New Nature Docuseries The Americas Features Hanks
NBC’s new 10-part nature documentary The Americas will debut on Sunday night, with Tom Hanks lending his voice as narrator.
Hanks didn’t hesitate when offered the role, enthusiastically agreeing after just a brief mention of the project. “Have you seen Planet Earth?” he recalled being asked. “Yes.” The response was instant: “NBC is going to… Yes!”
And it’s clear Hanks was not disappointed by the experience. “There were moments when I thought, ‘I can’t believe what I’m seeing,’” he shared.
The series explores the diverse landscapes and wildlife stretching from North to South America. According to executive producer Mike Gunton, the show includes “all the superlatives” you could imagine. “It doesn’t have elephants, but that’s about it,” he said. “It has the most iconic animals, the largest rivers, and the oldest and tallest trees. It’s an incredible place.”
Along with stunning natural scenes, the documentary also highlights familiar settings, like New York City’s backyard. The first episode delves into the Atlantic Coast, featuring raccoons that have started changing their behaviors to adapt to urban life.
The second episode shifts focus to Mexico, where the team captured the rare sight of four blue whales, racing and leaping through the water at astonishing speeds. “It was one of the most spectacular things I’ve ever seen,” Gunton remarked. “We didn’t expect that.”
Hanks, speaking on the Today show, admitted he was often left speechless by the breathtaking footage. “I’d be waiting for someone to ask me, ‘What did you do today, Tom?’” he laughed. “And then I’d talk for 45 minutes about what I just witnessed in The Americas.”
The premiere offers viewers the chance to witness the world’s natural wonders from 7 p.m. on NBC4, followed by the premieres of Suits LA and Grosse Pointe Garden Society.
“We live in an amazing world,” Hanks summed up.
