From a breezy look back at a groundbreaking classic to funhouse-mirror portraits of our politically fractured moment — our picks for the film festival’s highlights

From a breezy look back at a groundbreaking classic to funhouse-mirror portraits of our politically fractured moment — our picks for the film festival’s highlights

The Six Billion Dollar Man

(USA/Germany/France, 126 min.)

Dir. Eugene Jarecki

Programme: Special Screenings (World premiere)

On the surface, celebrated documentarian Eugene Jarecki is the perfect person to tell the complicated tale of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. He has produced fine films on complex characters in the past, from 2002’s The Trials of Henry Kissinger, to 2011’s Reagan. Deeper political discussions were held with such titles as Freakonomics, (T)error, as well as his compelling look at the ramifications of Eisenhower’s farewell speech in Why We Fight.

Assange, at the same time, is ripe for examination, going beyond the headlines portraying him as either an enemy of the people or a crusading freedom of information Robin Hood. (And a few films have already told aspects of the Assange story, from Laura Poitras’ Risk to Ben Lawrence’s Ithaka.) A carefully constructed film that delves explicitly with the contradictions of Assange is a welcome one, especially with such access to its subject. To hear from all involved, fans and detractors alike, would be a work of great journalistic impact and perhaps even cinematic importance, joining the likes of Navalny in illustrating how the right film at the right time can be both cinematically engaging and socially and politically significant.

But The Six Billion Dollar Man is no Navalny.

The most aggravating part the film is that Jarecki clearly must know how broken it truly is. The opening voiceover by the director talks about finding a way between the poles of perception, seeing the supposed truth beyond the headlines. There are numerous opportunities throughout to provide a more detailed or nuanced take on the man, or to explore the inherent ironies of a man famous for facilitating the leaking of information, who then decried his own rights being violated by similar leaks against him.

All the large questions – why the selected leaks that benefited one ground over another, why the focus of American hegemony, and why the silence of freedom of information absolutists – are left unanswered. There are a few additional interviews here that go beyond cheerleading, but they feel even more self-serving in context. An interview with Nils Melzer, the special investigator for the U.N. who testified about Assange’s allegedly tortuous conditions in the Ecuadorian embassy apartment and British prison, feels selective at best given the faceless others who shared the same location as the private jet-flying subject of this film.

Similarly, Chris Hedges, the New York Times’ investigative reporter, brings his unimpeachable journalistic bone fides to the story. He provides an endorsement for the argument that Assange is a publisher first and foremost, rather than a malicious and criminal spreader of stolen, classified information.

We hear from Assange’s lawyers, but from none who wanted to prosecute him. We hear from the former President of Ecuador who helped house Assange, but not from his successor who ended up working with the Brits to have him arrested. Only a British home secretary provides additional context, and even here Jarecki can’t help himself, presenting the posh man fiddling with his tea, his sardonic air more arrogant than revealing, making Assange’s own aloof and aristocratic aura feel almost earned.

The film deals with the sexual assault allegations put against Assange, but does so firmly from the context of his defense, making the bold claim that it was only the Swedish government (apparently, and conspiratorially, under pressure from the Americans) that the charges were levelled against the wishes of the alleged victims. Previous interviews are presented, but there’s no follow-up, especially given where the case ended up. [The case was dropped.]

Similar conspiratorial claims are made against late businessman Sheldon Adelson and his casino empire. His close ties to Trump are found to have a direct link to the Spanish company that installed surveillance equipment at the embassy. It’s a powerful allegation, and a convincing one, but it’s stated as fact by one anonymous source. There’s little in the way of providing deeper content, and it’s just left there as a fact that the U.S. is out to get Assange as part of a counteroffensive for the leaked information.

Two things can be right at the same time, of course. The U.S. may well have played a direct role in much of his legal troubles. But so too are allegations of Russian collusion between Assange and his collaborators. (Edward Snowden, himself still a resident in Moscow, provides some new context.) Anything leveled at Assange is considered false and conspiratorial. Anything that alleges nefarious intent by other state actors is considered valid concern.

Over and over people, say that Assange’s paranoia (in some cases, hints of full-on mental illness) was proven justified, echoing the cliché that just because you feel paranoid doesn’t mean you aren’t being watched. Watched he was, of course, but much of that was at least partially under his control, as suggested—his own decision to avoid a day in court in favour of holding up for years in an embassy.

The most egregious moment occurs late in the film, when that same voiceover brushes off any hint that the massive leak of the diplomatic cables caused no real harm. There’s no proof one way or the other, but given the covert nature, it’s impossible to say. By the film’s own logic, swinging conspiracy with abandon, there’s a clear line to draw between Assange aiding the Trump campaign as a vitriolic response to Hillary Clinton’s actions against him. Yet Jarecki’s film is so intent in presenting Assange as both crusader and victim it doesn’t even bother making a real attempt to seeking out the truth behind deeply held secrets.

The Six Billion Dollar Man presents itself as balanced, but it’s really a hagiography of its charismatic lead, surely meant at time of production to add to the echoing chants to “Free Assange.” The inconvenient truth is that he is now free–and was sitting a few rows behind me at the Cannes screening.

Similarly, Jarecki has stated he didn’t want to interview Assange directly after all he’s gone through, a manifestly ridiculous claim on its face given the 12 months since his release. This is totally belied by the fact Assange was engaged enough to attend the Cannes screening, sitting beside his former legal worker/now wife with whom he had two children while in hiding, and a few seats away from the former president in whose embassy he was holed up in. It’s now, after release, that the real questions are to be asked and the real film ready to be made. Instead, we’re left with an ironically limp polemic for a release that’s already occurred, a cry for justice for a man who admitted to guilt to secure his release, buttressed by glowing celebration from superfans like Naomi Klein and Pamela Anderson. Despite Jarecki’s prominence and seeming knowledge of the pitfalls of telling such a tale, he’s fallen into the pit.

In an ideal world, such a misfire wouldn’t matter much, but given that so much of the chaos today, both in America and globally, has been fostered by selective dissemination to unsettle democratic norms, this is no small thing. The lies exposed, as the film tries again and again, are the fault of the liars. However, the lies kept quiet, the secrets still withheld in the servicing of picking winners and losers, is just as nefarious.

The Six Billion Dollar Man premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

The post The Six Billion Dollar Man Review: Assange Doc Has Many Leaks appeared first on POV Magazine.

I’m currently at the tail end of editing a documentary feature film. Unlike dramatic features, documentaries are more often than not built in the cutting room. There are various approaches, but part of the process is figuring out what the story actually is. This is often hard to tell at the outset for a documentary… Continue reading Documentary Editing Tips 2025

Finishing out the fifth month of 2025, I’m happy to share one of my favorite documentaries of the year as the Pick of the Week. It’s likely to be a major awards contender, though it’s not eligible for the Oscars because it’s a two-parter. The film is already nominated for a Gotham TV Award, and it will surely be popular at the Critics Choice Documentary Awards this fall (could it be the third celebrity doc to win Best Documentary Feature in a row?) and the Emmys next year.

Without further ado, below, you’ll find that top recommendation, plus this week’s other highlights, including more nonfiction film and series endorsements. They are followed by daily listings for documentary releases and a brief look at what’s coming soon for doc fans. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to receive more in-depth highlights and reviews in the future.

Nonfics Pick: Pee-wee As Himself (2025)

Paul Reubens and Tim Burton during the making of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure as seen in Pee-wee as Himself (courtesy of HBO/Pee-wee Herman Productions, Inc.)

