AMERICAS, THE BEAUTIFUL

Tom Hanks narrates this stunning NBC docuseries that examines incredible wildlife across the home of the brave and beyond

- ILEANE RUDOLPH

As the creative director of BBC Studios' Natural History Unit, Emmy winner Mike Gunton has captivated audiences with docuseries like Planet Earth II, Prehistoric Planet and Dynasties, all of which explore the world's flora and fauna through millions of years.

About five years ago, while searching for a new story, Gunton realized that there had never been "a series about the whole of the Americas," he says, referring to North, South and Central. It's the only continent to stretch between both poles, and it's surely worthy of the endeavor. "It doesn't have elephants or gorillas, [but] it has everything else in its diversity of habitats, including the biggest, longest, oldest and fastest among the animals. It's a wildlife filmmaker's dream." The result: NBC's 10-episode The Americas. The massive project filmed over 180 expeditions, from the Arctic to South America's icy southern tip.

Turns out, The Americas was also a dream for Tom Hanks, the producer's only choice for narrator.

"Despite the number of people, there is still fabulous wildlife, if you know where to look"