With Ross's Tan, The One with the Jellyfish. Even now, I recall the names of all 236 when I see re-runs.

Which is why I was looking forward to the Netfix documentary that released last week, The One About Matthew Perry.

After a life-long battle with substance abuse and depression, Perry died on Oct. 28, 2023, at age 54 following a ketamine overdose. 

We know that.

What I didn't know is just how utterly bleak the Netflix three-part series on him would be; I was lulled into a false sense of expectation, thanks mostly to that sense of nostalgia compelled by the title.

I wasn't expecting such raw reporting on Perry's insurmountable struggles with mental health issues and addictions, and for that to be most of the subject matter.

I know, this was foolish; as if I didn't already know how it would end.

As much as I could, though, I went in blind; thinking the cast would be remembering funny moments from the show, share their memories, the heartwarming reasons why Perry is so beloved.

But the show is not ‘Hollywood’, at all. There are no Friends who spoke to Netflix for it.

The One About Matthew Perry is not a jaunt down memory lane, telling the story of a little boy who just wanted to make people laugh. Re-living the highlights of Chandler Bing.

It should have come with a trigger warning. And some information about support resources.

Perry, who was so open about his diseases, and who tried so hard to get better, would have wanted that.

Anyone who has loved someone with Perry's multiple challenges (as I have) would know what I'm talking about.

And for those who don't, put it this way: the show is the 2026 equivalent of the iconic book Go Ask Alice, which was a wake up call for my generation.

The thing is, Perry's story is not just about the ‘dangers of drugs and alcohol’.

 

 

 

 

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The One About Matthew Perry shows the audience how real addiction and mental health issues are.

Like cancer; it's luck of the draw whether you survive, no matter what you do. No matter who you are.

The series reveals that Perry spent $7m US (around $10m AUD)  on treatment. With all his resources, and people who loved him, he still couldn't stop his suffering.

And that's important for us to know, before as a society we dismiss addicts especially for ‘not trying hard enough’.

Or blame them for their ‘self-inflicted’ issues.

Just go for a walk, find a hobby, get some sleep.

 

 

 

 

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The One About Matthew Perry is evidence of the damage inflicted on those who lived as he did, with major medical diseases.

It's also a brutal reminder that Perry was so much more than just Chandler Bing. A documentary about his life should not have been named with a reference to a comedy series, even the one that made him a household name.

But if that's what makes people click - and they have, as it's still trending on Netflix, that's a good thing.

The story of Perry's life not only deserves to be told, it needs to be told.