Early on in Pee-wee as Himself, Paul Reubens says he doesn’t want the film to be a legacy documentary. He knew at the time that he was dying, though. He never even got to finish his planned participation in the project before passing away from cancer in July 2023. Two years later, this does play as a definitive examination of his legacy, but it’s so much more than that, thanks to all that Reubens shared with the production (which was not aware of his terminal diagnosis) before he departed. Through his playfully guarded interview, the documentary is full of life rather than eulogy.

Reubens is, of course, best remembered for his iconic alter-ego, Pee-wee Herman, a character he played in movies, TV shows, and comedy specials, as well as in all public appearances at the peak of his fame. This documentary is a chance for his fans to get to know the performer behind the manchild in the grey suit and red bowtie. The real guy who has otherwise been too long associated with a mug shot following his misunderstood arrest for alleged indecent exposure in 1991. Within minutes, Pee-wee as Himself reveals Reubens to be not much different from Herman in spirit.

Across two feature-length episodes, director Matt Wolf (whom I interviewed about the film here) and Reubens cover a lot of ground for the latter’s in-depth biographical portrait. It goes deep into Reubens’s artistic background pre-Pee-wee, charts the inspiration, evolution, and rise of his Herman character, breaks down the facts behind his two unfortunate arrests, and confirms his sexuality. Along the way, Reubens shines as a screen personality as himself, with grace and humor, and a little bit of sympathy-garnering apprehension. More than most documentaries of this sort, it’s quite meta in its dance between director and subject on matters of creative control and perspective.

The reasons for Reubens remaining closeted his whole life align Pee-wee as Himself with another essential new documentary, Sally (releasing in mid-June), as neither he nor Sally Ride could be out and maintain such high-profile careers (as different as they were), especially later on when their work involved children. Looking back at this and the downfall he experienced proves to be more of an indictment against our society and the media at the time (if not also now, as he probably wouldn’t have been treated much better today) than about his legacy, which turns out well-honored here.

Pee-wee as Himself premieres on HBO and Max on Friday, May 23.

Other Documentary Highlights

George Rodrigue in Blue: The Life And Art Of George Rodrigue

Beauty Is Embarrassing (2012)

One thing I found lacking (albeit not critically) in Pee-wee as Himself was acknowledgment of Wayne White’s work on Pee-wee’s Playhouse. Fortunately, the underground artist already got the documentary treatment, and I recommend watching it as a companion piece. Here’s an excerpt from my review of Beauty is Embarrassing from its SXSW Film Festival premiere in 2012:

“Directed by first-timer Neil Berkeley, Beauty is Embarrassing took a while to hook me. Wayne White is indeed a funny man and makes some funny art, but at first I wasn’t sure why we should care about his life story any more than that of any other unknown funnyman artist. Part of his unfamiliarity is the point, though, as it’s shocking how much he’s done without garnering any name recognition whatsoever. Once the film starts showing behind-the-scenes footage of Pee-wee’s Playhouse, for which White was a character designer and puppeteer, there’s more of a point of interest. And it keeps going very well from there, often playing like a straight documentary kin toAmerican Splendor (White’s wife, cartoonist and Simpsons pilot scripter Mimi Pond, reminds me of Hope Davis’s portrayal of Joyce Brabner). I heard the film received some standing ovations early on, and I can understand why.”

Beauty is Embarrassing is available to rent or buy digitally on Apple TV or Amazon.

Blue: The Life And Art Of George Rodrigue (2024)

Painter George Rodrigue gets a very uncomplicated biographical documentary treatment with this medium-length PBS film. He’s not alive, so we mostly get to know him through interviews with others, including his widow and sons. There’s not a lot of appraisal of his talent or work, either. Blue: The Life and Art of George Rodrigue doesn’t try to convince us that his paintings were masterpieces. It just tells his story and presents the facts on his success as the Cajun artist best known for his Blue Dog motif. For those curious about the man behind that familiar New Orleans staple, it’s an educational documentary.

Blue: The Life and Art of George Rodrigue airs on PBS on Thursday, May 29.

Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders (2025)

This true-crime docuseries looks at the still-unsolved poisoning murders of at least seven people who took Tylenol pills tainted with cyanide in the 1980s.

[Review embargoed until Monday, May 26.]

Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders begins streaming on Netflix on Monday, May 26.

Memorial Day Documentaries

For the holiday weekend, honoring fallen U.S. servicemen and servicewomen, a few streaming and cable platforms offer content relevant to Memorial Day. Netflix has a new documentary feature debuting Friday called Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds, and while it’s not about individuals who’ve died, it is at least focused on a part of the U.S. military. Similar to that new film’s focus on training, the Oscar-nominated 1942 short Marines in the Making airs on TCM on Saturday.

The following day, TCM has programmed The Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress and The United States Army Air Force Band, both of which also look at men serving during World War II. And on Monday, Memorial Day, the same cable channel is showing the World War II-related documentaries Report from the Aleutians, Souvenirs of Death, and Victory Quiz. If you wait one day after the holiday, the 2025 Iraq War veterans film Brothers After War will release on DVD.

I have some additional recommendations. Among my favorites to share around Memorial Day are the World War II propaganda film With the Marines at Tarawa (which is for sale on Amazon), John Ford’s The Battle of Midway (now streaming on Prime Video, Tubi, and IndieFlix), and the Vietnam War films The Mills of the Gods (free on the CBC site) and Hearts and Minds (Max and The Criterion Channel). Also, this is an appropriate time to watch Restrepo (VOD) and its sequel, Korengal (Kanopy).

Mountain Queen: The Summits Of Lhakpa Sherpa (2023) & The Turnaround (2024)

Two of our previous highlights are recommended again this week, as Lucy Walker’s Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa and Ben Proudfoot and Kyle Thrash’s The Turnaround won the awards for Outstanding Long Documentary and Outstanding Short Documentary, respectively, at the 46th Annual Sports Emmys last week. Both are now streaming on Netflix. The latter ranked among our picks for the best documentaries of 2024 as my favorite short of the year.

Other Sports Emmy winners this year included NFL Draft: The Pick Is In (available on Roku) and the docuseries In the Arena: Serena Williams (streaming on Hulu and Disney+), Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North (Max), The New York Times Presents: Broken Horses (Hulu), E:60 (ESPN), The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox (Netflix), and Formula 1: Drive to Survive (Netflix).

Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa and The Turnaround are both available to stream on Netflix.

The Rehearsal Season 2 Finale

I’ve already highlighted The Rehearsal Season 2, but now that it’s wrapping up, I want to recommend it again. Also, the Season 2 finale involves a twist that I’m sure nobody sees coming. Even for a show filled with elements I can’t believe are permitted and afforded with this sort of program, what’s revealed and achieved in this episode is not just surprising but absolutely stunning. My hat is off to Nathan Fielder for this season.

The final episode of The Rehearsal Season 2 premieres on HBO on Sunday, May 25.

