Summary
Hulu’s documentary Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything offers an in-depth look at the legendary journalist’s groundbreaking career, from her early struggles in a male-dominated industry to her historic interviews with global leaders and celebrities. Featuring commentary from Oprah Winfrey, Katie Couric, Monica Lewinsky, and others, the film celebrates Walters' boldness, empathy, and journalistic rigor. It also touches on controversies and personal sacrifices she made along the way. While honoring her legacy, the documentary invites viewers to reflect on how media and journalism have evolved since Walters transformed the landscape.
Barbara Walters was a force of nature—an industry trailblazer who broke through decades of gender barriers to become one of the most recognizable journalists in history. In 2025, Hulu pays tribute to her unparalleled legacy with a new documentary: Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything.
The film, directed by Liz Garbus, dives deep into Walters’s six-decade career. It showcases not just her high-profile interviews, but also the personal and professional hurdles she overcame to redefine television journalism for generations to come.
A Look Inside Tell Me Everything: A Story Worth Telling
Hulu’s documentary traces Walters’s early days, her rise at NBC and ABC, and her groundbreaking role as the first female co-anchor of a U.S. network evening news program. The documentary blends archival footage, never-before-seen interviews, and commentary from influential voices like:
- Oprah Winfrey
- Katie Couric
- Monica Lewinsky
- Bette Midler
Together, they illustrate how Walters’s signature interview style—direct, fearless, and deeply personal—changed the rules of television journalism.
Breaking Barriers in a Man’s World
In a field long dominated by men, Barbara Walters faced constant scrutiny. The documentary doesn’t shy away from these uncomfortable truths. From being criticized for her voice and appearance to battling male colleagues for airtime, she paved a new path with unrelenting determination.
In 1976, Walters made history by becoming the first female co-anchor of a network news broadcast at ABC. Though her $1 million salary made headlines, her competence and credibility faced harsh skepticism. Tell Me Everything highlights how she silenced doubters—not with theatrics, but with questions that pierced straight through to the truth.
The Art of the Interview
What set Barbara Walters apart wasn’t just her professionalism—it was her instinctive ability to ask the questions no one else would dare. From world leaders to celebrities to controversial figures, she created viral moments before “going viral” existed.
The documentary revisits many iconic interviews:
- Monica Lewinsky discussing her involvement with President Clinton
- Fidel Castro in a rare on-camera discussion
- Vladimir Putin, Margaret Thatcher, and even Muammar Gaddafi
These clips show how Walters could be tough, empathetic, and unflinching—all in one conversation. Her questions weren’t designed to trap people, but to draw out what mattered most.
The Personal Costs of Public Success
While Walters was a journalistic powerhouse, her private life remained complex. The documentary delves into her struggles with motherhood, failed marriages, and her own reflections on regret. In one intimate moment, she says:
“You can have it all—just not all at once.”
This line resonates with working women and young professionals who still grapple with balancing ambition and family life. Walters’s candor helps humanize her—reminding us that greatness often comes with sacrifice.
A Legacy That Lives On
Barbara Walters retired in 2014 but remained a symbolic presence in the media world until her death in 2022. Tell Me Everything serves not only as a biography but also as a cultural reckoning, asking how much progress has truly been made in media diversity, ethics, and representation.
Though the documentary pays homage, it also lightly critiques Walters’s ethically complex interviews, including her handling of sensitive subjects like mental health or abuse. However, it doesn’t dive deeply into how digital media and streaming have evolved from the template Walters helped build.
Still, her impact is undeniable. Shows like The View, which she co-created, continue to reflect her influence – giving women of all backgrounds a seat at the table.
Why You Should Watch Tell Me Everything
This documentary is more than a timeline—it’s a blueprint for journalism done right. Whether you’re a journalism student, media professional, or someone who simply loves a compelling story, Tell Me Everything is essential viewing.
It reminds us how important it is to ask difficult questions, stand firm in uncomfortable moments, and pursue truth with grace and tenacity.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch Tribute to a True Trailblazer
Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything isn’t just a documentary—it’s a celebration, an education, and a call to action. It challenges viewers to think critically about media and legacy, while offering a behind-the-scenes look at the life of one of journalism’s fiercest voices.
Barbara Walters shattered glass ceilings with a microphone in hand. This documentary ensures her story continues to inspire the next generation of truth-seekers.
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FAQs About Barbara Walters and Tell Me Everything
Where can I watch Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything?
The documentary is available exclusively on Hulu.
Who directed the documentary?
It was directed by Liz Garbus, known for acclaimed documentaries like What Happened, Miss Simone?.
What makes Barbara Walters a media icon?
She was the first female co-anchor of network evening news, known for her fearless interviews with world leaders and pop culture figures.
Does the documentary cover Walters’s controversies?
Yes, it touches on her more ethically questionable interviews but focuses primarily on her legacy and contributions to journalism.
Is this documentary suitable for students and young professionals?
Absolutely. It offers valuable lessons on media, persistence, and the evolution of journalism.
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