‘The Americas’ Renewed for Season 2: Will Tom Hanks Return as Narrator?

Not only is NBC bringing back The Americas for more, but there will also be two specials leading up to the second season.

The network announced on Thursday, June 25, that it has renewed the Emmy-nominated nature documentary series, which will explore new regions and dig deeper into the wildlife and majestic landscapes that the supercontinent has to offer. Two specials for the 250th and Mother’s Day will air as well.

The renewal comes after Season 1 ranked as the most-watched new alternative show of the 2024 to 2025 season and reached over 36 million viewers.

Read for everything we know so far about The Americas Season 2, including if Tom Hanks will continue to serve as narrator.

When does The Americas Season 2 premiere?

The Americas Season 2 is already in production, but episodes will not premiere until 2028.

For now, you can watch The Americas: Fun Fact Edition, Season 1 episodes with fun facts and behind-the-scenes insights, Thursdays at 9/8c on NBC.

Is Tom Hanks returning for The Americas Season 2?

Yes, Hanks will continue to narrate the series, including the aforementioned specials.

The series is executive produced by Mike Gunton and  Holly Spearing for BBC Studios Natural History Unit, in association with Universal Television Alternative Studio, a division of Universal Studio Group.

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What is The Americas about?

The Americas “uses cutting-edge technology to highlight the wonders, secrets and fragilities of the world’s greatest supercontinent. Narrated by Tom Hanks and set to a sweeping score by Hans Zimmer, each episode delivers surprising revelations alongside stunning footage across the continent’s most iconic landscapes.”

“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,” said Sharon Vuong, executive vice president of unscripted programming at NBC, in a statement. “With Tom Hanks’ distinctive voice behind the awe-inspiring visuals and with our partners at UTAS and BBC Studios Natural History Unit, Season 2 is poised to deliver even further on the series’ commitment to unique storytelling and bold explorations of the natural world.”

Added Mike Gunton, the creative director of BBC Studios’ natural history unit and executive producer, “Working on The Americas was absolutely exhilarating — being able to bring the breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife of this extraordinary ‘super-continent’ to life was a truly inspiring experience. There are so many more stories to tell and places to explore — we can’t wait to get started on Series 2. We’re thrilled to continue our exciting partnership with NBC and Universal Television Alternative Studio, and of course, having Tom Hanks back on board again is the icing on the cake.”

When do The Americas 250th and Mother’s Day specials premiere?

Fortunately, viewers won’t have to wait until 2028 for new content. The Americas: A Wild 250th, celebrating the nation’s milestone birthday and showcasing “iconic American species whose deep connection to the land and the nation’s history have left an indelible mark on the country,” will premiere on July 2 at 9/8c on NBC. “From the majestic bald eagle to fearless bison and clever sea lions, each animal reflects a brave American spirit worth honoring,” the network says.

Then, in 2027, The Americas: Mother’s Day special will air. It “showcases the most resilient moms on Earth as they prove that love and a little ingenuity conquer just about anything. Set against the nation’s sweeping landscapes, the special reveals how animal motherhood is shaped by the environments they inhabit and the legacy of the land itself. Both heartfelt and illuminating, it offers a fresh perspective on familiar stories, reminding us that raising the next generation is the greatest adventure of all.”