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Documentary Release Calendar 5/23/25 – 5/29/25

Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders

Friday, May 23, 2025

Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds (2025) – A feature-length documentary about the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds flight squadron. (Netflix)

Clarkson’s Farm Season 4 – The new season of this docuseries continues to follow Jeremy Clarkson’s attempt to run a farm in the countryside. (Prime Video)

Couples Therapy Season 4, Episodes 10-12 – The final episodes of the fourth season of this relationship series. (Paramount+ with Showtime)

Missing Presumed Dead Episodes 1 & 2: “Michael Scott Moore – The Negotiator” & “The Robertsons – Lost at Sea” – The first two episodes of this new series about real-life disappearances involve a journalist captured by Somali pirates and a family attacked by killer whales. (National Geographic)

Pee-wee as Himself (2025) – A two-part documentary about Paul Reubens, the man behind Pee-wee Herman. Find our review of Pee-wee as Himself in the highlights section above, where it’s our Pick of the Week, and read our interview with director Matt Wolf about the film. (HBO and Max)

Saturday, May 24, 2025

Marines in the Making (1942) – An Oscar-nominated short documentary showcasing U.S. Marine Corps combat training. (TCM)

The Real Murders of Atlanta Season 3, Episode 15: “Caught in the Crossfire” – The latest episode of this Atlanta-focused true-crime docuseries involves the killing of two friends outside a nightclub. (Oxygen True Crime)

Sunday, May 25, 2025

David Frost Vs Episode 5: “David Frost vs Elton John” – The fifth installment of this six-part docuseries about talk show host David Frost focuses on his interview with the iconic singer-songwriter Elton John. (MSNBC)

Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain Episode 5: “Galicia” – The latest installment of this travel series in which the titular actress explores parts of Spain. (CNN)

The Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress (1944) – A feature documentary about the titular B-17 bomber and its final mission during World War II. Read our review of The Memphis Belle. (TCM)

The Rehearsal Season 2, Episode 6 – The Season 2 finale of this nonfiction series starring Nathan Fielder about people rehearsing their lives. Read our review of The Rehearsal Season 2. (HBO)

Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under Season 5, Episode 3: “Raising Gracie” – The latest episode of this docuseries filmed at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo focuses on an abandoned koala. (National Geographic WILD)

Tucci in Italy Episode 3: “Trentino-Alto Adige” – The latest city-specific installment of this limited docuseries starring Stanley Tucci as he explores Italy through its cuisine. Read our review of Tucci in Italy. (National Geographic)

The United States Army Air Force Band (1942) – A short concert film showcasing the United States Army Air Force Band and Chorus as they perform on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. (TCM)

Unknown Serial Killers of America Season 1, Episode 2: “William Suff” – The latest episode of this new true-crime series about less-famous murderers. This installment looks at a serial killer who took the lives of 13 sex workers. (Oxygen True Crime)

Monday, May 26, 2025

America’s Most Wanted Season 3, Episode 6 – The latest installment of this iconic crime series revival. (Fox)

Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders (2025) – A three-part true-crime docuseries in the Cold Case franchise about an unsolved mass killing by cyanide in the 1980s. Find our review of Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders in the highlights section above. (Netflix)

Earnhardt Episodes 2-4: “The Intimidator,” “One Tough Customer,” & “Dale” – The final three installments of this four-part biographical docuseries about NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt. (Prime Video)

Kevin Costner’s The West Episodes 1 & 2: “Fallen Timbers” & “Colter’s Run” – The first two episodes of a three-part docuseries about the American frontier. (History)

Photography as Art (2025) – A documentary about the creative artistry of photography. (In Theaters)

The Playboy Murders Season 3, Episode 4: “The Doctor and the Bunny” – The third season of this docuseries continues with a story involving a Playboy Bunny’s affair with a plastic surgeon. (Investigation Discovery)

Report from the Aleutians (1943) – An Oscar-nominated short documentary by John Huston about U.S. soldiers protecting Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. (TCM)

Souvenirs of Death (1948) – A short film following the journey of a souvenir World War II pistol. (TCM)

Toxic Season 1, Episode 4: “Don’t Shoot Mommy” – The latest episode of this new docuseries about toxic relationships. (Investigation Discovery)

Victory Quiz (1942) – A short film quizzing the audience on U.S. involvement in World War II. (TCM)

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Artie Shaw: Time is All You’ve Got (1985) – An Oscar-winning documentary feature about the titular clarinetist and bandleader. Read our review of Artie Shaw: Time is All You’ve Got. (DVD and Blu-ray)

Brothers After War (2025) – A follow-up to Brothers at War that follows Iraq War veterans as they reconnect. (DVD)

Kevin Costner’s The West Episode 3 “Oregon Trails” – The final episode of a three-part docuseries about the American frontier. (History)

Louder Than You Think (2023) – A feature-length documentary about Pavement’s original drummer, Gary Young. (Blu-ray)

October 8 (2025) – A documentary about the rise of antisemitism on college campuses and social media after the October 7 attacks in Israel. Read our review of October 8. (Blu-ray)

Physician, Heal Thyself (2023) – A documentary about a doctor who had been a rebellious youth. (Blu-ray)

Pluto: The Dwarf Planet (2025) – A documentary about Pluto. (DVD)

Sherri Papini: Caught in a Lie (2025) – A true-crime docuseries about a woman who faked her kidnapping. (ID: Investigation Discovery)

Sitting Bull (2025) – A docuseries about the titular Hunkpapa Lakota chief. (History)

Slice of Life: The American Dream. In Former Pizza Huts. (2024) – A documentary portrait of America from the perspective of former Pizza Hut buildings. (DVD and Blu-ray)

What We Left Unfinished (2019) – A documentary about unfinished fiction films from Communist-era Afghanistan. (Blu-ray)

Youth (Hard Times) (2024) – A nearly four-hour documentary sequel from Wang Bing about migrant workers in clothing factories. (VOD)

Youth (Homecoming) (2024) – The third installment in Wang Bing’s Youth trilogy involves migrant workers celebrating the new year with their families. (VOD)

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Ado SPECIAL LIVE “Shinzou” in Cinema (2024) – A concert film starring Ado as she performs at the Japan National Stadium. (In Theaters)

Border Security: Australia’s Front Line Season 15, Episodes 8 & 9: “Hidden Agenda” & “Business or Holiday” – The latest episodes of this docuseries continue to follow the work of the Australian Border Force. (National Geographic)

Bugs That Rule the World Episode 4: “Beetle Mania” – The final installment of this four-part docuseries about the mysterious world of bugs focuses on beetles. (PBS)

F1: The Academy (2025) – A documentary about female Formula One drivers. (Netflix)

Ghost Adventures Season 29, Episode 7: “Midnight at the Museum” – The latest installment of this docuseries investigating haunted places involves a serial killer exhibit at a Las Vegas museum. (Discovery+)

Let’s Sing a Song of the West (1947) – A short film about four songs associated with the western United States. (TCM)

Life or Death: The Negotiators Season 1, Episode 6: “The Negotiators vs. Rogue Cop” – The latest episode of this docuseries involves a sheriff’s deputy who took six women hostage inside a bank. (National Geographic)

The Man Who Makes the Difference (1968) – A short making-of documentary about the cinematography of the film Ice Station Zebra. (TCM)

Mysteries of the Abandoned: Hidden America Season 4, Episode 6 – The latest installment of this docuseries about abandoned and forgotten ruins in America. (Discovery Channel)

Thursday, May 29, 2025

100 Foot Wave Season 3, Chapter V: “Family Business” – The latest episode of the Emmy-winning surfing docuseries. (HBO and Max)

Accused: Guilty or Innocent? Season 7, Episode 12: “Hit-and-run or Tragic Accident?” – The latest episode of this docuseries about individuals charged with crimes, as told from their perspective. (A&E)

American Dignity (2025) – A documentary about civil rights activists Charles Mauldin and Charles Douglas III. (In Theaters)

Blue: The Life and Art of George Rodrigue (2024) – A medium-length documentary about the titular artist. Find our review of Blue: The Life and Art of George Rodrigue in the highlights section above. (PBS)

Not Her First Rodeo Episodes 3 & 4: “Legacy” & “The Name of the Game is Pain” – The latest episodes of a new docuseries about the Elite Lady Bull Riders. (Freeform)

