Netflix Docuseries Tops Global TV Charts
The One About Matthew Perry, a three-episode docuseries, debuted on Netflix with strong early viewership and critical acclaim.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Substance Abuse
Netflix released The One About Matthew Perry, a three-part docuseries about the actor, globally on October 27. The series became the most-watched English-language title on the platform from October 26 to November 1, garnering 9.5 million views in six days.
Why it matters
The series' strong performance highlights continued audience demand for documentaries about public figures, particularly those connected to beloved television series. Its focus on people close to Perry, rather than current cast members from Friends, offers a different perspective on his life and career.
Netflix reported 9.5 million views, equal to 29 million viewing hours, in the six days after release, placing the series No. 4 on the global top-10 list. Rotten Tomatoes shows a 95% critics' score, though the extraction does not specify how viewership compares to other Netflix documentaries.
The players
Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry was an American actor best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the sitcom Friends, and he began his Hollywood career in Los Angeles.
Netflix
Netflix is a global streaming service that produces and distributes original programming, including documentaries and series.
The details
The docuseries is told from the perspective of people close to Perry, including his younger sister Mia Perry Bowick, Roger Castillo, David Pressman, Warren Littlefield, and Kevin Pollak. The series debuted at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and is Certified Fresh.
Timeline
October 26 to November 1, 2026: The One About Matthew Perry was the most-watched English-language title on Netflix.
October 27, 2026: The series was released globally on Netflix.
2023: Matthew Perry died.
Industry Context
Netflix's release of The One About Matthew Perry fits its ongoing strategy of producing documentaries about entertainment figures, which the platform has used to attract viewers to its library of content. The series' strong debut continues a trend of streaming platforms investing in retrospective programming about well-known performers.
The One About Matthew Perry is available to stream on Netflix globally as of October 27. Viewers can watch the three-episode series through their existing Netflix subscription.
The takeaway
The series' success shows how documentaries about public figures can draw broad audiences when they offer personal perspectives from people who knew the subject well. Viewers interested in the topics it raises can explore related reporting in the health section.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in our Substance Abuse section for context on addiction and recovery topics.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Movieweb.
