BBC To Air Tom Hanks Natural History Epic ‘The Americas’

Max Goldbart

2 January 2025 at 5:25 am·2-min read

The Tom Hanks-narrated NBC natural history epic The Americas is coming to the BBC.

The show is made by the BBC Studios Natural History Unit in association with Universal Television Alternative Studio but, unlike many natural history epics, was not initially greenlit by the British broadcaster.

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With music from Hans Zimmer, The Americas showcases the wonders, secrets, and fragilities of a supercontinent, using cutting-edge technology to uncover new behaviour and highlight stories. Five years in the making, and filmed over 180 expeditions, it heads to The Atlantic Coast, Mexico, Wild West, The Amazon, The Frozen North, The Gulf Coast, The Andes, The Caribbean, The West Coast and Patagonia.

The Americas is one of a number of recent natural history epics to draw A-list talent, with the likes of Paul Rudd and Benedict Cumberbatch also getting in on the act of late. Execs behind the show have previously said they were seeking an “American version of David Attenborough” when they landed on Hanks.

The show will launch on NBC and then the BBC next year. First trailer was revealed a few weeks back.

Jo Lapping, Head of BBC Factual Acquisition said: “The BBC is delighted to bring NBC’s remarkable nature epic The Americas to BBC One and iPlayer. From Northern Canada to Patagonia, the spectacular beauty and diversity of the American continents has been captured in this mesmerising series from a multi award-winning dream team; Tom Hanks, Hans Zimmer, BBC Studios Natural History and Universal Television Alternative Studio.”

The Americas is executive produced by Mike Gunton for BBC Studios Natural History Unit. It is sold by NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution.

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