ITV to revisit Matthew Perry’s life, addiction struggles and the investigation into his death
Friends star, actor Matthew Perry
Tuesday 27 October 2026
A documentary examining the life and death of Friends star Matthew Perry will air on ITV1 tonight (Tuesday 27 October), marking the third anniversary of the actor’s death.
Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy will be broadcast at 11pm on ITV1 and will also be available on ITVX, STV and STV Player.
The one-off film explores Perry’s life, his struggles with addiction and the circumstances surrounding his death, as well as the lasting impact he had on millions of fans around the world.
Inside the investigation into Perry’s death
Produced by ITN Productions, the documentary examines the criminal investigation surrounding the actor’s death, including developments in the case involving Dr Salvador Plascencia, who was accused of supplying Perry with ketamine.
The film brings together interviews with Hollywood insiders, medical professionals and people involved in reporting on and investigating the circumstances of Perry’s death.
Among those featured is Martin Estrada, who served as US Attorney for the Central District of California, alongside US Sun journalist Katy Forrester.
Friends co-star reflects on Perry’s struggles
Morgan Fairchild, who played Chandler Bing’s mother, Nora Tyler Bing, in Friends, also contributes to the documentary.
The actress speaks candidly about working alongside Perry on the hugely successful sitcom and his struggles with drug addiction.
Perry became a household name through his portrayal of Chandler Bing in Friends, which ran for ten seasons from 1994 to 2004. His performance made him one of television’s most recognisable comedy actors, with the series continuing to attract audiences long after its original run.
The actor died on 28 October 2023, aged 54, after being found unresponsive in the hot tub at his Los Angeles home. His death was subsequently ruled an accident, with the acute effects of ketamine identified as the primary cause.
When and where to watch
Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy was originally commissioned by Peacock/NBC and first aired on the US streaming service in February 2025.
Blue Ant Studios oversees the documentary’s international licensing and distribution.
The film returns to UK television as fans mark three years since Perry’s death, revisiting both his enduring television legacy and the questions surrounding the circumstances in which he died.
Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy airs tonight, Tuesday 27 October, at 11pm on ITV1, with availability on ITVX, STV and STV Player.
