Why Matthew Perry's Friends co-stars are missing from his Netflix documentary

Matthew Perry's famous five Friends co-stars will be absent from his new Netflix documentary.

The three-part docuseries – called The One About Matthew Perry, in a nod to the 90s sitcom's signature episode titles – will instead feature various interviews from other friends and loved ones who admired the late star.

A source claimed to Page Six about Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer's absence: 'They were reached out to and decided not to participate. 

'Ultimately, the series gives a voice to other friends and colleagues in his life who have memory and love from Matthew.'

A second insider said specifically about Aniston, 57: 'There’s no way Jen would ever do something like that. She isn’t going to sit down and start crying on camera. She doesn’t want to relive it and have it be so public.'

Perry died at age 54 on October 28, 2023 from the acute effects of ketamine. 

And the documentary will arrive on the streamer nearly three years to the date, as it premieres on October 27. 

Directed by Mary Robertson, it will give viewers insight into Perry's life before his tragic death.

Mia Perry Bowick, the actor's sister, will speak for the first time about his life and legacy.

Friends' ten-season run lasted from 1994 to 2004.

The cast later reunited for a one-off special on HBO Max in 2021, reportedly earning $2.5million apiece for their return.

Kudrow, 63, reflected on why the series continues to generate such enormous residual income, while speaking to The Times this past April.

‘After Matthew died I watched the show again. Before, I only saw what I did wrong or could have done better, but for the first time I truly appreciated just how great it was,’ Kudrow explained, referencing the tragic passing of Perry, who died on October 28, 2023.

'Because there was a genius at work. And whatever any of us do in the future, we will never experience something like that again,' she reflected.

She added: 'I felt I did OK, but Jennifer and Courteney? Amazing. David and Matt? They had me laughing so hard. And then Matthew – he was just beyond us all.'

Perry was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office later revealed that his cause of death was a fatal ketamine overdose.

At the time, LeBlanc wrote on Instagram: 'Matthew. It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye. The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life.'

He added: 'It was an honor to share the stage with you and to call you my friend. I will always smile when I think of you and I'll never forget you. Never.

'Spread your wings and fly brother. You're finally free. Much love....And I guess you're keeping the 20 bucks you owe me.'

LeBlanc, 59, shared a photo of the Friends cast embracing at the finale taping in 2004, a snap previously shared in 2021.

The surviving five Friends stars also released a joint statement about Perry's tragic passing.

'We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family,' they said. 'There is so much to say, but right now we're going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.'

The actors continued: 'In time we will say more, as and when we are able.

'For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty's family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.'