‘The Americas’ Review: Tom Hanks Narrates NBC’s Gorgeous, Somewhat Simplistic Nature Docuseries

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If Charles Darwin had penned “On the Origin of Species” following a relaxing weekend immersed in stunning high-definition nature documentaries from the cozy confines of his couch, it’s possible that he would have formulated his evolutionary ideas centered around the concept of “survival of the cutest.

Thanks to ongoing advancements in cinematography and similar titles such as Planet Earth, Our Planet, Blue Planet, and Man vs. Beast, nature documentaries stand out as a valuable and renewable source of knowledge about our planet. In my opinion, these productions can be categorized into two distinct groups:

1. Broadcasts that focus on the natural world’s beauty and interconnectedness, showcasing diverse ecosystems and wildlife behaviors, often accompanied by breathtaking visuals and insightful narration.
2. Documentaries that delve deeper into the challenges facing our planet, such as habitat loss, climate change, and the impact of human activity on the natural world. These productions aim to raise awareness and promote conservation efforts.

In most renowned nature documentaries, our world appears as an enormous and mysteriously unfamiliar landscape, with the knowledge we’re gaining proving to be both alarming and disquieting. Despite the perils lurking within the ocean’s abysses and mountainous peaks, adorable or grotesquely exaggerated creatures tend to dominate. Although not always, around 80% of the time, baby animals encounter death in various unexpected ways but are often shielded by their caring parents (mostly mothers) or their own clever problem-solving skills that seem strikingly human-like. An unattractive creature usually survives because its ugliness conceals a hidden ability that seems remarkably human-like, such as a glowing wattle or an eye that shoots lasers. In essence, nature is both captivating and somewhat predictable.

Sometimes, I come across a documentary series that daringly strips down the survival advantage of being cute to around 50%, or even less. These shows teach us that nature is unpredictable and doesn’t conform to our human standards, regardless of how much we try to personify it.

NBC‘s new 10-part nature series, The Americas, is definitely not in that latter category.

Produced by Mike Gunton (known for “Life” and “Planet Earth II”) and the BBC Studios Natural History Unit, “The Americas” offers a familiar and secure depiction of our natural world, enhanced by the comfortable narration of renowned voice actor, Tom Hanks.

If you’re not seeking to question your assumptions or self-image, The Americas certainly fulfills all the fundamental aspects you’d expect from a wildlife series. The photography is breathtaking, and it’s certain that you’ll pick up some new knowledge (even if you may forget it later). And if you prefer adorable young animals to fierce predators, your spirit should be uplifted around three to five times per episode.

Spanning five years and 180 expeditions, the documentary titled “The Americas” charts a ten-part adventure across this vast continent, ranging from “The Frozen North” (which includes Canada, Alaska, and more) to “Patagonia” (comprising Argentina, Chile, and other regions), as well as traversing coastlines from the Atlantic to the West. While some landscapes have been frequently depicted in similar genres, such as my encounters with specific ultra-rare salamanders outnumbering my high school friends, there are also expanses of geography that remain less explored.

The Americas excel at having Tom Hanks announce each time he’s about to showcase an unseen footage, similar to how a news reporter might hype up an “EXCLUSIVE” event. Occasionally, these exclusives are captivating – such as watching blue whales play or observing a salamander take a daring leap from a tall redwood tree. However, there are instances where being presented with something new for the first time doesn’t necessarily guarantee that you’ll remember it 15 minutes later after the grand unveiling.

Most people aren’t likely to watch ten episodes of The Americas in three days as I did, and instead of finding it tedious when watching one episode per week, the show’s vignettes might seem repetitive. There are at least three distinct episodes that focus on mama bears emerging from hibernation and seeking ways to nourish her twin cubs – always twins. These stories about a mother bear caring for adorable twin cubs aren’t boring, but you may notice how quickly they resemble the tropes of a Pixar film in the natural world.

If you had suggested to the creators of “The Americas” that they should only portray five mating rituals and five scenes of parents teaching their children to hunt, despite acknowledging that reproduction and nourishment are essential aspects of nature, the series would have been incredibly brief, possibly no more than two hours in length.

Animals with mating behaviors featured in “The Americas” encompass a variety of species such as: cranes, stallions, sharp-tailed grouses, walruses, salmon, salamanders, whales, crabs, hummingbirds, burrowing owls, several types of hummingbirds, flamingos, alligators, stag beetles, and large seals.

In the Americas, there are several types of animals whose parents often find it difficult to provide for their offspring: bobcats, jaguars, bears (various species), otters, whales, young sharks, more bears, alligators, additional bears, harpy eagles, penguins, and tamarin monkeys.

Nature tends to follow a pattern, yet it never fails to captivate us; documentaries like “The Americas” are one of those that strive to maintain a sense of familiarity for viewers. More often than not, when Tom Hanks introduces you to an endearing character with a straightforward objective – either mating or feeding – that objective is accomplished. This production largely avoids the unsettling elements, instead focusing on remarkable survival techniques that would be less awe-inspiring without the ‘surviving’ aspect itself.

Tim Hanks skillfully guides the narrative with his warm, relatable charisma, sharing heartwarming anecdotes that contribute to the nostalgic Pixar vibe of this nature-centric tale. While he may not excel at delivering technical details, he effortlessly evokes empathy for a young caribou lost from its mother or a multitude of Cuban crabs daring to cross a busy highway. At times, his enthusiasm for certain animal behaviors might border on excessive, but who are we to criticize?

Whenever Tom Hanks requires assistance in fostering empathy, the music by Hans Zimmer, Anze Rozman, and Kara Talve is readily available to evoke powerful emotions – be it humor, excitement, or sadness. This score spans across multiple genres while subtly mirroring well-known classical pieces and film compositions.

In essence, “The Americas” seeks to inspire awe and stimulate curiosity, but if you believe that environmental issues are deeply political by 2025, this series can be seen as innocuous, much like baby bobcats or a club of black bears. Particularly in episodes where “ice” is significant, Hanks often discusses rising temperatures, although he may not directly say the term “climate change.” The human impact on these natural wonders is subtly hinted at, but there’s no urgent call to action about conservation, preservation, or activism.

In a casual and readable manner: When Tom Hanks mentions that life will find a way, he’s not just quoting Jurassic Park but also suggesting that we, the viewers, have no obligation to safeguard any creatures or environments depicted in the film. Advocating for animal welfare might seem apolitical, yet it’s quite political. In fact, one of the most politically charged aspects of this series is its continued use of maps labeling the Gulf of Mexico as such, which is significant given that it’s been published. Keep an eye out when the episodes eventually air to see if there are any changes in response to potential pressure or conformity.

Alternatively, you could focus on captivating time-lapse clips showcasing cicadas’ emergence, manatees frolicking, or the rare Darwin’s rhea – a South American ostrich species where fathers help raise their young. This documentary, as it assures us, presents the message that nature is thriving and all will be well.

Here’s hoping it’s correct.

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2025-02-22 18:55