5 Jaw-Dropping Facts About Tom Hanks’ Epic New Nature Show ‘The Americas’ (2025)
The cinematic voice of a generation, Tom Hanks, is returning to the world of nature documentaries with a project of epic, unprecedented scale. As of today, December 10, 2025, the most current and exciting news is the launch of the 10-part series, The Americas, a colossal joint production between NBC and the BBC that will take viewers on a breathtaking journey across the Western Hemisphere. The show is not merely a collection of beautiful shots; it is an ambitious, half-decade-long endeavor from the executive producers who brought the world the iconic Planet Earth and Blue Planet series, cementing its status as the definitive nature event of 2025.
This new documentary, which is set to premiere on NBC and stream on Peacock, promises to showcase the wildlife and dramatic landscapes of the American supercontinent like never before, exploring everything from the fast-paced lives of ants to the mesmerizing creatures of the deep ocean. Hanks, an Academy Award-winning actor known for his "everyman persona," brings a familiar, authoritative, and deeply engaging voice to the narration, making the wonders of North and South America accessible to a global audience.
Tom Hanks: A Brief Biography and Voice of the Wild
Tom Hanks is one of the most recognizable and acclaimed figures in modern cinema, whose career spans decades of acting, directing, and producing. His involvement as the narrator for a major nature series instantly elevates its profile and guarantees a sense of gravitas and warmth.
- Full Name: Thomas Jeffrey Hanks
- Date of Birth: July 9, 1956
- Place of Birth: Concord, California, USA
- Occupation: Actor, Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Actor
- Key Awards: Two Academy Awards (for Philadelphia and Forrest Gump), Seven Emmy Awards, Four Golden Globe Awards, AFI Life Achievement Award (2002), and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016).
- Notable Nature/Documentary Work: Narrator for The National Parks: America's Best Idea (2009) and now, The Americas (2025).
- Career Highlight: He is consistently ranked as one of the highest-grossing American film actors of all time, known for blockbuster films like Splash, Big, Saving Private Ryan, and Cast Away.
The Americas: A Monumental Five-Year Filming Expedition
The sheer scale and ambition of The Americas set it apart from typical wildlife programming. This is a cinematic event that required an extraordinary commitment of time, resources, and dedication from the production teams.
A True Supercontinent Focus. The series is dedicated to exploring the entirety of the American supercontinent, covering both North America and South America. This vast scope allows the documentary to capture the incredible biodiversity and dramatic climatic contrasts that define the Western Hemisphere.
Half a Decade in the Making. Executive Producer Mike Gunton revealed that the project took approximately five years to complete. This extended filming period is crucial for capturing rare animal behaviors, seasonal changes, and the true, untamed nature of the remote locations visited.
The Planet Earth Pedigree. The series is a collaboration between NBC and the BBC Studios Natural History Unit, the same team responsible for the internationally acclaimed *Planet Earth* and *Blue Planet* franchises. This pedigree assures viewers of groundbreaking cinematography, cutting-edge technology, and a narrative structure that is both informative and emotionally resonant.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights. To further engage the audience, NBC plans to debut a special behind-the-scenes look at the making of the series. This special will reveal the perils, breakthroughs, and intense challenges faced by the crew during their extensive filming journey, including the use of state-of-the-art camera technology.
A Deep Dive into the Wildlife and Ecosystems
The Americas is structured as a 10-part event, with each episode designed to showcase a unique facet of the continent's ecosystems and the extraordinary creatures that inhabit them. The documentary aims to be an "ultimate safari" for viewers, revealing both the familiar and the utterly unknown.
The Dynamic Landscapes of North America
The series will explore the dramatic environments of North America, from the frozen wildernesses of the Arctic to the sun-drenched deserts of the Southwest. Expect to see the resilience of animals surviving in extreme conditions, such as the migratory patterns of caribou and the complex social structures of wolves in the vast national parks. This segment will build on the legacy of Hanks' previous work on The National Parks: America's Best Idea, but on a grander, more global scale.
LSI Entities: Arctic Circle, Yellowstone National Park, Rocky Mountains, American Bison, Grizzly Bears, Desert Ecosystems, Coastal Redwoods, Caribou Migration, Wolf Packs.
The Untamed Wonders of South America
South America, with its unparalleled biodiversity, is a major focus of the series. The show will take viewers deep into the Amazon rainforest, across the towering peaks of the Andes Mountains, and along the vibrant coastlines. The goal is to capture the rich tapestry of life in the world's most ecologically diverse regions.
LSI Entities: Amazon Rainforest, Andes Mountains, Galapagos Islands, Patagonian Steppe, Jaguars, Capuchin Monkeys, Giant Otters, Condors, Marine Life, Tropical Biodiversity.
Why Tom Hanks’ Narration is a Game Changer
While the stunning visuals are the core of any nature documentary, the choice of narrator is critical for connecting the audience to the story. Tom Hanks’ voice is a powerful narrative tool, injecting a unique blend of trust, gravitas, and emotional connection into the series.
The Voice of Authority and Empathy. Hanks has a history of narrating significant historical and natural events, lending his voice a sense of weight and credibility. His narration style is warm, engaging, and empathetic, which is essential for translating complex ecological information into an accessible and compelling story for a broad audience. He opens up about the series, discussing the half-decade commitment and the incredible footage captured, bringing a personal touch to the promotional efforts.
Drawing a Global Audience. The combination of the BBC's world-class production standards and Hanks' worldwide star power ensures that The Americas will be a global phenomenon. It is a strategic move by NBC and Peacock to launch a landmark series that competes directly with other major streaming and network nature offerings.
Release and Viewing Details for The Americas (2025)
For those eager to watch this epic journey, the release details have been finalized, making it a highly anticipated event for the first quarter of 2025.
- Series Title: The Americas
- Number of Episodes: 10 parts
- Narrator: Tom Hanks
- U.S. Premiere Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025
- U.S. Broadcast Channel: NBC
- Streaming Platform: Peacock (available to stream simultaneously)
- Executive Producers: Mike Gunton (of Planet Earth fame)
- Music: Features music by an Oscar and Emmy Award-winning composer.
The series is set to redefine the nature documentary genre, taking viewers on an extraordinary, high-definition journey across the supercontinent. With Tom Hanks guiding the way, The Americas is poised to become an essential viewing experience, celebrating the wonders and fragility of the natural world.
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