The show explores the complex relationship between Paul Reubens and his Pee-wee Herman character by interweaving the man and the character, allowing viewers to see how Reubens often hid behind Pee-wee and how this duality shaped his life and career. It highlights the struggle of living publicly as a character while maintaining a private identity, showing the nuances of his humanity and the challenges of controlling his narrative.

The documentary portrays Paul Reubens as someone who tries to control the narrative about his life and legacy, especially in the face of public scandals and media witch hunts. It shows his jousting with the director over the direction of the film and his desire to have the final word on his story, reflecting a broader theme of his lifelong struggle to manage how he is perceived by the public.

The documentary interweaves the persona of Pee-wee Herman with Paul Reubens the man, blurring the lines between character and creator. It presents their relationship as complex and layered, allowing viewers to decide what is real and what is performance. Reubens himself engages playfully with this ambiguity, reflecting a puckish, Pee-wee-like fencing with the interviewer.

'Pee-wee as Himself' delves into the complexities of Paul Reubens' humanity, revealing layers of his personality beyond the Pee-wee Herman character. The documentary explores his private life, his struggles with public perception, and his experiences as a nonconformist, offering an honest and nuanced portrait that allows viewers to interpret him as a magical dreamer, a control freak, kindhearted, troubled, or a mixture of these traits.

'Pee-wee as Himself' employs a truthful, real, and respectful tone, avoiding glorification or vilification. It uses extensive interviews, archival footage, and careful editing to create an intimate and honest slice-of-life portrait. The style is both illuminating and nostalgic, with music and editing choices that enhance the storytelling, making it feel like a trip down memory lane as well as a revealing personal journey.

The documentary acknowledges the public scandals and allegations that affected Paul Reubens' image but does so with nuance and without sensationalism. It shows how media perceptions cemented a negative image and contrasts that with a more compassionate and complex understanding of Reubens' life and character. The film resists framing him as a victim, instead presenting his story on his own terms.

'Pee-wee as Himself' offers a rare, final statement from Paul Reubens himself, providing astonishing honesty about his life and career. It reveals the charismatic man behind the iconic character, including his early days with The Groundlings troupe and his creative process. The documentary highlights his ahead-of-his-time approach to nonconformity and his desire not to be reduced to a simple narrative, enriching the understanding of his cultural impact and personal legacy.