Tom Hanks has built a remarkable legacy exploring World War II through cinema and television. From his powerful portrayal in Saving Private Ryan to serving as executive producer on acclaimed series like Band of Brothers, The Pacific, and Masters of the Air, the Academy Award winner continues his deep engagement with the conflict that reshaped global history. Now, Hanks takes on his most intimate role yet as narrator of an ambitious new documentary series that promises unprecedented depth and perspective.
A Monumental Documentary Achievement
World War II with Tom Hanks stands as the definitive television event of the year, meticulously timed for release on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026. This extraordinary documentary series represents Hanks’s most personal undertaking regarding the 20th century’s defining conflict, offering viewers a fresh examination through contemporary eyes.
The project emerges from collaboration between the HISTORY Channel and the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, establishing it as a landmark historical documentary. Unlike conventional war documentaries that compress extensive historical narratives into limited runtimes, this ambitious series spans 20 hour-long episodes, each dedicated to exploring distinct facets of the global conflict.
The series forms part of the HISTORY Honors 250 campaign, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. This timing underscores the documentary’s significance in connecting modern audiences with the historical events that shaped national identity and international relations.
Episode Release Schedule and Structure
The docuseries adopts a chronological approach, examining critical turning points throughout the Second World War. The premiere week features three consecutive episodes launching simultaneously on Memorial Day, with subsequent episodes releasing weekly through June and July.
The complete episode lineup includes:
The inaugural trio releases on May 25 include “The Beginning,” which examines the conflict’s origins, followed by “Blitz” exploring the devastating bombing campaigns, and “Barbarossa” detailing the pivotal Eastern Front offensive. The first two episodes arrive together on June 1: “Pearl Harbor” addressing the attack that brought America into the war, and “The War at Sea” examining naval operations that determined supply lines and maritime control.
Several episodes remain scheduled for future dates, including “Guadalcanal,” “Darkness Falls,” “Operation Torch,” “Secrets and Lies,” “Stalingrad,” “Italy,” “Battle for the Skies,” “Overlord,” “Long Road to Tokyo,” “Home Front,” “Resistance,” “No Surrender,” “Last Days of the Reich,” “Endgame,” and “Fall Out.” While specific air dates for these installments await confirmation, viewers can anticipate consistent Monday releases throughout the summer months.
Production Excellence and Historical Authenticity
The documentary represents a collaborative effort featuring Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman, and Jon Meacheam as executive producers. Production duties fall to Nutopia and A+E Factual Studios Group, working in association with Playtone and Motion Entertainment, a WPP Media company. This powerhouse combination ensures both production quality and historical accuracy.
Each episode weaves together rare and restored historical footage with personal letters, diary entries, and interviews featuring World War II veterans. The narrative extends beyond battlefield accounts to include comprehensive military and historical analysis, providing multidimensional understanding of the conflict’s complexity. Hanks’s narration serves as the connective tissue throughout, guiding viewers through the war’s full arc from initial tensions through eventual conclusion and aftermath.
Global Release and Streaming Information
Following its high-profile American debut, the documentary embarks on an expansive international rollout spanning 200 territories with translations available in more than 40 languages. The United Kingdom, Asia, and Africa premiere on May 26, with additional regions consulting local listings for specific availability.
American viewers can access the premiere through three consecutive episodes airing at 8 PM Eastern and Pacific Time on The HISTORY Channel. Alternative viewing options include streaming through Philo, DIRECTV, and Sling platforms carrying the HISTORY Channel content. New episodes become available the following day through the HISTORY Channel application and History.com for on-demand viewing.
International time zone considerations include the United Kingdom on Sky HISTORY at 9 PM, Asia through The HISTORY Channel Asia at 8 PM, and Africa via CAT on DStv at 9 PM. Viewers in other territories should consult local television listings for precise scheduling details.
This comprehensive documentary event offers history enthusiasts and general audiences alike an extraordinary opportunity to experience World War II through exceptional storytelling and authoritative historical perspective, anchored by one of cinema’s most respected talents.
