The Saving Private Ryan star will present the series with more than 20 episodes exploring the origins and turning points of the Second World War
A Saving Private Ryan star is leading the project (Image: PARAMOUNT PICTURES)
A landmark documentary series spanning over 20 episodes is preparing for worldwide launch, with the factual programme, entitled World War II with Tom Hanks, to be both hosted and narrated by the acclaimed Hollywood star. The sweeping series will feature the Saving Private Ryan actor “present a sweeping and definitive retelling of the Second World War, drawing on rarely seen archival material, powerful, evocative storytelling, and insights from leading historians”.
Broadcasting on Sky History and The History Channel, each instalment will delve into the conflict’s origins alongside its pivotal moments. Audiences can expect deeply moving personal accounts woven throughout the narrative.
Hearst Networks, spearheading the ambitious project, promised “the series offers a panoramic and emotionally resonant perspective on the war that reshaped the modern world“. The American actor and filmmaker revealed his intimate ties to the conflict, admitting: “During my formative years, every single adult in my life would make references to two words: The War.
“The lasting effects of the Second World War on the world and my own family was not lost on me. I am thrilled to partner with The History Channel to produce this all-encompassing series with a long-form format that will give us the ability to tell this important piece of history in its entirety.”
Hanks is serving as executive producer alongside Gary Goetzman for Playtone. An official air date will be announced in the coming months.
Heather Jones of Hearst Networks commented: “World War II with Tom Hanks is a landmark series with deep relevance across all our markets. It’s a privilege to bring such a powerful and resonant project to audiences throughout EMEA simultaneously.
“Our ambition is to deliver premium, globally relevant storytelling at scale, and to remind viewers of all ages of the importance of understanding, and reflecting on, the events and impact of this pivotal moment in history.”
Hanks has featured in numerous productions portraying wartime scenarios, including the 2020 film Greyhound. He took on the role of Commander Ernie Krause, a US Navy officer on his maiden voyage commanding a multinational escort destroyer group, protecting an Allied convoy against U-boats during the Battle of the Atlantic.
In April 2025, news emerged that a follow-up to Greyhound was being developed, with Hanks, who penned the screenplay, returning as Captain Krause. The continuation will track Krause and the Greyhound crew “from the beaches of Normandy to the ocean in the Pacific as they help turn the tide of the war”.
His 1998 epic war drama, Saving Private Ryan, takes place in 1944 in Normandy during World War II and chronicles a group of soldiers tasked with finding Private James Francis Ryan (portrayed by Matt Damon ) and ensuring his safe return home following the deaths of his three brothers in combat. Hanks portrayed Captain John Miller in the film, drawing inspiration from Stephen E. Ambrose’s books and numerous soldiers’ accounts. The film is widely hailed as one of the finest war films ever produced.
Hanks also took centre stage in Steven Spielberg’s historical drama Bridge of Spies, set amidst the Cold War. It narrates the tale of lawyer James B.
Donovan, tasked with negotiating the release of Francis Gary Powers, a convicted Central Intelligence Agency pilot.
The Hollywood luminary played the lead role in the film, which bagged six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.
World War II with Tom Hanks will be broadcast on Sky History in the UK and The History Channel elsewhere.
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