If you grew up laughing at the quirky charm of Pee-wee Herman or you’re just discovering the magic behind the red bow tie, there’s a new documentary that you shouldn’t miss. Pee-wee as Himself is more than a simple tribute to a beloved character. It offers a revealing look into the life of Paul Reubens, the brilliant and often misunderstood creator of Pee-wee.
Pee-wee, Unmasked: Watch the Documentary Event
The two-part documentary Pee-wee as Himself made its debut on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 8 PM ET/PT on HBO, with both episodes airing one after the other. If you missed the premiere, you can still stream it anytime on Max in the US. For UK residents, the documentary premiered on Saturday, May 24, 2025 on Sky Go or NOW TV.
- Episode 1 Part One – May 23, 2025
- Episode 2 Part Two – May 23, 2025
Step Inside Pee-wee’s World – Watch the Trailer
How to Watch Pee-wee as Himself from Outside the US?
HBO Max content is generally unavailable outside the US due to regional licensing restrictions. In these situations, a VPN can help by routing your internet through the US server.
If you’re looking for a high-performance and a trusted VPN, NordVPN is a top choice. It offers fast streaming speeds, strong security features, and a large network of servers worldwide, including plenty in the US. This means you can watch Pee-wee as Himself and other region-locked content smoothly and securely.
Unmasking Pee-wee: The Real Story Behind the Character
The first episode takes viewers through Paul Reubens’ early years, beginning in Sarasota, Florida, and continuing through his education at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). It highlights how his time with the Groundlings improv group led to the creation of his legendary character, Pee-wee Herman, in 1978. The episode traces Pee-wee’s growth from a stage act to a cultural sensation, including the hit HBO special and the beloved 1985 film Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. Reubens shares his thoughts on his artistic journey, his love for performance, and the challenge of separating his personal identity from his on-screen persona.
The second episode offers a deeper, more personal look into Reubens’ life. It explores the challenges he faced with fame, media scrutiny, and personal privacy, especially following his 1991 arrest. The documentary also touches on his decision to keep his sexuality private and the internal struggles he faced with self-acceptance. Through interviews with Reubens, close friends, and collaborators, the episode paints a portrait of a talented, complex, and resilient performer who stayed deeply committed to his craft despite personal and public obstacles.
