NBC's 'The Americas' Renewed for Season 2, Tom Hanks to Narrate 2028 Premiere

NBC is preparing to take audiences on another expansive journey through the continent's diverse ecosystems, announcing the highly anticipated renewal of its natural history documentary series, 'The Americas.' The acclaimed program, celebrated for its breathtaking cinematography and ambitious scope, will see Hollywood icon Tom Hanks return as its signature narrator for a second season, which is currently in production and targeting a 2028 premiere.

Quick summary

• NBC has officially renewed its natural history documentary series, 'The Americas,' for a second season.
• Tom Hanks is confirmed to return as the narrator for the upcoming season, which is slated for a 2028 debut.
• Two additional specials, 'The Americas: A Wild 250' and 'The Americas: Mother's Day,' have also been commissioned, narrated by Hanks.
• The first season, which premiered in 2025, attracted a significant audience, drawing 7 million cross-platform viewers over 35 days.

Why it matters

The renewal of 'The Americas' represents a significant statement for traditional broadcast television in an era dominated by streaming platforms. Investing in a project of this scale, which typically requires extensive production periods and substantial budgets, underscores NBC's commitment to delivering premium, high-value documentary content. For viewers, it means continued access to visually stunning, educational programming that explores the natural world with unparalleled depth and cinematic quality, often associated more with premium cable or global streaming giants.

Furthermore, the involvement of a talent like Tom Hanks lends an undeniable gravitas and broad appeal, helping to elevate the genre beyond niche audiences. His distinctive voice becomes a recognizable and trusted guide through complex scientific and ecological narratives. This sustained investment in natural history also highlights a growing appetite among audiences for environmental storytelling that both educates and entertains, potentially inspiring greater awareness and appreciation for conservation efforts across North and South America.

Background

'The Americas' first launched in 2025, marking what network executives described as a 'bold bet' – a large-scale cinematic natural history series returning to broadcast television after a considerable absence. For years, such ambitious documentary projects had largely migrated to specialized cable channels or streaming services, which could better absorb the costs and lengthy production timelines inherent in filming wildlife across vast, often remote, landscapes.

The initial season proved successful, attracting a robust audience of 7 million cross-platform viewers within 35 days of its premiere during the 2024-25 season. This performance evidently validated NBC's strategic decision. The series is currently enjoying a successful re-airing in a 'fun fact edition' format, providing additional behind-the-scenes insights and commentary, consistently drawing an average of 2.65 million same-day viewers during the summer. This sustained viewership demonstrated not only the quality of the content but also a clear demand from the public for this type of programming.

A Commitment to Cinematic Storytelling

The decision to greenlight a second season so far in advance of its projected premiere — 2028 — speaks volumes about the meticulous planning and extensive resources required for a production of this magnitude. Unlike scripted series, natural history documentaries demand years of filming in diverse, often challenging environments, capturing elusive wildlife behaviors and dynamic ecological processes. This long lead time ensures the production teams, a collaboration between Universal Television Alternative Studio (UTAS) and the BBC Studios Natural History Unit, can maintain the high cinematic standards audiences have come to expect.

Sharon Vuong, Executive Vice President of Unscripted Programming at NBC, expressed enthusiasm for the project. "We’re thrilled to bring 'The Americas' back into viewers’ homes, taking them on a journey that reveals even more of the extraordinary worlds, iconic landscapes and remarkable wildlife that make North and South America so compelling – all while blending breathtaking scale, discovery, humor and heart," Vuong stated, emphasizing the series' blend of awe-inspiring visuals with emotional depth.

The Enduring Appeal of Tom Hanks

The return of Tom Hanks as narrator is a key component of the series' continued allure. Known for his relatable voice and ability to convey both wonder and gravitas, Hanks adds a layer of accessibility and star power that distinguishes 'The Americas' from many other nature documentaries. His narration helps bridge the gap between complex ecological information and broad audience engagement, making the series an inviting experience for families and viewers of all ages.

This star power, combined with the proven expertise of the BBC Studios Natural History Unit – world-renowned for landmark series like 'Planet Earth' – creates a compelling package. It demonstrates that even in a fragmented media landscape, the combination of high-quality production, compelling storytelling, and a beloved public figure can still draw significant audiences to traditional broadcast channels.

Expanding Horizons and New Narratives

The second season promises to delve into new, unexplored regions of the Americas, ensuring fresh perspectives and undiscovered natural wonders for viewers. This expansion is critical for maintaining audience interest and demonstrating the vast, untapped stories within the continent's diverse biomes. Toby Gorman, President of UTAS, highlighted this ambition. "The success of season one gives us the opportunity to dream even bigger for season two, expanding the scope, pushing the filmmaking to new heights, and deepening the emotional connection viewers found with the series," Gorman noted.

In addition to the full season, NBC has also ordered two complementary specials: 'The Americas: A Wild 250,' scheduled to air on July 2, and 'The Americas: Mother’s Day,' set for next year. These specials, also narrated by Hanks, will likely offer focused narratives or celebratory themes, providing additional touchpoints for viewers between the main seasons and further reinforcing the 'Americas' brand.

Qnews24h insight

The significant investment by NBC in a multi-season commitment to 'The Americas' suggests a strategic counter-move in the battle for premium content. While streaming services have largely cornered the market for high-budget natural history documentaries in recent years, this renewal signifies that broadcast television sees a viable and valuable niche in this genre, particularly when anchored by a universally recognized voice like Tom Hanks and a production powerhouse like the BBC. It underscores the enduring power of appointment viewing and broad audience appeal that traditional networks can still command, even for content with long development cycles. This could herald a cautious but significant return of ambitious factual programming to primetime broadcast schedules, challenging the perception that such content is exclusively the domain of niche cable or subscription services.

Sources

• 'The Americas' Renewed for Season 2 on NBC - hollywoodreporter.com

FAQ

When is 'The Americas' Season 2 expected to premiere?

The second season of 'The Americas' is currently in production and is slated to premiere in 2028 on NBC.

Will Tom Hanks return as the narrator for the new season?

Yes, Tom Hanks is confirmed to return as the narrator for the second season of 'The Americas,' as well as for the two upcoming specials.

What is 'The Americas: A Wild 250' and when will it air?

'The Americas: A Wild 250' is one of two new specials ordered by NBC, narrated by Tom Hanks, and is set to air on July 2.

Who produces 'The Americas' series?

'The Americas' is produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio and the BBC Studios Natural History Unit, combining their expertise for large-scale documentary filmmaking.