Tom Hanks' WWII Documentary Series Premieres on Memorial Day

The 20-episode series promises a definitive retelling of the deadliest conflict in human history.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:08pm

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An extreme macro photograph of shattered glass and metal textures in dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting, conceptually representing the gritty realities of the World War II era.A visceral, high-fashion close-up captures the raw materials of war, underscoring the human stories behind the battles of World War II.New Orleans Today

Beloved actor and WWII historian Tom Hanks is executive producing a groundbreaking new documentary series, "World War II with Tom Hanks," which will premiere on the History Channel on Memorial Day. The 20-episode series is a sweeping, 200-territory, 40-language exploration of the war, capturing the ferocity of combat as well as the lesser-known stories of espionage, codebreaking, and civilian experiences.

Why it matters

As global tensions rise, revisiting the lessons of World War II feels more urgent than ever. The series aims to honor the sacrifices of WWII while also raising uncomfortable questions about the cost of war and the moral ambiguities of leadership, inviting viewers to grapple with these complexities.

The details

Produced by Hanks alongside Gary Goetzman and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jon Meacham, the series is a collaboration between Nutopia, A+E Factual Studios Group, and Motion Entertainment. The National WWII Museum in New Orleans is also involved, ensuring historical accuracy. While Hanks has explored WWII storytelling before, this series takes a modern lens, diving into the human stories behind the battles, the home fronts, and the transition into the Cold War.

  • The series will premiere on Memorial Day 2026.
  • It is being released as part of the History Honors 250 campaign, building toward the United States' 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.

The players

Tom Hanks

An acclaimed actor and WWII historian who is executive producing the documentary series.

Gary Goetzman

An executive producer on the series, known for his work with Hanks on previous WWII projects.

Jon Meacham

A Pulitzer Prize-winning historian who is also an executive producer on the series.

Nutopia

A production company collaborating on the series.

A+E Factual Studios Group

A production company collaborating on the series.

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What’s next

The series will premiere on Memorial Day 2026 as part of the History Honors 250 campaign, building toward the United States' 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.

The takeaway

This documentary series promises to provide a definitive, nuanced, and deeply human retelling of World War II, exploring not just the battles but the moral complexities and lasting impacts of the conflict. As global tensions rise, the lessons of WWII feel more relevant than ever.