THE ONE ABOUT MATTHEW PERRY: Part One
A look at FRIENDS star Matthew Perry’s early days in Hollywood.
Should You Watch It?
Yes, but with some discernment. Part One of this documentary follows Perry’s start in Hollywood and his star-making role as Chandler on FRIENDS. The episode includes exclusive interviews with Perry’s friends and family, who share fond memories and reflect on the toll his overnight fame took on him.
It's a great docuseries episode, even if you’re not a FRIENDS superfan. It mixes archival footage of Perry’s early performances on shows like CHARLES IN CHARGE, SILVER SPOONS, and BOYS WILL BE BOYS with interviews from his sister Maria and friends like Kevin Pollak, David Pressman, and Doug Draizin. The episode covers his childhood dreams of acting, his family dynamics, his early days as an actor, and his eventual casting on FRIENDS, giving viewers a detailed look at that period of his life.
The episode strongly focuses on friendship, as many of the people interviewed are longtime friends of Perry. They share fond memories of spending time together and working toward their shared dreams of becoming actors or comedians.
There's a trong emphasis on family, with Perry’s sister Maria discussing their close relationship. Some foul language appears throughout, some suggestive comments from archival footage of FRIENDS, and discussions of Perry’s later drug and alcohol abuse. Leave the kids and younger teens out of this one, and give it a parent preview before older teens tune in.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESMatthew Perry becomes a sitcom icon for his role on FRIENDS. The actor struggled for years to make his mark in Hollywood. Part One offers an inside look at Perry’s start in the entertainment industry, featuring archival footage of his early roles and interviews with friends and family. The episode takes viewers back to the start of Perry’s rocket rise to fame, exploring his FRIENDS fame, his first big movie role, and the toll that success took on him.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars for a docuseries that offers a thoughtful, poignant look at Matthew Perry’s life and career. The story covers Perry’s early life, Hollywood beginnings, FRIENDS casting, and first big movie role clearly and concisely, without feeling rushed or like things were being skipped over.
The combination of archival footage from Perry’s TV shows and movies and old interviews, along with interviews with Perry’s friends and family, creates an interesting, well-rounded look at Perry’s career.
Even viewers with only a passing familiarity with FRIENDS will appreciate this episode’s attention to detail, strong production, and heartfelt conversations with Perry’s loved ones. The TV-MA rating means mature audiences only, so kids and younger teens should skip it, and older teens should wait until Mom or Dad takes a look.
The Worldview
A light moral worldview runs through this episode, with many moments that emphasize the importance of friendship in Perry’s life. The interviews with his friends show the strong connections Perry built with fellow aspiring actors and comedians, echoing the biblical truth that a friend loves at all times. Pro-family elements come through in his loving relationship with his sister Maria, who appears in the interviews and speaks warmly about her brother.
Light faith elements also appear, such as footage of Perry saying he prayed to God to make him famous shortly before he landed his role on FRIENDS. Christian viewers may notice that Perry turned to God in a moment of need, even if his prayer focused on fame rather than faith.
Some foul language appears, and sexually suggestive jokes from archival footage of FRIENDS episodes may surprise some viewers. Other moments of immorality pop up, like people who smoke, talk of a visit to the Playboy Mansion, and someone who explains how they married their wife after she got pregnant out of wedlock.
Perry’s drug and alcohol abuse are also discussed. One friend details a time he drove drunk, and another shares that his struggles with prescription painkiller abuse began after an injury on set. These stories offer a sobering reminder of how addiction can take hold of a life and why we need God’s grace to break free. Fans may leave with a deeper appreciation for the man behind Chandler and the battles he fought off-screen.
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
A light moral worldview, with a strong focus on friendship and family. Friends share their deep connections and fond memories of the late actor, and his sister talks about their loving relationship. A few light Christian moments appear too, such as when he shares that he prayed to God to make him famous shortly before he landed his role on FRIENDS
Foul Language
Four obscenities, including three “f” words and one “s” word, and five “OMG” profanities
Violence
No violence
Sex
Archival footage shows the actor share kisses with women, the producer of FOOLS RUSH IN explains that he based the movie on his own life after he married his wife when she told him she had his baby on the way, and someone recalls a trip to the Playboy Mansion with the actor, but no inappropriate footage or stories come up
Nudity
A promotional photo shows the actor shirtless under a vest
Alcohol Use
People drink, and friends discuss the actor’s alcohol abuse, including his first drink at 14 and a time he drove a friend home while intoxicated
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
People smoke cigarettes, and friends discuss the actor’s addiction to prescription painkillers, which began after an injury on set;
Miscellaneous Immorality
No other objectionable content.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
In archival footage, Matthew Perry shares that he prayed to God to become famous. Scripture calls us to do everything for God’s glory. How can you tell the difference between a desire to succeed in your craft and a hunger for the praise of others? 1 Corinthians 10:31
Alcohol and drug abuse plagued Perry for much of his life. In what ways does substance dependence act as a form of spiritual and psychological slavery? John 8:34
Fame, Perry hoped, would “fix” him, but he felt let down when the same mental health issues followed him after his success. How does the reality that God does not always promise an immediate “fix” to our chaos change your view of an ongoing trial? Psalm 27:14
The Final Word
Part One of THE ONE ABOUT MATTHEW PERRY pulls back the curtain on Perry’s rise to fame with exclusive interviews from the friends and family who knew him best. Funny, moving, and well crafted, the episode celebrates friendship, family, and faith. Still, strong language, drug and alcohol abuse, and other immorality make this one best for adults, not children or young teens.
