Common Sense Media Review
By Polly Conway
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Drugs, language in stellar docu about beloved actor.
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Why Age 14+?
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Pee-wee as Himself
What's the Story?
PEE-WEE AS HIMSELF is a documentary about the life and career of Paul Reubens, best known as his alter ego, the manic, too-small gray suit-wearing geek Pee-wee Herman. From his idyllic childhood in Florida to early creative days at Cal Arts to developing the Pee-wee character with L.A. improv group The Groundlings, the first half of the documentary explores Reubens' rise to fame. In the '80s, Pee-wee was ubiquitous, the star of a popular stage show, two movies, and a successful children's program. The second half examines Reubens' life after his arrest in 1991, how he slowly rebuilt his career, and his relationships with friends and family.
Is It Any Good?
This sweeping documentary is a bittersweet swan song for Reubens, who gave up a part of himself in order to thrive as his beloved mischief-maker Pee-wee Herman. Pee-wee as Himself takes its time telling the ambitious Reubens' story, which makes his life's peaks and valleys even more compelling. In interviews, Reubens is straightforward (and sometimes a little cantankerous) as he shares his creative process. Viewers also get to hear new details for the first time, which are presented without fanfare: Reubens was gay, and struggled with the choice to hide his sexuality during the height of his fame. The line between the character and the real person is also deftly explored; Reubens explains his commitment to Pee-wee and describes how he essentially hid behind the character, for better or worse.
It's also a singular pleasure to watch Pee-wee's Playhouse come together, with a ragtag group of underground artists and improvisers joining up to create a magical, utterly Pee-wee world. For a generation of kids, the name Pee-wee Herman was synonymous with irreverent fun and a joyful celebration of the absurd—this doc will help cement his legacy as an essential artist of the '80s and '90s. And for younger viewers who missed out on the chaotic character and the drama surrounding him, this is a fantastic primer.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about fame. Do you think it was worth it for Reubens? What kind of sacrifices did he make for his career?
Why do you think the Pee-wee character resonated with so many people in the 1980s and beyond?
TV Details
- Premiere date : May 23, 2025
- Cast : Paul Reubens , John Paragon , Cassandra Peterson
- Network : HBO
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : June 11, 2025
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