The Polar Passage (2025) – A short documentary in the YETI Presents series, this installment follows an expedition to the Northwest Passage. (YouTube)

Welcome to Wrexham Season 4, Episode 4: “Built to Last” – The latest episode of this award-winning sports docuseries features guest-star Channing Tatum. (FX)

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Sneak Peek At What’s Coming Soon

5/30 – It’s All Gonna Break – A documentary about the Canadian indie rock band Broken Social Scene. (In Theaters)

6/1 – The Mortician – A docuseries about a corrupt funeral home. Watch the new trailer for the series below. (Max)

6/6 – Slumlord Millionaire – A documentary feature about residents, activists, and nonprofit attorneys fighting corrupt landlords. (In Theaters)

6/10 – Trainwreck: The Astroworld Tragedy – A documentary about the tragic Travis Scott concert that left 10 dead in 2021. (Netflix)’

6/13 – Prime Minister – A documentary about the former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern. Read our review of Prime Minister from Sundance. (In Theaters)

6/16 – Sally – A biographical documentary about Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. Read our review of Sally from Sundance. (National Geographic)

6/23 – Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything! – A biographical documentary feature about the titular journalist. (Hulu)

Finishing out the fifth month of 2025, I’m happy to share one of my favorite documentaries of the year as the Pick of the Week. It’s likely to be a major awards contender, though it’s not eligible for the Oscars because it’s a two-parter. The film is already nominated for a Gotham TV Award, and it will surely be popular at the Critics Choice Documentary Awards this fall (could it be the third celebrity doc to win Best Documentary Feature in a row?) and the Emmys next year.

Without further ado, below, you’ll find that top recommendation, plus this week’s other highlights, including more nonfiction film and series endorsements. They are followed by daily listings for documentary releases and a brief look at what’s coming soon for doc fans. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to receive more in-depth highlights and reviews in the future.

Nonfics Pick: Pee-wee As Himself (2025)

Paul Reubens and Tim Burton during the making of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure as seen in Pee-wee as Himself (courtesy of HBO/Pee-wee Herman Productions, Inc.)

Early on in Pee-wee as Himself, Paul Reubens says he doesn’t want the film to be a legacy documentary. He knew at the time that he was dying, though. He never even got to finish his planned participation in the project before passing away from cancer in July 2023. Two years later, this does play as a definitive examination of his legacy, but it’s so much more than that, thanks to all that Reubens shared with the production (which was not aware of his terminal diagnosis) before he departed. Through his playfully guarded interview, the documentary is full of life rather than eulogy.

Reubens is, of course, best remembered for his iconic alter-ego, Pee-wee Herman, a character he played in movies, TV shows, and comedy specials, as well as in all public appearances at the peak of his fame. This documentary is a chance for his fans to get to know the performer behind the manchild in the grey suit and red bowtie. The real guy who has otherwise been too long associated with a mug shot following his misunderstood arrest for alleged indecent exposure in 1991. Within minutes, Pee-wee as Himself reveals Reubens to be not much different from Herman in spirit.

Across two feature-length episodes, director Matt Wolf (whom I interviewed about the film here) and Reubens cover a lot of ground for the latter’s in-depth biographical portrait. It goes deep into Reubens’s artistic background pre-Pee-wee, charts the inspiration, evolution, and rise of his Herman character, breaks down the facts behind his two unfortunate arrests, and confirms his sexuality. Along the way, Reubens shines as a screen personality as himself, with grace and humor, and a little bit of sympathy-garnering apprehension. More than most documentaries of this sort, it’s quite meta in its dance between director and subject on matters of creative control and perspective.

The reasons for Reubens remaining closeted his whole life align Pee-wee as Himself with another essential new documentary, Sally (releasing in mid-June), as neither he nor Sally Ride could be out and maintain such high-profile careers (as different as they were), especially later on when their work involved children. Looking back at this and the downfall he experienced proves to be more of an indictment against our society and the media at the time (if not also now, as he probably wouldn’t have been treated much better today) than about his legacy, which turns out well-honored here.

Pee-wee as Himself premieres on HBO and Max on Friday, May 23.

Other Documentary Highlights

George Rodrigue in Blue: The Life And Art Of George Rodrigue

Beauty Is Embarrassing (2012)

One thing I found lacking (albeit not critically) in Pee-wee as Himself was acknowledgment of Wayne White’s work on Pee-wee’s Playhouse. Fortunately, the underground artist already got the documentary treatment, and I recommend watching it as a companion piece. Here’s an excerpt from my review of Beauty is Embarrassing from its SXSW Film Festival premiere in 2012:

“Directed by first-timer Neil Berkeley, Beauty is Embarrassing took a while to hook me. Wayne White is indeed a funny man and makes some funny art, but at first I wasn’t sure why we should care about his life story any more than that of any other unknown funnyman artist. Part of his unfamiliarity is the point, though, as it’s shocking how much he’s done without garnering any name recognition whatsoever. Once the film starts showing behind-the-scenes footage of Pee-wee’s Playhouse, for which White was a character designer and puppeteer, there’s more of a point of interest. And it keeps going very well from there, often playing like a straight documentary kin toAmerican Splendor (White’s wife, cartoonist and Simpsons pilot scripter Mimi Pond, reminds me of Hope Davis’s portrayal of Joyce Brabner). I heard the film received some standing ovations early on, and I can understand why.”

Beauty is Embarrassing is available to rent or buy digitally on Apple TV or Amazon.

Blue: The Life And Art Of George Rodrigue (2024)

Painter George Rodrigue gets a very uncomplicated biographical documentary treatment with this medium-length PBS film. He’s not alive, so we mostly get to know him through interviews with others, including his widow and sons. There’s not a lot of appraisal of his talent or work, either. Blue: The Life and Art of George Rodrigue doesn’t try to convince us that his paintings were masterpieces. It just tells his story and presents the facts on his success as the Cajun artist best known for his Blue Dog motif. For those curious about the man behind that familiar New Orleans staple, it’s an educational documentary.

Blue: The Life and Art of George Rodrigue airs on PBS on Thursday, May 29.

Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders (2025)

This true-crime docuseries looks at the still-unsolved poisoning murders of at least seven people who took Tylenol pills tainted with cyanide in the 1980s.

[Review embargoed until Monday, May 26.]

Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders begins streaming on Netflix on Monday, May 26.

Memorial Day Documentaries

For the holiday weekend, honoring fallen U.S. servicemen and servicewomen, a few streaming and cable platforms offer content relevant to Memorial Day. Netflix has a new documentary feature debuting Friday called Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds, and while it’s not about individuals who’ve died, it is at least focused on a part of the U.S. military. Similar to that new film’s focus on training, the Oscar-nominated 1942 short Marines in the Making airs on TCM on Saturday.

The following day, TCM has programmed The Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress and The United States Army Air Force Band, both of which also look at men serving during World War II. And on Monday, Memorial Day, the same cable channel is showing the World War II-related documentaries Report from the Aleutians, Souvenirs of Death, and Victory Quiz. If you wait one day after the holiday, the 2025 Iraq War veterans film Brothers After War will release on DVD.

I have some additional recommendations. Among my favorites to share around Memorial Day are the World War II propaganda film With the Marines at Tarawa (which is for sale on Amazon), John Ford’s The Battle of Midway (now streaming on Prime Video, Tubi, and IndieFlix), and the Vietnam War films The Mills of the Gods (free on the CBC site) and Hearts and Minds (Max and The Criterion Channel). Also, this is an appropriate time to watch Restrepo (VOD) and its sequel, Korengal (Kanopy).

