"The One About Matthew Perry" Review: A Moving Look Beyond the Friends Star

I’ve never shied away from saying I dislike “Friends.” While some argue that the sitcom borrowed heavily from Fox’s “Living Single”, which premiered a year earlier, I have never found “Friends” funny.

I tried watching numerous episodes, but the humor never resonated with me. The show premiered when I was thirteen, in seventh grade, and concluded a decade later when I turned twenty-three and was serving in the Air Force.

That said, I generally enjoyed the cast in projects outside of the sitcom. My introduction to Matthew Perry predates “Friends”: I first saw him in “A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon” and in guest appearances on “Growing Pains” and “Beverly Hills, 90210”.

The filmmakers wisely chose not to interview the surviving Friends cast members. Personally, I believe their involvement could have shifted the focus away from the documentary’s core: Matthew Perry as a person, not merely a television star.

I particularly enjoyed learning about the backstory behind “Fools Rush In”, including Perry’s desire to approach the role with more sincerity and less emphasis on comedy. This detail adds another layer to a performance I have appreciated for years.

Another interesting revelation involves Perry’s growing passion for playwriting. Had he lived longer, I wouldn’t have been surprised if he eventually stepped away from acting to focus on writing plays.

While the documentary offers many fascinating insights, the three-episode structure occasionally stretches material that might have benefited from tighter pacing.

Nevertheless, the final episode is particularly emotional. I admit I was touched to learn that TMZ reported Perry’s death before some of his family members had even been notified. The episode also provides a cautionary lesson about the people we allow into our inner circles.

Ultimately, “The One About Matthew Perry” succeeds by examining a complicated man without reducing him to his addiction or his most famous role. His accomplishments are celebrated, while his struggles are not overlooked.

While the documentary did not leave me wanting to revisit Friends, my eyes were misty by the time the credits rolled. More importantly, I walked away with a newfound appreciation for Perry—not just as an actor, but as a person.

Final Grade: B

“The One About Matthew Perry” is streaming now.