ITV confirms air date for Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy amid trial updates on actor's death
The actor sadly died in 2023.
A brand new documentary looking into the tragic death of Matthew Perry is coming to ITV this summer, having never before been aired for UK audiences.
The documentary, Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy, will feature brand new developments since it first aired on Peacock in the US, offering viewers a closer look into the trial of Dr Salvador Plasencia, who has been charged with giving the Friends actor ketamine.
The one-off film will air on Monday 18th August at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX, and examines the star's life and "the extraordinary circumstances around his tragic death and the impact he had on fans across the world".
Perry died at the age of 54 in October 2023 and tributes poured in worldwide, with his Friends co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer releasing a joint statement following his death.
"We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family," the statement read. "There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.
"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."
The documentary features unique and revealing interviews with Hollywood insiders, journalists, medical professionals and Martin Estrada, the district attorney at the Central District of California US Attorney’s office at the time of Perry's death.
Perry's on-screen mother and Friends co-star Morgan Fairchild is also featured in the documentary, as she speaks candidly about Perry's drug addiction and working alongside him on the hit sitcom.
Ian Russell, ITN Productions' head of international programmes, said: "Matthew Perry’s story is known the world over. In making this documentary, our US and UK-based production team wanted to look beneath the headlines to tell a detailed story of this Hollywood star.
"Matthew Perry’s story is truly a Hollywood tragedy. We set out to present the complexities around his life, the tragic circumstances around his death and his place in popular culture with sensitivity and insight."
The documentary first aired on Peacock back in February and rose up on the streamer's Top 10 list of most watched shows in its first week.
Sasha Breslau, ITV's head of content acquisitions, added: "We’re pleased to bring this in-depth and fascinating film to ITVX, documenting the life of one of television's best loved actors, Matthew Perry.
"The film hears first hand from those who knew Matthew, as well as telling the story of his untimely passing with updated developments not seen before."
Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy will air on Monday 18th August at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
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Authors
Katelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.