Mountain Queen: The Summits Of Lhakpa Sherpa (2023) & The Turnaround (2024)

Two of our previous highlights are recommended again this week, as Lucy Walker’s Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa and Ben Proudfoot and Kyle Thrash’s The Turnaround won the awards for Outstanding Long Documentary and Outstanding Short Documentary, respectively, at the 46th Annual Sports Emmys last week. Both are now streaming on Netflix. The latter ranked among our picks for the best documentaries of 2024 as my favorite short of the year.

Other Sports Emmy winners this year included NFL Draft: The Pick Is In (available on Roku) and the docuseries In the Arena: Serena Williams (streaming on Hulu and Disney+), Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North (Max), The New York Times Presents: Broken Horses (Hulu), E:60 (ESPN), The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox (Netflix), and Formula 1: Drive to Survive (Netflix).

Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa and The Turnaround are both available to stream on Netflix.

The Rehearsal Season 2 Finale

I’ve already highlighted The Rehearsal Season 2, but now that it’s wrapping up, I want to recommend it again. Also, the Season 2 finale involves a twist that I’m sure nobody sees coming. Even for a show filled with elements I can’t believe are permitted and afforded with this sort of program, what’s revealed and achieved in this episode is not just surprising but absolutely stunning. My hat is off to Nathan Fielder for this season.

The final episode of The Rehearsal Season 2 premieres on HBO on Sunday, May 25.

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Documentary Release Calendar 5/23/25 – 5/29/25

Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders

Friday, May 23, 2025

Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds (2025) – A feature-length documentary about the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds flight squadron. (Netflix)

Clarkson’s Farm Season 4 – The new season of this docuseries continues to follow Jeremy Clarkson’s attempt to run a farm in the countryside. (Prime Video)

Couples Therapy Season 4, Episodes 10-12 – The final episodes of the fourth season of this relationship series. (Paramount+ with Showtime)

Missing Presumed Dead Episodes 1 & 2: “Michael Scott Moore – The Negotiator” & “The Robertsons – Lost at Sea” – The first two episodes of this new series about real-life disappearances involve a journalist captured by Somali pirates and a family attacked by killer whales. (National Geographic)

Pee-wee as Himself (2025) – A two-part documentary about Paul Reubens, the man behind Pee-wee Herman. Find our review of Pee-wee as Himself in the highlights section above, where it’s our Pick of the Week, and read our interview with director Matt Wolf about the film. (HBO and Max)

Saturday, May 24, 2025

Marines in the Making (1942) – An Oscar-nominated short documentary showcasing U.S. Marine Corps combat training. (TCM)

The Real Murders of Atlanta Season 3, Episode 15: “Caught in the Crossfire” – The latest episode of this Atlanta-focused true-crime docuseries involves the killing of two friends outside a nightclub. (Oxygen True Crime)

Sunday, May 25, 2025

David Frost Vs Episode 5: “David Frost vs Elton John” – The fifth installment of this six-part docuseries about talk show host David Frost focuses on his interview with the iconic singer-songwriter Elton John. (MSNBC)

Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain Episode 5: “Galicia” – The latest installment of this travel series in which the titular actress explores parts of Spain. (CNN)

The Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress (1944) – A feature documentary about the titular B-17 bomber and its final mission during World War II. Read our review of The Memphis Belle. (TCM)

The Rehearsal Season 2, Episode 6 – The Season 2 finale of this nonfiction series starring Nathan Fielder about people rehearsing their lives. Read our review of The Rehearsal Season 2. (HBO)

Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under Season 5, Episode 3: “Raising Gracie” – The latest episode of this docuseries filmed at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo focuses on an abandoned koala. (National Geographic WILD)

Tucci in Italy Episode 3: “Trentino-Alto Adige” – The latest city-specific installment of this limited docuseries starring Stanley Tucci as he explores Italy through its cuisine. Read our review of Tucci in Italy. (National Geographic)

The United States Army Air Force Band (1942) – A short concert film showcasing the United States Army Air Force Band and Chorus as they perform on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. (TCM)

Unknown Serial Killers of America Season 1, Episode 2: “William Suff” – The latest episode of this new true-crime series about less-famous murderers. This installment looks at a serial killer who took the lives of 13 sex workers. (Oxygen True Crime)

Monday, May 26, 2025

America’s Most Wanted Season 3, Episode 6 – The latest installment of this iconic crime series revival. (Fox)

Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders (2025) – A three-part true-crime docuseries in the Cold Case franchise about an unsolved mass killing by cyanide in the 1980s. Find our review of Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders in the highlights section above. (Netflix)

Earnhardt Episodes 2-4: “The Intimidator,” “One Tough Customer,” & “Dale” – The final three installments of this four-part biographical docuseries about NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt. (Prime Video)

Kevin Costner’s The West Episodes 1 & 2: “Fallen Timbers” & “Colter’s Run” – The first two episodes of a three-part docuseries about the American frontier. (History)

Photography as Art (2025) – A documentary about the creative artistry of photography. (In Theaters)

The Playboy Murders Season 3, Episode 4: “The Doctor and the Bunny” – The third season of this docuseries continues with a story involving a Playboy Bunny’s affair with a plastic surgeon. (Investigation Discovery)

Report from the Aleutians (1943) – An Oscar-nominated short documentary by John Huston about U.S. soldiers protecting Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. (TCM)

Souvenirs of Death (1948) – A short film following the journey of a souvenir World War II pistol. (TCM)

Toxic Season 1, Episode 4: “Don’t Shoot Mommy” – The latest episode of this new docuseries about toxic relationships. (Investigation Discovery)

Victory Quiz (1942) – A short film quizzing the audience on U.S. involvement in World War II. (TCM)

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Artie Shaw: Time is All You’ve Got (1985) – An Oscar-winning documentary feature about the titular clarinetist and bandleader. Read our review of Artie Shaw: Time is All You’ve Got. (DVD and Blu-ray)

Brothers After War (2025) – A follow-up to Brothers at War that follows Iraq War veterans as they reconnect. (DVD)

Kevin Costner’s The West Episode 3 “Oregon Trails” – The final episode of a three-part docuseries about the American frontier. (History)

Louder Than You Think (2023) – A feature-length documentary about Pavement’s original drummer, Gary Young. (Blu-ray)

October 8 (2025) – A documentary about the rise of antisemitism on college campuses and social media after the October 7 attacks in Israel. Read our review of October 8. (Blu-ray)

Physician, Heal Thyself (2023) – A documentary about a doctor who had been a rebellious youth. (Blu-ray)

Pluto: The Dwarf Planet (2025) – A documentary about Pluto. (DVD)

Sherri Papini: Caught in a Lie (2025) – A true-crime docuseries about a woman who faked her kidnapping. (ID: Investigation Discovery)

Sitting Bull (2025) – A docuseries about the titular Hunkpapa Lakota chief. (History)

Slice of Life: The American Dream. In Former Pizza Huts. (2024) – A documentary portrait of America from the perspective of former Pizza Hut buildings. (DVD and Blu-ray)

What We Left Unfinished (2019) – A documentary about unfinished fiction films from Communist-era Afghanistan. (Blu-ray)

Youth (Hard Times) (2024) – A nearly four-hour documentary sequel from Wang Bing about migrant workers in clothing factories. (VOD)

Youth (Homecoming) (2024) – The third installment in Wang Bing’s Youth trilogy involves migrant workers celebrating the new year with their families. (VOD)

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Ado SPECIAL LIVE “Shinzou” in Cinema (2024) – A concert film starring Ado as she performs at the Japan National Stadium. (In Theaters)

