HBO Debuts 'Pee-wee as Himself' Documentary on Paul Reubens

The two-part HBO documentary "Pee-wee as Himself" offers an intimate look at Paul Reubens' life and career, revealing his struggles with fame, identity, and privacy. The film, directed by Matt Wolf and featuring extensive interviews and archival footage, captures Reubens' desire to set the record straight about his life, including his arrests and his coming out as gay, which he describes as a complex and somewhat forced revelation. The documentary also highlights Reubens' conflicted relationship with his iconic character Pee-wee Herman, who often overshadowed his own identity and brought both success and loss of anonymity. Premiering on HBO and Max, the film serves as a poignant final tribute, as Reubens kept his cancer diagnosis private until his death in July 2023. Critics note the documentary's candid exploration of Reubens' life, balancing his professional achievements and personal challenges, while also questioning the interplay between the man and his creation. Viewers can watch the documentary on HBO and Max, with options for streaming available worldwide through VPN services.