Tom Hanks is back in his element—World War II—with a massive new documentary series that promises to be his most comprehensive yet. World War II with Tom Hanks launched on Memorial Day with three episodes and will roll out 20 total installments through July. If you're wondering how to catch every episode, we've got you covered.
What Is 'World War II with Tom Hanks'?
This isn't just another talking-heads history lesson. Hanks uses state-of-the-art digital backdrops to place himself directly into key battlefields and war zones, giving viewers a visceral, first-person perspective. The series kicks off with Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939, then follows the Nazis' westward march and the shocking Operation Barbarossa—Hitler's massive surprise attack on the Soviet Union. Episode four, airing alongside episode five on June 1, revisits the horrors of Pearl Harbor.
Hanks' fascination with WWII is well documented. He starred in Steven Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan in 1998, and the duo went on to produce landmark miniseries Band of Brothers, The Pacific, and Masters of the Air. This documentary series expands on that legacy, covering ground, sea, and air campaigns with unprecedented scope.
How to Watch Every Episode
New episodes of World War II with Tom Hanks air Wednesdays on the History Channel. The next day, they become available to stream on the History Channel app and History.com. You can also watch via live TV streaming services that carry the channel, such as Philo, DIRECTV, and Sling. In the UK, the series airs on Sky History. Altogether, the show will be accessible in 200 countries and 40 languages.
For those who want to binge, the entire 20-episode run will be available on demand after the season finale. If you're looking for more Hanks content while you wait, check out our earlier coverage of Tom Hanks Dives Back Into WWII with New History Channel Doc Premiering May 25.
Why This Series Matters
In a recent interview with Time magazine, Hanks explained his enduring passion for this era: "We're not talking about Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones or the Star Wars universe. We are talking about what, at the core of it all, is flesh and blood and the stasis of years asked of an entire generation—plus some—to say, 'Put the present on hold. Your future doesn't mean anything right now, because there is a moral task before us.' That has not been the same since."
While fans wait for a sequel to Hanks' hit streaming film Greyhound, this documentary series offers a deep, immersive dive into the conflict that shaped the modern world. It's a must-watch for history buffs and anyone who appreciates Hanks' storytelling prowess.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on World War II with Tom Hanks and other major entertainment releases. For more on the best streaming options this month, don't miss our guide to Netflix's 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Season 2 Drops June 25—Binge It All.