Border Security: Australia’s Front Line Season 15, Episodes 8 & 9: “Hidden Agenda” & “Business or Holiday” – The latest episodes of this docuseries continue to follow the work of the Australian Border Force. (National Geographic)

Bugs That Rule the World Episode 4: “Beetle Mania” – The final installment of this four-part docuseries about the mysterious world of bugs focuses on beetles. (PBS)

F1: The Academy (2025) – A documentary about female Formula One drivers. (Netflix)

Ghost Adventures Season 29, Episode 7: “Midnight at the Museum” – The latest installment of this docuseries investigating haunted places involves a serial killer exhibit at a Las Vegas museum. (Discovery+)

Let’s Sing a Song of the West (1947) – A short film about four songs associated with the western United States. (TCM)

Life or Death: The Negotiators Season 1, Episode 6: “The Negotiators vs. Rogue Cop” – The latest episode of this docuseries involves a sheriff’s deputy who took six women hostage inside a bank. (National Geographic)

The Man Who Makes the Difference (1968) – A short making-of documentary about the cinematography of the film Ice Station Zebra. (TCM)

Mysteries of the Abandoned: Hidden America Season 4, Episode 6 – The latest installment of this docuseries about abandoned and forgotten ruins in America. (Discovery Channel)

Thursday, May 29, 2025

100 Foot Wave Season 3, Chapter V: “Family Business” – The latest episode of the Emmy-winning surfing docuseries. (HBO and Max)

Accused: Guilty or Innocent? Season 7, Episode 12: “Hit-and-run or Tragic Accident?” – The latest episode of this docuseries about individuals charged with crimes, as told from their perspective. (A&E)

American Dignity (2025) – A documentary about civil rights activists Charles Mauldin and Charles Douglas III. (In Theaters)

Blue: The Life and Art of George Rodrigue (2024) – A medium-length documentary about the titular artist. Find our review of Blue: The Life and Art of George Rodrigue in the highlights section above. (PBS)

Not Her First Rodeo Episodes 3 & 4: “Legacy” & “The Name of the Game is Pain” – The latest episodes of a new docuseries about the Elite Lady Bull Riders. (Freeform)

The Polar Passage (2025) – A short documentary in the YETI Presents series, this installment follows an expedition to the Northwest Passage. (YouTube)

Welcome to Wrexham Season 4, Episode 4: “Built to Last” – The latest episode of this award-winning sports docuseries features guest-star Channing Tatum. (FX)

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Sneak Peek At What’s Coming Soon

5/30 – It’s All Gonna Break – A documentary about the Canadian indie rock band Broken Social Scene. (In Theaters)

6/1 – The Mortician – A docuseries about a corrupt funeral home. Watch the new trailer for the series below. (Max)

6/6 – Slumlord Millionaire – A documentary feature about residents, activists, and nonprofit attorneys fighting corrupt landlords. (In Theaters)

6/10 – Trainwreck: The Astroworld Tragedy – A documentary about the tragic Travis Scott concert that left 10 dead in 2021. (Netflix)’

6/13 – Prime Minister – A documentary about the former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern. Read our review of Prime Minister from Sundance. (In Theaters)

6/16 – Sally – A biographical documentary about Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. Read our review of Sally from Sundance. (National Geographic)

6/23 – Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything! – A biographical documentary feature about the titular journalist. (Hulu)

Finishing out the fifth month of 2025, I’m happy to share one of my favorite documentaries of the year as the Pick of the Week. It’s likely to be a major awards contender, though it’s not eligible for the Oscars because it’s a two-parter. The film is already nominated for a Gotham TV Award, and it will surely be popular at the Critics Choice Documentary Awards this fall (could it be the third celebrity doc to win Best Documentary Feature in a row?) and the Emmys next year.

Without further ado, below, you’ll find that top recommendation, plus this week’s other highlights, including more nonfiction film and series endorsements. They are followed by daily listings for documentary releases and a brief look at what’s coming soon for doc fans. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to receive more in-depth highlights and reviews in the future.

Nonfics Pick: Pee-wee As Himself (2025)

Paul Reubens and Tim Burton during the making of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure as seen in Pee-wee as Himself (courtesy of HBO/Pee-wee Herman Productions, Inc.)

Early on in Pee-wee as Himself, Paul Reubens says he doesn’t want the film to be a legacy documentary. He knew at the time that he was dying, though. He never even got to finish his planned participation in the project before passing away from cancer in July 2023. Two years later, this does play as a definitive examination of his legacy, but it’s so much more than that, thanks to all that Reubens shared with the production (which was not aware of his terminal diagnosis) before he departed. Through his playfully guarded interview, the documentary is full of life rather than eulogy.

Reubens is, of course, best remembered for his iconic alter-ego, Pee-wee Herman, a character he played in movies, TV shows, and comedy specials, as well as in all public appearances at the peak of his fame. This documentary is a chance for his fans to get to know the performer behind the manchild in the grey suit and red bowtie. The real guy who has otherwise been too long associated with a mug shot following his misunderstood arrest for alleged indecent exposure in 1991. Within minutes, Pee-wee as Himself reveals Reubens to be not much different from Herman in spirit.

Across two feature-length episodes, director Matt Wolf (whom I interviewed about the film here) and Reubens cover a lot of ground for the latter’s in-depth biographical portrait. It goes deep into Reubens’s artistic background pre-Pee-wee, charts the inspiration, evolution, and rise of his Herman character, breaks down the facts behind his two unfortunate arrests, and confirms his sexuality. Along the way, Reubens shines as a screen personality as himself, with grace and humor, and a little bit of sympathy-garnering apprehension. More than most documentaries of this sort, it’s quite meta in its dance between director and subject on matters of creative control and perspective.

The reasons for Reubens remaining closeted his whole life align Pee-wee as Himself with another essential new documentary, Sally (releasing in mid-June), as neither he nor Sally Ride could be out and maintain such high-profile careers (as different as they were), especially later on when their work involved children. Looking back at this and the downfall he experienced proves to be more of an indictment against our society and the media at the time (if not also now, as he probably wouldn’t have been treated much better today) than about his legacy, which turns out well-honored here.

Pee-wee as Himself premieres on HBO and Max on Friday, May 23.

Other Documentary Highlights

George Rodrigue in Blue: The Life And Art Of George Rodrigue

Beauty Is Embarrassing (2012)

One thing I found lacking (albeit not critically) in Pee-wee as Himself was acknowledgment of Wayne White’s work on Pee-wee’s Playhouse. Fortunately, the underground artist already got the documentary treatment, and I recommend watching it as a companion piece. Here’s an excerpt from my review of Beauty is Embarrassing from its SXSW Film Festival premiere in 2012:

“Directed by first-timer Neil Berkeley, Beauty is Embarrassing took a while to hook me. Wayne White is indeed a funny man and makes some funny art, but at first I wasn’t sure why we should care about his life story any more than that of any other unknown funnyman artist. Part of his unfamiliarity is the point, though, as it’s shocking how much he’s done without garnering any name recognition whatsoever. Once the film starts showing behind-the-scenes footage of Pee-wee’s Playhouse, for which White was a character designer and puppeteer, there’s more of a point of interest. And it keeps going very well from there, often playing like a straight documentary kin toAmerican Splendor (White’s wife, cartoonist and Simpsons pilot scripter Mimi Pond, reminds me of Hope Davis’s portrayal of Joyce Brabner). I heard the film received some standing ovations early on, and I can understand why.”

Beauty is Embarrassing is available to rent or buy digitally on Apple TV or Amazon.

