BBC acquires 10-part Tom Hanks-narrated nature documentary series The Americas

The Americas is set to air on NBC in the US next month

The BBC will air The Americas, the 10-part nature documentary series narrated by Tom Hanks that is set to launch on NBC in the US next month.

The series is produced by BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit in association with Universal Television Alternative Studio, a division of Universal Studio Group.

Showcasing the wonders, secrets and fragilities of the supercontinent, The Americas will be available on BBC One and iPlayer following a deal with NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution.

With music by Oscar winner Hans Zimmer, the series uses cutting-edge technology to uncover never-before-seen behaviour and highlight extraordinary, untold wildlife stories.

The series, which took five years to make, was filmed over 180 expeditions, with each episode featuring a different iconic location across the Americas.

These include the Atlantic Coast, Mexico, Wild West, the Amazon, the Frozen North, the Gulf Coast, the Andes, the Caribbean, the West Coast and Patagonia.

The Americas is executive produced by Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning wildlife producer Mike Gunton (Planet Earth II, Planet Earth III, Dynasties) for BBC Studios Natural History Unit. It will launch on NBC in the US on February 23.

Jo Lapping, head of BBC factual acquisitions said: “From Northern Canada to Patagonia, the spectacular beauty and diversity of the American continents has been captured in this mesmerising series from a multi award-winning dream team; Tom Hanks, Hans Zimmer, BBC Studios’ Natural History and Universal Television Alternative Studio.”