From the frozen tundras of Alaska to the lush rainforests of the Amazon, The Americas takes audiences on a breathtaking journey through one of the most diverse regions on Earth. Narrated by the legendary Tom Hanks, this nature documentary series is more than just a visual spectacle — it’s an emotional exploration of life, resilience, and the interconnected beauty of the continents we call home.
The combination of stunning cinematography, compelling storytelling, and Hanks’ warm, unmistakable voice has already made The Americas one of the most anticipated docuseries of 2025. Let’s dive deeper into what makes this series a cinematic and emotional triumph.
The Vision Behind The Americas
Produced by the BBC Studios Natural History Unit in collaboration with NBC, The Americas is the result of five years of meticulous filming and over 180 expeditions across diverse ecosystems. From soaring Andean peaks to the windswept Patagonian plains, the series captures the essence of two vast continents that hold some of the planet’s most extraordinary wildlife.
The show’s executive producer, Mike Gunton — the creative force behind global hits like Planet Earth II and Dynasties — envisioned The Americas as an immersive experience that goes beyond documenting animals. It’s about exploring how geography, climate, and human influence intertwine to shape life across these lands.
Each episode unfolds as a self-contained journey, revealing the powerful stories of creatures that call the Americas home — from jaguars prowling the Amazon to humpback whales breaching off the coast of Baja California.
Tom Hanks: The Voice of Wonder and Humanity
One of the most distinctive elements of The Americas is its narrator. Tom Hanks, an actor celebrated for his warmth, depth, and authenticity, brings an emotional richness to the narration that few could replicate.
Hanks’ voice is familiar and trusted — a presence that bridges the gap between human curiosity and nature’s grandeur. His narration doesn’t just describe what’s happening on screen; it invites the audience into the moment. Whether he’s describing the quiet persistence of a penguin in the icy south or the thunderous migration of caribou in the north, Hanks delivers every line with sincerity and wonder.
For Hanks, this project marks a meaningful step into the realm of natural storytelling. Known for portraying deeply human characters, his transition to narrating The Americas highlights his ability to connect emotionally — not only with people but also with the natural world.
A Cinematic Experience Like No Other
Visually, The Americas is breathtaking. The production team employed cutting-edge 8K cameras, drones, and underwater rigs to capture scenes that have never been seen before on television. The color palette is vibrant, and every frame feels like a painting in motion.
The series moves fluidly through regions and climates, presenting the contrasts that define the Americas. One episode might open with an eagle soaring over the Rocky Mountains, and the next might descend into the dense Amazon basin where life thrives in endless layers. This seamless transition between landscapes gives viewers a panoramic understanding of how interconnected nature truly is.
Complementing the visuals is an original score by Hans Zimmer, whose compositions heighten the emotional resonance of every scene. Zimmer’s music swells and fades with the rhythm of the natural world — powerful, yet never overwhelming. Together, Hanks’ narration and Zimmer’s score create a sensory experience that’s both epic and intimate.
Exploring the Regions of the Americas
Each episode of The Americas delves into a specific region, capturing its unique wildlife and environmental challenges. The series traverses:
-
The Atlantic Coast, where land and sea meet in dynamic harmony, showcasing the life cycles of seabirds, whales, and coastal predators.
-
Mexico’s deserts and forests, revealing the hidden biodiversity of a land often overshadowed by its cultural landmarks.
-
The Frozen North, home to bears, wolves, and migrating herds that must adapt to a rapidly changing climate.
-
The Amazon Basin, a lush labyrinth teeming with life, where survival depends on adaptation and cooperation.
-
The Andes and Patagonia, where altitude and cold sculpt life into resilient forms.
Through these episodes, The Americas celebrates not only wildlife but also the balance and fragility of the ecosystems that sustain them.
Storytelling That Inspires and Educates
What sets The Americas apart from traditional documentaries is its storytelling depth. Instead of focusing solely on scientific facts, it weaves narratives that evoke empathy and curiosity.
Every scene has a story — a family of monkeys protecting their young, a falcon braving the storm to hunt, or coral reefs struggling to survive the warming seas. By focusing on emotional storytelling, the series reminds viewers that nature’s struggles mirror our own.
The narration often draws subtle parallels between human perseverance and animal instinct, highlighting how every living being, big or small, plays a role in the planet’s grand design.
The Message: A Call for Connection and Conservation
While The Americas dazzles with its beauty, it doesn’t shy away from the challenges facing the natural world. Deforestation, climate change, and pollution are recurring themes, presented thoughtfully rather than heavy-handedly.
Through these visual stories, the documentary urges viewers to rediscover their connection to nature. It emphasizes that every decision — from what we consume to how we live — ripples through the ecosystems that sustain life on Earth.
Tom Hanks’ narration underscores this message with warmth and urgency, reminding us that our planet’s future depends on awareness and empathy. His tone is never accusatory but hopeful, suggesting that there’s still time to protect what remains — if we choose to act.
Reception and Impact
Since its debut, The Americas has been met with critical acclaim for its storytelling, cinematography, and emotional resonance. Viewers have praised Hanks’ narration for adding humanity to the visuals, making the series accessible to audiences of all ages.
Industry experts have compared it to Planet Earth and Our Planet, but many argue that The Americas stands out for its intimate tone and regional focus. It’s a love letter to a continent of extremes — one that celebrates both grandeur and grit.
The series has also sparked renewed conversations about environmental awareness in the Americas, inspiring schools, conservation groups, and filmmakers alike to engage with its message of hope and coexistence.
Why The Americas Matters Now
In an era where environmental crises dominate headlines, The Americas serves as a timely reminder of what’s at stake. The series doesn’t just showcase the beauty of the natural world — it rekindles our sense of responsibility toward it.
Tom Hanks’ narration bridges generations, making the series as appealing to children as it is to adults. His voice carries the emotional weight of the stories, transforming raw visuals into meaningful lessons about respect, resilience, and wonder.
Ultimately, The Americas isn’t just a television event; it’s a cinematic call to reconnect with the world beyond our screens. It challenges us to see nature not as a distant spectacle but as an integral part of our shared humanity.
Conclusion: Rediscovering the Wild Spirit
The Americas Tom Hanks is more than a documentary — it’s an experience that moves the heart and expands the mind. It invites viewers to see familiar lands through new eyes and to appreciate the delicate balance that sustains life across two continents.
With breathtaking visuals, a soul-stirring score by Hans Zimmer, and Tom Hanks’ compassionate storytelling, the series captures what it truly means to be part of a living, breathing planet.
As we watch the seasons change and species adapt, we’re reminded of our own role in this shared journey. The wild isn’t somewhere “out there” — it’s part of who we are.
If you’re looking for inspiration, education, and pure cinematic beauty, The Americas is an unmissable exploration of life in its rawest and most poetic form. And as we reflect on its message, 9xflix continues to celebrate stories that connect people, art, and the planet we call home.