Blue: The Life And Art Of George Rodrigue (2024)

Painter George Rodrigue gets a very uncomplicated biographical documentary treatment with this medium-length PBS film. He’s not alive, so we mostly get to know him through interviews with others, including his widow and sons. There’s not a lot of appraisal of his talent or work, either. Blue: The Life and Art of George Rodrigue doesn’t try to convince us that his paintings were masterpieces. It just tells his story and presents the facts on his success as the Cajun artist best known for his Blue Dog motif. For those curious about the man behind that familiar New Orleans staple, it’s an educational documentary.

Blue: The Life and Art of George Rodrigue airs on PBS on Thursday, May 29.

Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders (2025)

This true-crime docuseries looks at the still-unsolved poisoning murders of at least seven people who took Tylenol pills tainted with cyanide in the 1980s.

[Review embargoed until Monday, May 26.]

Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders begins streaming on Netflix on Monday, May 26.

Memorial Day Documentaries

For the holiday weekend, honoring fallen U.S. servicemen and servicewomen, a few streaming and cable platforms offer content relevant to Memorial Day. Netflix has a new documentary feature debuting Friday called Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds, and while it’s not about individuals who’ve died, it is at least focused on a part of the U.S. military. Similar to that new film’s focus on training, the Oscar-nominated 1942 short Marines in the Making airs on TCM on Saturday.

The following day, TCM has programmed The Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress and The United States Army Air Force Band, both of which also look at men serving during World War II. And on Monday, Memorial Day, the same cable channel is showing the World War II-related documentaries Report from the Aleutians, Souvenirs of Death, and Victory Quiz. If you wait one day after the holiday, the 2025 Iraq War veterans film Brothers After War will release on DVD.

I have some additional recommendations. Among my favorites to share around Memorial Day are the World War II propaganda film With the Marines at Tarawa (which is for sale on Amazon), John Ford’s The Battle of Midway (now streaming on Prime Video, Tubi, and IndieFlix), and the Vietnam War films The Mills of the Gods (free on the CBC site) and Hearts and Minds (Max and The Criterion Channel). Also, this is an appropriate time to watch Restrepo (VOD) and its sequel, Korengal (Kanopy).

Mountain Queen: The Summits Of Lhakpa Sherpa (2023) & The Turnaround (2024)

Two of our previous highlights are recommended again this week, as Lucy Walker’s Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa and Ben Proudfoot and Kyle Thrash’s The Turnaround won the awards for Outstanding Long Documentary and Outstanding Short Documentary, respectively, at the 46th Annual Sports Emmys last week. Both are now streaming on Netflix. The latter ranked among our picks for the best documentaries of 2024 as my favorite short of the year.

Other Sports Emmy winners this year included NFL Draft: The Pick Is In (available on Roku) and the docuseries In the Arena: Serena Williams (streaming on Hulu and Disney+), Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North (Max), The New York Times Presents: Broken Horses (Hulu), E:60 (ESPN), The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox (Netflix), and Formula 1: Drive to Survive (Netflix).

Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa and The Turnaround are both available to stream on Netflix.

The Rehearsal Season 2 Finale

I’ve already highlighted The Rehearsal Season 2, but now that it’s wrapping up, I want to recommend it again. Also, the Season 2 finale involves a twist that I’m sure nobody sees coming. Even for a show filled with elements I can’t believe are permitted and afforded with this sort of program, what’s revealed and achieved in this episode is not just surprising but absolutely stunning. My hat is off to Nathan Fielder for this season.

The final episode of The Rehearsal Season 2 premieres on HBO on Sunday, May 25.

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Documentary Release Calendar 5/23/25 – 5/29/25

Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders

Friday, May 23, 2025

Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds (2025) – A feature-length documentary about the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds flight squadron. (Netflix)

Clarkson’s Farm Season 4 – The new season of this docuseries continues to follow Jeremy Clarkson’s attempt to run a farm in the countryside. (Prime Video)

Couples Therapy Season 4, Episodes 10-12 – The final episodes of the fourth season of this relationship series. (Paramount+ with Showtime)

Missing Presumed Dead Episodes 1 & 2: “Michael Scott Moore – The Negotiator” & “The Robertsons – Lost at Sea” – The first two episodes of this new series about real-life disappearances involve a journalist captured by Somali pirates and a family attacked by killer whales. (National Geographic)

Pee-wee as Himself (2025) – A two-part documentary about Paul Reubens, the man behind Pee-wee Herman. Find our review of Pee-wee as Himself in the highlights section above, where it’s our Pick of the Week, and read our interview with director Matt Wolf about the film. (HBO and Max)

Saturday, May 24, 2025

Marines in the Making (1942) – An Oscar-nominated short documentary showcasing U.S. Marine Corps combat training. (TCM)

The Real Murders of Atlanta Season 3, Episode 15: “Caught in the Crossfire” – The latest episode of this Atlanta-focused true-crime docuseries involves the killing of two friends outside a nightclub. (Oxygen True Crime)

Sunday, May 25, 2025

David Frost Vs Episode 5: “David Frost vs Elton John” – The fifth installment of this six-part docuseries about talk show host David Frost focuses on his interview with the iconic singer-songwriter Elton John. (MSNBC)

Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain Episode 5: “Galicia” – The latest installment of this travel series in which the titular actress explores parts of Spain. (CNN)

The Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress (1944) – A feature documentary about the titular B-17 bomber and its final mission during World War II. Read our review of The Memphis Belle. (TCM)

The Rehearsal Season 2, Episode 6 – The Season 2 finale of this nonfiction series starring Nathan Fielder about people rehearsing their lives. Read our review of The Rehearsal Season 2. (HBO)

Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under Season 5, Episode 3: “Raising Gracie” – The latest episode of this docuseries filmed at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo focuses on an abandoned koala. (National Geographic WILD)

Tucci in Italy Episode 3: “Trentino-Alto Adige” – The latest city-specific installment of this limited docuseries starring Stanley Tucci as he explores Italy through its cuisine. Read our review of Tucci in Italy. (National Geographic)

The United States Army Air Force Band (1942) – A short concert film showcasing the United States Army Air Force Band and Chorus as they perform on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. (TCM)

Unknown Serial Killers of America Season 1, Episode 2: “William Suff” – The latest episode of this new true-crime series about less-famous murderers. This installment looks at a serial killer who took the lives of 13 sex workers. (Oxygen True Crime)

Monday, May 26, 2025

America’s Most Wanted Season 3, Episode 6 – The latest installment of this iconic crime series revival. (Fox)

Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders (2025) – A three-part true-crime docuseries in the Cold Case franchise about an unsolved mass killing by cyanide in the 1980s. Find our review of Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders in the highlights section above. (Netflix)

Earnhardt Episodes 2-4: “The Intimidator,” “One Tough Customer,” & “Dale” – The final three installments of this four-part biographical docuseries about NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt. (Prime Video)

Kevin Costner’s The West Episodes 1 & 2: “Fallen Timbers” & “Colter’s Run” – The first two episodes of a three-part docuseries about the American frontier. (History)

Photography as Art (2025) – A documentary about the creative artistry of photography. (In Theaters)

The Playboy Murders Season 3, Episode 4: “The Doctor and the Bunny” – The third season of this docuseries continues with a story involving a Playboy Bunny’s affair with a plastic surgeon. (Investigation Discovery)

Report from the Aleutians (1943) – An Oscar-nominated short documentary by John Huston about U.S. soldiers protecting Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. (TCM)

Souvenirs of Death (1948) – A short film following the journey of a souvenir World War II pistol. (TCM)

