In a refreshing new take on nature documentaries, the BBC/USA series "The Americas" premiered on March 23, 2025, captivating viewers with its stunning wildlife imagery and the unexpected narration of Hollywood star Tom Hanks. This ten-part series, developed over five years and produced in partnership with Universal Television Alternative Studio, is designed to showcase the natural beauty and diverse ecosystems of North and South America, underscoring the dramatic tales of its inhabitants.
Set to air on NBC, each episode delves into different regions, including spectacular locations like the Atlantic Coast, the Wild West, and the Andes. What sets this series apart is the blend of Hanks' approachable narration, which some fans welcome warmly while others feel it lacks the gravitas of the beloved David Attenborough, who is notably absent from this production.
The premiere episode, titled "The Atlantic Coast," unfolds elegantly across the 200 square miles of the Appalachian Mountains, beginning with a stunning visual of wild horses on the shifting sands of Carolina's Outer Banks. Here, audiences witness nature's drama as a 15-year-old stallion faces off against a youthful arch-rival in a slow-motion display that's both vivid and primal.
Subsequent scenes are equally mesmerizing, featuring sand tiger sharks as they navigate the wreckage of 2,000 ships along the coast, while a bald eagle and osprey engage in a fierce competition for fish in Chesapeake Bay. Hanks captures these moments with charming descriptors; for instance, he refers to fish-thieving as 'daylight robbery.' However, this light-hearted tone has drawn mixed receptions from viewers, with some critics suggesting it's too cheesy and simplistic for such a monumental subject.
One viewer expressed dissatisfaction saying, "Not impressed with narration by Tom Hanks. It mreds someone with inbuilt knowledge of the subject. We need an Attenborough AI #theamericas." Contrarily, others have praised the new series, with comments like, "#TheAmericas is excellent & well worth a watch," pointing out the exceptional photography and Hanks' distinct approach.
For this first episode, Hanks narrates fascinating transformations in Maryland, where cicadas erupt in droves, announcing, "it's like a rock concert in your front yard, with cicadas on vocals." Another memorable moment focuses on the clever raccoons of New York City, who have become so adept at navigating their urban environment that their survival skills could rival any great wildlife documentary character. With uplifting music by Hans Zimmer adding to the experience, the combination remains entertaining and visually striking.
The anticipation continues as fans look forward to upcoming episodes throughout the series. Episode 7, titled "The Andes," is set to air on March 23, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET, showcasing life in one of the most diverse mountain ranges in the world. This episode promises to explore various experiences, including baby bears overcoming challenging terrains, rare hummingbirds competing for mates, and frogs that freeze and then revive—all illustrated with breathtaking cinematography that captures these moments authentically.
Executive producer Mike Gunton echoed the sentiments about Hanks being the perfect fit for the narration role, stating, "Tom was the obvious person to do it. These shows require someone who can weave different emotions that the animals feel and relate to without it being too anthropomorphic." Gunton emphasized that Hanks has the ability to engage viewers deeply, helping them navigate the series' more intense and emotional tales.
As audiences await the conclusion of this season, which will also feature episodes focusing on "The Caribbean," "The West Coast," and "Patagonia," there's a growing awareness of how this new series can continue the legacy established by Attenborough in the world of nature documentaries. Will Tom Hanks earn accolades akin to those of his predecessor? As one viewer aptly noted, "It takes a bit of getting used to, though," indicating a transition that might well culminate in its own unique success.
For those keen to binge-watch or catch up, "The Americas" continues to air weekly, and interested viewers can stream every episode on platforms like Fubo and Peacock, making it accessible for all. As the series unfolds, it creatively invites audiences to witness the stunning aesthetic and compelling narratives from the whole continent, beckoning them into a world where nature tells its own extraordinary stories.
