7 Shocking Facts Revealed In 'The Americas' Narrated By Tom Hanks: The Most-Watched Nature Series Of The Season

The Americas, the epic 10-part nature docuseries narrated by beloved actor Tom Hanks, has solidified its status as a television event, becoming the most-watched nature documentary on linear television for the 2024-25 season. As of December 2025, the series continues to captivate audiences with its stunning cinematography and groundbreaking wildlife footage, offering a comprehensive and unprecedented look at the world's great supercontinent: North and South America. This article dives into the astonishing facts behind the production, the key figures who brought it to life, and the unique stories that make this series a must-watch.

The series, a monumental co-production, goes beyond the typical nature documentary format by weaving together the geological history and vibrant biodiversity of two interconnected continents. It’s an ambitious project that took five years and 180 expeditions to complete, resulting in some of the most unique and never-before-seen animal footage ever captured. The blend of Hanks’ trusted voice with the dramatic score by a legendary composer creates an immersive viewing experience that has resonated deeply with millions of viewers.

Tom Hanks’ The Americas: Key Production and Biographical Profile

The success of The Americas is a testament to the collaboration of world-class talent both in front of and behind the camera. The series’ profile is marked by the involvement of some of the biggest names in Hollywood and natural history filmmaking.

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• Full Title: The Americas
• Genre: Nature Documentary Series / Wildlife Docuseries
• Narrator: Tom Hanks (Academy Award Winner, known as "America's Dad")
• Composer: Hans Zimmer (Academy Award Winner, known for epic film scores)
• Executive Producer: Mike Gunton (Veteran wildlife producer, known for his work on Planet Earth and other BBC Natural History Unit productions)
• Production Companies: BBC Studios Natural History Unit in association with Universal Television Alternative Studio
• US Broadcaster/Streaming: NBC and Peacock
• UK Broadcaster: BBC One and BBC iPlayer
• Format: 10-part series
• Premiere Date (US): Sunday, February 23, 2025
• Production Scope: Filmed over five years, involving 180 expeditions across North and South America

7 Unprecedented Facts That Make 'The Americas' a Groundbreaking Series

While many nature documentaries exist, The Americas sets itself apart through its massive scale, unique focus, and technical achievements. The docuseries is not just a collection of beautiful shots; it is a geological and biological love letter to the supercontinent.

1. It is the Most-Watched Nature Documentary of the Season

The series achieved immediate and significant commercial success. Averaging 5.5 million viewers on NBC, including delayed viewing, The Americas quickly earned the title of the most-watched nature documentary on linear television for the 2024-25 season to date. This massive viewership demonstrates the public’s appetite for high-quality, ambitious wildlife storytelling, especially when packaged with the comforting and authoritative voice of Tom Hanks.

2. The Score is Composed by Hollywood Legend Hans Zimmer

Adding a layer of cinematic gravitas, the music for The Americas was composed by the iconic Hans Zimmer. Zimmer, whose scores have defined blockbuster films like The Lion King, Inception, and Dune, brings a dramatic and sweeping orchestral sound that elevates the already stunning visuals. The collaboration between Zimmer’s music and Hanks’ narration creates a powerful emotional resonance that pulls viewers into the vast landscapes of the continents.

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3. Five Years of Filming Across 180 Expeditions

The sheer scale of the production is staggering. The series was five years in the making, requiring camera crews and producers to embark on over 180 separate expeditions. This enormous commitment allowed the filmmakers to capture seasonal changes, rare animal behaviors, and remote ecosystems from the Atlantic Coast to the icy wilderness of Patagonia.

4. Groundbreaking Footage of Orca Hunting and Pygmy Owls

The filmmakers secured truly unique and groundbreaking footage that nature enthusiasts have long sought. One of the series’ standout moments is the never-before-seen footage of fledgling pygmy owls. Additionally, the series features dramatic sequences of orca hunting, showcasing the complex and strategic predatory behavior of these apex predators in the American waters. These moments fulfill the series' promise to deliver extraordinary, untold wildlife stories.

5. The First Nature Docuseries to Focus Solely on North and South America

While other nature series cover the globe, The Americas is billed as the first nature documentary to specifically highlight the interconnectedness of North and South America as one great supercontinent. The series explores a wide range of ecosystems, from the deserts of Mexico to the frozen peaks of the Andes, demonstrating how geology, climate, and a shared history have shaped the unique wildlife of the Western Hemisphere.

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6. Discovering New Species in Flooded Caves

The production team’s extensive access and dedication led to genuine scientific discovery. The episode focusing on Mexico, where deserts meet tropics, includes footage of new species discovered deep within flooded caves. This highlights the series' commitment to exploring not just the surface of the continents, but also the hidden, unexplored worlds that still hold biological secrets.

7. Executive Produced by a 'Planet Earth' Veteran

The quality of the docuseries is ensured by the involvement of Mike Gunton, a seasoned executive producer from the BBC Studios Natural History Unit. Gunton’s pedigree includes working on some of the world’s most celebrated nature series, including Planet Earth. His leadership and the expertise of the BBC team, known for their cinematic quality and scientific rigor, guarantee that The Americas meets the highest standards of the genre.

The Americas: Exploring the Supercontinent’s Untold Stories

The Americas is more than a wildlife documentary; it’s a detailed exploration of the geological forces and climatic conditions that have shaped this vast landmass. The 10-part series meticulously covers 10 distinct regions, bringing to light the challenges and adaptations of its inhabitants.

The series explores the dramatic landscapes of the Atlantic Coast, showcasing the marine life and coastal ecosystems that thrive where land meets the ocean. It journeys through the dense rainforests of South America, revealing the complex symbiotic relationships between its diverse species. By focusing on the entire supercontinent, the documentary provides a coherent narrative about the continent’s evolution.

Tom Hanks’ narration provides a warm, familiar, yet authoritative voice to the often-harsh realities of the natural world. His delivery helps to connect the audience emotionally to the struggles of animals like the burrowing owl, the majestic jaguar, and the powerful orca. The series successfully blends educational content with breathtaking visuals, making it accessible and engaging for a global audience.

How to Watch The Americas Docuseries

For viewers in the United States, the full 10-part series is available to stream on Peacock and is broadcast on NBC. Its immense success and high production value mean that The Americas is likely to be a staple on streaming platforms for years to come. The series is a definitive viewing experience for anyone interested in the natural world, the history of the Western Hemisphere, or simply a fan of groundbreaking cinematic television.

The combination of Tom Hanks’ narrative charm, Hans Zimmer’s epic score, and the BBC’s unparalleled filmmaking expertise has created a cultural phenomenon. The Americas stands as a powerful reminder of the incredible biodiversity and untold stories hidden within the world's greatest supercontinent.