In the HBO documentary, “Pee-wee as Himself,” Reubens discusses his early inspirations, his fame, his foibles and, briefly, his brushes with the law.

A new documentary airing on HBO tonight will serve as the definitive portrait of Paul Reubens and his comedic alter-ego Pee-wee Herman. “Pee-wee as Himself” was primarily filmed prior to Reubens’ death in July 2023 and includes voice recordings done the day before he passed.

With more than 40 hours of interviews, director Matt Wolf has fashioned a compelling, three-hour-plus documentary that still leaves questions unanswered.