Get ready for a touching tribute to a pop culture icon. Pee-wee as Himself, a heartfelt two-part documentary series about Paul Reubens, the man behind the beloved Pee-wee Herman character, is set to premiere on May 24, 2025, exclusively on JioHotstar in India. Additionally, it will also be available on Max (HBO) starting May 23, 2025.
What to Expect in Pee-wee as Himself
Directed by Matt Wolf, this documentary offers an intimate look at the life and legacy of Paul Reubens. The series includes never-before-heard interviews recorded before his passing in July 2023, along with rare archival footage and personal stories from the man who brought Pee-wee Herman to life.
Pee-wee as Himself reveals the person behind the iconic character, diving deep into Reubens’ rise to fame, his struggles, and the legacy he left behind.
The Story Behind Pee-wee Herman
Paul Reubens created the Pee-wee character during his time at CalArts and later while performing with The Groundlings improv group. Pee-wee’s Playhouse became a groundbreaking children’s TV show, and Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, directed by Tim Burton, turned Pee-wee Herman into a cultural phenomenon. The documentary highlights these key moments of Reubens’ career, showcasing his creative brilliance and the whimsical world he built.
A Glimpse into Paul Reubens’ Personal Life
What makes Pee-wee as Himself truly special is its candid exploration of Reubens’ personal life. In recordings made before his death, Reubens opens up about his identity, revealing that he was gay.
He talks about his personal struggles, fears of public judgment, and the reasons behind his private nature. The documentary also touches on the controversies in Reubens’ life, including his arrests in 1991 and 2002, offering a raw look at the emotional toll these events took on him.
Why Watch?
Pee-wee as Himself is more than just a documentary; it’s a tribute to a man who shaped children’s television and comedy. Through interviews with Tim Burton, Judd Apatow, and others, the series showcases Reubens’ immense influence on pop culture and the entertainment industry. Fans of Pee-wee Herman and those who admire Reubens’ impact on TV and film will find this documentary both eye-opening and emotional.
Watch Pee-wee as Himself on May 24, 2025
Mark your calendars for May 24, 2025, to stream Pee-wee as Himself on JioHotstar in India. The documentary will also be available on Max (HBO) starting May 23, 2025.