Toxic Season 1, Episode 4: “Don’t Shoot Mommy” – The latest episode of this new docuseries about toxic relationships. (Investigation Discovery)

Victory Quiz (1942) – A short film quizzing the audience on U.S. involvement in World War II. (TCM)

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Artie Shaw: Time is All You’ve Got (1985) – An Oscar-winning documentary feature about the titular clarinetist and bandleader. Read our review of Artie Shaw: Time is All You’ve Got. (DVD and Blu-ray)

Brothers After War (2025) – A follow-up to Brothers at War that follows Iraq War veterans as they reconnect. (DVD)

Kevin Costner’s The West Episode 3 “Oregon Trails” – The final episode of a three-part docuseries about the American frontier. (History)

Louder Than You Think (2023) – A feature-length documentary about Pavement’s original drummer, Gary Young. (Blu-ray)

October 8 (2025) – A documentary about the rise of antisemitism on college campuses and social media after the October 7 attacks in Israel. Read our review of October 8. (Blu-ray)

Physician, Heal Thyself (2023) – A documentary about a doctor who had been a rebellious youth. (Blu-ray)

Pluto: The Dwarf Planet (2025) – A documentary about Pluto. (DVD)

Sherri Papini: Caught in a Lie (2025) – A true-crime docuseries about a woman who faked her kidnapping. (ID: Investigation Discovery)

Sitting Bull (2025) – A docuseries about the titular Hunkpapa Lakota chief. (History)

Slice of Life: The American Dream. In Former Pizza Huts. (2024) – A documentary portrait of America from the perspective of former Pizza Hut buildings. (DVD and Blu-ray)

What We Left Unfinished (2019) – A documentary about unfinished fiction films from Communist-era Afghanistan. (Blu-ray)

Youth (Hard Times) (2024) – A nearly four-hour documentary sequel from Wang Bing about migrant workers in clothing factories. (VOD)

Youth (Homecoming) (2024) – The third installment in Wang Bing’s Youth trilogy involves migrant workers celebrating the new year with their families. (VOD)

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Ado SPECIAL LIVE “Shinzou” in Cinema (2024) – A concert film starring Ado as she performs at the Japan National Stadium. (In Theaters)

Border Security: Australia’s Front Line Season 15, Episodes 8 & 9: “Hidden Agenda” & “Business or Holiday” – The latest episodes of this docuseries continue to follow the work of the Australian Border Force. (National Geographic)

Bugs That Rule the World Episode 4: “Beetle Mania” – The final installment of this four-part docuseries about the mysterious world of bugs focuses on beetles. (PBS)

F1: The Academy (2025) – A documentary about female Formula One drivers. (Netflix)

Ghost Adventures Season 29, Episode 7: “Midnight at the Museum” – The latest installment of this docuseries investigating haunted places involves a serial killer exhibit at a Las Vegas museum. (Discovery+)

Let’s Sing a Song of the West (1947) – A short film about four songs associated with the western United States. (TCM)

Life or Death: The Negotiators Season 1, Episode 6: “The Negotiators vs. Rogue Cop” – The latest episode of this docuseries involves a sheriff’s deputy who took six women hostage inside a bank. (National Geographic)

The Man Who Makes the Difference (1968) – A short making-of documentary about the cinematography of the film Ice Station Zebra. (TCM)

Mysteries of the Abandoned: Hidden America Season 4, Episode 6 – The latest installment of this docuseries about abandoned and forgotten ruins in America. (Discovery Channel)

Thursday, May 29, 2025

100 Foot Wave Season 3, Chapter V: “Family Business” – The latest episode of the Emmy-winning surfing docuseries. (HBO and Max)

Accused: Guilty or Innocent? Season 7, Episode 12: “Hit-and-run or Tragic Accident?” – The latest episode of this docuseries about individuals charged with crimes, as told from their perspective. (A&E)

American Dignity (2025) – A documentary about civil rights activists Charles Mauldin and Charles Douglas III. (In Theaters)

Blue: The Life and Art of George Rodrigue (2024) – A medium-length documentary about the titular artist. Find our review of Blue: The Life and Art of George Rodrigue in the highlights section above. (PBS)

Not Her First Rodeo Episodes 3 & 4: “Legacy” & “The Name of the Game is Pain” – The latest episodes of a new docuseries about the Elite Lady Bull Riders. (Freeform)

The Polar Passage (2025) – A short documentary in the YETI Presents series, this installment follows an expedition to the Northwest Passage. (YouTube)

Welcome to Wrexham Season 4, Episode 4: “Built to Last” – The latest episode of this award-winning sports docuseries features guest-star Channing Tatum. (FX)

Share Nonfics

Sneak Peek At What’s Coming Soon

5/30 – It’s All Gonna Break – A documentary about the Canadian indie rock band Broken Social Scene. (In Theaters)

6/1 – The Mortician – A docuseries about a corrupt funeral home. Watch the new trailer for the series below. (Max)

6/6 – Slumlord Millionaire – A documentary feature about residents, activists, and nonprofit attorneys fighting corrupt landlords. (In Theaters)

6/10 – Trainwreck: The Astroworld Tragedy – A documentary about the tragic Travis Scott concert that left 10 dead in 2021. (Netflix)’

6/13 – Prime Minister – A documentary about the former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern. Read our review of Prime Minister from Sundance. (In Theaters)

6/16 – Sally – A biographical documentary about Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. Read our review of Sally from Sundance. (National Geographic)

6/23 – Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything! – A biographical documentary feature about the titular journalist. (Hulu)

For Tony-winning playwright and theater director George C. Wolfe, the “landscape of America is rich and complicated and messy.” He takes the greatest joy in putting that messiness on the Broadway stage. This time, he’s directing the Broadway revival of “Gypsy,” widely considered the best of the Golden Age musicals. Alongside the show’s lead actor Audra McDonald, Wolfe has dug into the past to modernize Rose, the most famous stage mother in history. Their work has been nominated for a Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical.

In this episode, George C. Wolfe talks to us about the harrowing photographs he unearthed during his research into the Great Depression and the economic uncertainty of the era in which “Gypsy” takes place. He shares how he reshaped the production to portray Rose as a more sympathetic and modernized character. Wolfe reflects on the importance of finding joy in troubled times, both on the stage and off.

You can also learn more about the choreographer of “Gypsy” in our new short documentary, “Camille A. Brown: Giant Steps” here. This film is part of our digital series called “In The Making” and directed by Michelle Parkerson and Shellée M. Haynesworth.

For Tony-winning playwright and theater director George C. Wolfe, the “landscape of America is rich and complicated and messy.” He takes the greatest joy in putting that messiness on the Broadway stage. This time, he’s directing the Broadway revival of “Gypsy,” widely considered the best of the Golden Age musicals. Alongside the show’s lead actor Audra McDonald, Wolfe has dug into the past to modernize Rose, the most famous stage mother in history. Their work has been nominated for a Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical.

In this episode, George C. Wolfe talks to us about the harrowing photographs he unearthed during his research into the Great Depression and the economic uncertainty of the era in which “Gypsy” takes place. He shares how he reshaped the production to portray Rose as a more sympathetic and modernized character. Wolfe reflects on the importance of finding joy in troubled times, both on the stage and off.

You can also learn more about the choreographer of “Gypsy” in our new short documentary, “Camille A. Brown: Giant Steps” here. This film is part of our digital series called “In The Making” and directed by Michelle Parkerson and Shellée M. Haynesworth.

Documentary head Nicole Stott and head of production Emily Osborne will remain amid the layoffs.