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Season 1 – Pee-wee as Himself

Play trailer 2:13 Poster for Season 1 – Pee-wee as Himself Premieres Fri May 23 Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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Driven by a soul-baring interview with Paul Reubens, the man behind the iconic character Pee-wee Herman, PEE-WEE AS HIMSELF is the definitive portrait of the comedic performer, and a window into his never before discussed personal life. Determined to correct the record and tell the factual story of his life, Reubens excavates his kaleidoscopic influences, origins in the circus and avant-garde performance theater, and career choices, while reflecting on the reasoning behind, and the consequences of, severing his beloved alter ego from his authentic self.

Critics Reviews

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Drew Taylor TheWrap The film is a heartwarming and ultimately heartbreaking documentary about a true creative genius that winds up being just as colorful, off-the-wall and invigorating as its subject matter. Feb 4, 2025 Full Review Cristina Escobar RogerEbert.com By the end, I felt ready to buy a “Justice for Paul Reubens” T-shirt and wear it around Park City. Feb 1, 2025 Full Review Kristy Puchko Mashable Thought-provoking, boldly funny, and emotionally riveting, Pee-wee as Himself is Paul Reubens' gift to us as grown-ups, as it reveals how hard that lesson can be, and how we must keep pushing ourselves to learn it. Jan 30, 2025 Full Review Rodrigo Perez The Playlist ...“Pee-Wee As Himself” is a fascinating look at a complex artist, the comedy and joy he spread, his triumphs and tribulations, but also the scars that left him with lifelong distrust—openly evinced in the open struggle between artist and filmmaker. Rated: B+ Jan 30, 2025 Full Review Nick Johnston Vanyaland Just so good it’s practically painful to watch, even as it’s a frequently joyous celebration of his life. Jan 29, 2025 Full Review Cory Woodroof For the Win (USA Today) As much as this is the definitive Pee-wee Herman documentary project, it’s also one of the great celebrity documentaries we’ve gotten. Jan 29, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Cast & Crew

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Matt Wolf

Director

Matt Wolf

Executive Producer

Josh Safdie

Executive Producer

Benny Safdie

Executive Producer

Ronald Bronstein

Executive Producer

Eli Bush

Executive Producer

Episodes

Episode 1 Airs Fri May 23 Part One Part one details Reubens' childhood and desire to be an actor, inspired by such television shows as "Howdy Doody," "Captain Kangaroo," and "I Love Lucy." He finds acceptance at CalArts, where he hones his performance art skills. At the Los Angeles improv group The Groundlings, Reubens creates the alter ego of Pee-wee Herman and puts on a live late-night show that becomes a cult sensation and evolves into a popular tour. The hit 1985 film "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" makes him a global sensation. Subsuming himself into the character of Pee-wee, Reubens hides his personal life, and recognizes too late that fame makes for a complicated companion. Details Episode 2 Airs Fri May 23 Part Two Reubens' profile continues to grow with an Emmy®-winning weekly Saturday morning television show "Pee-wee's Playhouse," which unabashedly celebrates diversity and nonconformity. The episode explores the casting, production design, and creative process of the show that ran for five seasons. Reubens talks candidly about his fame as a pop culture icon and the lows he endured as he faced rumors, vilification, and the vitriol of the media. Reemerging as a cult figure with cameo roles in films and TV shows, a Broadway revival of his Pee-wee stage show, and a final Pee-wee film, Reubens refuses to have his legacy be defined by media scandals based on false rumors. He shares final words with the public, reinforcing his lifelong dream to bring joy, creativity, and acceptance to everyone. Details
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Pee-wee as Himself — Season 1

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Pee-wee as Himself — Season 1

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Season Info

Director
Matt Wolf
Executive Producer
Matt Wolf, Josh Safdie, Benny Safdie, Ronald Bronstein, Eli Bush, Kyle Martin, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, Sara Rodriguez
Network
HBO
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date
May 23, 2025