HBO’s Pee-wee Herman Docuseries Will Finally Answer Who He Is (Heh Heh!)

Two years after his passing, Pee-wee Herman will get the documentary treatment he rightfully deserves.

Paul Reubens will take viewers through a journey of the actor’s life and development of the Herman character. This marks the first time the actor will give intimate details about his life behind the scenes.

I Know You Are

“Pee-wee As Himself” will be equal parts entertaining and informative. Reubens aims to be more truthful about his private life than he ever has been before.

The synopsis goes like this: “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.” 

The docuseries will air in two parts. The first will cover Reubens’ childhood and how shows like “Howdy Doody,” “Captain Kangaroo,” and “I Love Lucy” developed his personality. He’d go to CalArts before joining Los Angeles based improvisation group The Groundlings. After starring in 1985’s “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” the character of Herman would take over Reubens’ life.

Part two will continue where the first part ended and have Reubens’ career skyrocket thanks to the Emmy winning “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.” The comedian will discuss his fame and his downfall turned revival. 

But What Am I

Reubens passed away in July 2023 at the age of 70 after a battle with both myelogenous leukemia and metastatic lung cancer. 

Prior to his death, Reubens was able to revitalize the Herman character with a stage show called “The Pee-wee Herman Show,” which would be turned into its own HBO special. He also appeared in character on various late night programs. Not to mention a star studded Netflix movie titled “Pee-wee’s Big Holiday.”

40 hours of interviews were conducted and an additional 1,000 hours of archival footage were sifted through. 

Featured commenters include Reubens’ old castmates like Laurence Fishburne and the late Lynne Marie Stewart. Natasha Lyonne, S. Epatha Merkerson, Debi Mazar, David Arquette, Laraine Newman, Cassandra Peterson, Tim Burton and Judd Apatow will also provide insight.

Benny and Josh Safdie produce alongside Reubens.

Both episodes of the two part docuseries “Pee-wee As Himself” premiere back-to-back on HBO on Friday May 23 at 8 PM.