Nature documentary enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as the BBC Studios Natural History Unit and NBC have officially announced a second season of their critically acclaimed series, The Americas. Following the massive success of the show’s debut, which brought a cinematic, high-budget approach to broadcast wildlife television, the production team is already at work exploring the vast biodiversity of the supercontinent.
Expanding the Wildlife Horizon
After securing an Emmy nomination for its inaugural run, The Americas captured the imaginations of audiences by showcasing the sheer scale and variety of the natural world across North and South America. The creative team promises that the upcoming season, slated for a 2028 premiere, will venture into untapped territories. By digging deeper into hidden ecosystems and focusing on both iconic and rarely seen species, producers intend to push the narrative boundaries of nature filmmaking even further.
Sharon Vuong, Executive Vice President of Unscripted Programming at NBC, expressed excitement about the show’s return. “We are thrilled to bring The Americas back into viewers’ homes,” Vuong stated. “The series blends breathtaking scale, discovery, and heart, and we are eager to continue our partnership with the BBC Studios Natural History Unit to reveal more of the extraordinary environments that make this supercontinent so compelling.”
A Star-Studded Return
One of the most celebrated elements of the first season was the narration provided by Academy Award winner Tom Hanks. Fans will be delighted to hear that he is officially returning to the booth to lend his familiar, comforting voice to the new episodes.
The production is not waiting until 2028 to offer viewers new content. A series of special episodes is planned to keep the momentum building. The journey begins on July 2 with the debut of The Americas: A Wild 250th, which will air on NBC and be available for streaming on Peacock the following day. Additionally, the network has confirmed a special titled The Americas: Mother’s Day is scheduled for 2027.
Pushing Cinematic Boundaries
Toby Gorman, President of Universal Television Alternative Studio, reflected on the “bold bet” the network took by bringing such an ambitious project to prime-time television. The gamble clearly paid off, with audiences responding enthusiastically to the series’ high production values.
“The success of season one gives us the opportunity to dream even bigger for season two,” Gorman explained. “We are committed to pushing our filmmaking to new heights and deepening the emotional connection viewers formed with these incredible stories.”
The creative force behind the scenes remains equally enthusiastic. Mike Gunton, the visionary behind hits like Planet Earth II and Life, serves as executive producer alongside Holly Spearing. Gunton noted that the vastness of the Americas offers endless storytelling opportunities. “There are so many more stories to tell and places to explore,” Gunton said. “Having Tom Hanks back on board again is truly the icing on the cake.”
As production continues, anticipation is building for the next chapter of this ambitious project. Whether it is the soaring peaks of the Andes or the lush depths of the Amazon, The Americas is poised to remain a gold standard for nature documentaries for years to come.
