Why Tom Hanks Was Ready to Be 'on the Front Line' of His New Docuseries “The Americas”: 'TV at Its Absolute Best' (Exclusive)
"I feel lucky to be a part of this extraordinary project - of capturing something that is so real that it's irrefutable to anybody who watches it," Hanks tells PEOPLE of the new project as the official first look is unveiled
"I feel lucky to be a part of this extraordinary project - of capturing something that is so real that it's irrefutable to anybody who watches it," Hanks tells PEOPLE of the new project as the official first look is unveiled
Tom Hanks is ready to help shine a light on Earth's natural beauty through The Americas.
PEOPLE has an exclusive first look at the upcoming 10-part nature documentary series narrated by the actor, 68, showcasing "the wonders, secrets, and fragilities of the world’s only supercontinent," a synopsis explains.
The series, filmed over five years and 180 expeditions, is divided into hour-long episodes that examine different terrain across the Americas, including the Atlantic Coast, Mexico, Wild West, Amazon, Frozen North, Gulf Coast, Andes, Caribbean, West Coast, and Patagonia.
"It's an hour of discovery. You will be enthralled, enlightened, educated and — foremost — entertained," Hanks tells PEOPLE about the show that promises to "deliver remarkable world firsts," including "new species, new intimate courtship, dramatic deep sea hunting and some of nature’s strangest stories."
Related: Tom Hanks Used This Expletive to Describe Movie Critics as He Defended That Thing You Do!: 'Can I Say That?' Austin Hargrave/NBC Tom Hanks for 'The Americas'
Hanks tells PEOPLE that the show is special because it contains "no CGI," noting, "Nothing in here has been created inside the magic of the camera, absolutely nothing at all."
"This is TV at its absolute best, because — number one — you can't make this stuff up. It's the truth. It's real," he further adds.
The Here star says that the best part about the show, which features extraordinary animals, including a wandering salamander, is the opportunity to watch "creatures of all ages playing." Tanya Houppermans/BBC Studios Sand tiger shark cruising through the 'Graveyard of the Atlantic' off the coast of North Carolina
"That's my favorite part of The Americas — seeing how often all creatures great and small play, occupy their time, keep themselves entertained. Carefree youngsters — cubs, otters, pups, chicks, owls — learning how to do whatever they do for the first time," he says. "It seems like all of creation seeks some form of contact, affection, and togetherness that is undeniably a part of their behavior."
The opportunity to highlight them is something Hanks could not pass out on.
"I knew that I would be learning an awful lot. I wanted to be on the front line. I feel lucky to be a part of this extraordinary project - of capturing something that is so real that it's irrefutable to anybody who watches it. And it's just glorious to be a part of that," he adds. Chris Norcott/NBC/BBC Studios Black bear mother and cub
In addition to being narrated by Hanks, the series is executive produced by Mike Gunton, with music by Oscar and Grammy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer.
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The Americas premieres with two back-to-back episodes on Sunday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.
