Tom Hanks narrates The Americas, a 10-part journey from Arctic to Amazon. No CGI, all awe. Premieres Feb. 23!
Why Is Tom Hanks the Perfect Voice for The Americas?
Who better to guide a continent-spanning safari than America’s dad?
Hanks ditches the “voice of God” tone for “You won’t believe this!” enthusiasm in NBC’s 10-part documentary, out Feb. 23.
Producer Mike Gunton admits pitching Hanks was nerve-racking—until he said, “I was born to narrate this.” Spoiler: He wasn’t wrong.
What Makes This Nature Doc a “Glorious” Adventure?
Forget CGI—this is raw, unfiltered Earth porn. Over 5 years and 180 expeditions, crews captured wild horses galloping in the Outer Banks, Andean bears (aka Paddington) climbing trees, and deep-sea hunts. Hanks ad-libs, breaks the fourth wall, and gushes: “It’s irrefutable… just glorious.”
How Did Scientists Pull Off “Nature’s Strangest Stories”?
Secret weapon? Experts who’ve studied animals for 30+ years.
Gunton credits on-the-ground savants for predicting behaviors—like bear courtship rituals or otter playtime.
“The Gods smiled on us,” he jokes. Even Hanks learned new quirks: “All creatures seek affection… undeniably.”
Will Hans Zimmer’s Score Steal the Show?
Imagine Planet Earth II meets Pirates of the Caribbean. Oscar winner Hans Zimmer crafted the soundtrack, blending epic swells with quirky beats for playful critters.
Gunton laughs: “It makes my job sound easy—but snagging Hanks and Zimmer? Only this project could.”
Why Should You Care About Backyard Nature?
Gunton’s hope? Make viewers relearn their own ecosystems. From Mexico’s deserts to Patagonia’s ice, The Americas reveals “extraordinary things in your backyard.”
Hanks puts it bluntly: “You’ll be enthralled, enlightened… entertained.” Plus, no CGI tricks—just Earth’s raw, fragile beauty.
Quick Facts: The Americas
- Tom’s Take: Hanks calls it an “irrefutable” look at nature’s quirks and courtships.
- Epic Scale: 180 expeditions over 5 years captured 10 terrains, from Wild West to Frozen North.
- Zimmer’s Magic: Hans Zimmer scored the series, mixing grandeur with whimsy.
- Real-Life Drama: Andean bears, wild horses, and ecstatic sea hunts—zero CGI.
- Premiere Date: Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. ET/PT on NBC (two episodes back-to-back).