The Barbara Walters documentary, Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything, premiered on Hulu on June 23, 2025, offering a raw and intimate look at the trailblazing journalist’s life and career. Directed by Jackie Jesko, this feature-length film dives into Walters’ groundbreaking journey, from her early days at NBC’s Today show to creating The View. It explores her fearless interviewing style, personal struggles, and the sexism she faced in a male-dominated industry. Drawing from 50 years of archival footage and interviews with notable figures like Oprah Winfrey and Bette Midler, the documentary paints a vivid picture of a woman who reshaped broadcast journalism. This article delves into the latest developments surrounding the Barbara Walters documentary, highlighting its revelations and impact.
A Trailblazer’s Story in Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything
The Barbara Walters documentary, which debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 12, 2025, has sparked widespread discussion for its unflinching portrayal of Walters’ life. The film uses Walters’ own voice from archival interviews, drawn from her memoir Audition, to narrate her journey. It covers her rise from a writer at NBC in the 1950s to becoming the first female co-anchor of a network evening news program at ABC in 1976. The documentary doesn’t shy away from her challenges, including her strained relationship with co-anchor Harry Reasoner, who famously ignored her on set, and the tabloid scrutiny she faced as the “Million Dollar Baby.”
The film also highlights Walters’ iconic interviews. From Fidel Castro to Taylor Swift, her ability to ask bold, sometimes controversial questions made her a household name. For instance, the trailer showcases moments like Walters asking Barbra Streisand about her nose or challenging the Kardashians on their talent. These clips, paired with commentary from colleagues like Katie Couric, underscore her knack for hitting a nerve while staying empathetic.
Key Point Summary:
- Premiered on Hulu, June 23, 2025, after Tribeca Film Festival debut.
- Directed by Jackie Jesko, produced by Imagine Documentaries.
- Features archival footage and interviews with Oprah, Bette Midler, and more.
- Explores Walters’ career highs and personal struggles, including sexism and rivalries.
Why Diane Sawyer and Walters’ Daughter Are Absent
One surprising aspect of the Barbara Walters documentary is the absence of Diane Sawyer and Walters’ daughter, Jacqueline Guber. Director Jackie Jesko addressed this in recent interviews, explaining that the decision was deliberate. Sawyer, a longtime ABC colleague, was a rumored rival, with tensions often exaggerated by the media. Jesko noted that including Sawyer might have shifted focus to their alleged feud, which Walters herself downplayed, saying, “I don’t think Diane Sawyer and I had a feud. People know we were after the same gets.” Instead, the documentary relies on colleagues like Cynthia McFadden to discuss Walters’ insecurities about Sawyer, whom she called a “blonde goddess.”
As for Jacqueline, Jesko chose to respect her privacy. Walters’ complex relationship with her adopted daughter is touched on through archival footage, where Walters expresses regret over being an absentee mother due to her demanding career. Jacqueline’s teenage struggles, including running away, are mentioned, but the documentary avoids direct input from her to keep the focus on Walters’ professional legacy.
Personal Struggles Behind the Public Persona
The Barbara Walters documentary digs deep into her personal life, revealing how her private struggles fueled her ambition. Walters grew up with financial instability due to her father’s gambling and nightclub ventures. This fear of failure drove her relentless work ethic. The film includes a poignant moment where Walters recalls her father’s suicide attempt, a trauma that shaped her drive to succeed. Her romantic life also gets attention, with friends like Cindy Adams noting Walters’ attraction to powerful men. However, the documentary clarifies that Walters turned down a potential romance with Clint Eastwood, prioritizing professionalism over personal interest.
Walters’ marriages—four times to three men—and her struggles with motherhood are explored candidly. She admitted to being “bad at marriage” and expressed guilt over her strained relationship with Jacqueline. Oprah Winfrey, in the documentary, shares how Walters’ challenges as a mother influenced her own decision not to have children, highlighting the sacrifices Walters made for her career.
The Impact of Walters’ Interview Style
Walters’ interviewing prowess is a centerpiece of the Barbara Walters documentary. Her ability to blend empathy with tough questions set her apart. The film revisits her 1998 Monica Lewinsky interview, which drew 74 million viewers, a record for a TV interview special. Clips show her pressing Vladimir Putin on his actions or asking Taylor Swift about her love life, showcasing her fearless approach. Bette Midler describes her as someone who “got under people’s skin,” while Andy Cohen recalls her throwing “hardballs out of nowhere.”
The documentary also reflects on how Walters’ style might be perceived today. Some questions, like asking Barbra Streisand about her appearance, haven’t aged well, as Cynthia McFadden admits. Yet, the film argues that Walters was a product of her time, pushing boundaries when few women had a platform. Her vision that “celebrities are news,” as Disney CEO Bob Iger notes, changed how journalism and pop culture intersect.
A Legacy That Resonates in 2025
The timing of the Barbara Walters documentary is significant, as TV journalism faces new challenges in 2025. With shrinking audiences and the rise of social media, where celebrities control their narratives, Walters’ era of gatekeeper interviews feels distant. The documentary laments this shift, noting that her ability to extract confessions is “needed more than ever.” It also celebrates her role as a trailblazer for women like Oprah Winfrey and Katie Couric, who credit Walters for paving their paths.
Critics have mixed reactions. Some praise the film’s thoroughness, while others, like The Washington Post, argue it lacks deeper analysis of how TV journalism has evolved. Still, the documentary’s intimate look at Walters’ life—her triumphs, regrets, and resilience—has struck a chord with viewers, trending on social media platforms like Instagram, where fans share clips of her iconic interviews.
Why This Documentary Matters Now
The Barbara Walters documentary isn’t just a nostalgic look back; it’s a reminder of how one woman’s tenacity reshaped an industry. Walters faced relentless sexism, from being ignored on set to being mocked for her $1 million ABC contract. Yet, she persisted, creating shows like The View that gave women a platform to discuss controversial issues. The film’s release on Hulu, alongside its Disney+ debut later in 2025, ensures her story reaches a new generation. It’s a call to appreciate the grit behind the glamour and to recognize the barriers still facing women in media.
For those who grew up watching Walters, the documentary is a chance to relive her most memorable moments. For younger audiences, it’s an introduction to a pioneer whose influence lingers in today’s talk shows and celebrity interviews. Whether you’re a fan or new to her legacy, Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything offers a compelling look at a woman who changed the game.
Stream Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything on Hulu now to discover the woman behind the headlines and her lasting impact on journalism.