World War II with Tom Hanks

In 1942, the Allies are eager to challenge the Luftwaffe’s superiority in the air. The RAF and U.S. Army Air Forces combine operations to bomb the industrial heart of Germany and destroy German air power ahead of the upcoming Allied invasion of France. Airmen on both sides will suffer grievous losses – and so will civilians below.This episode features interviews with (in order of appearance):Robert Citino, senior historian, National WWII MuseumDan Snow, historian and broadcasterA.J. Baime, journalist and authorMartin Morgan, military historian and authorJohn Curatola, military historian, National WWII MuseumColonel Douglas Douds, professor, US Army War CollegeDr. Rebecca Grant, national security analystDan Carlin, podcaster, Hardcore HistoryJon Meacham, presidential historianAnand Toprani, military historian, U.S. Naval War College

In 1942, Hitlers launches his second offensive in the Soviet Union: Operation Blue. Quickly becoming impatient, Hitler splits his force in an attempt to capture both the Caucasus oil fields and Stalingrad.Initially successful, the German Sixth Army captures up to 90% of the city until they are trapped by General Zhukov’s men. The Soviet attacks and the unforgiving Russian winter steadily wipe out the German troops until their leader, General Paulus, surrenders. Furious, Hitler launches his final attack, ending all hopes for a German victory on the Eastern Front.This episode features interviews with (in order of appearance):Colonel Douglas Douds, professor, US Army War CollegeRobert Citino, senior historian, National WWII MuseumSir Antony Beevor, military historianAlexandra Richie, professor, Collegium CivitasSean McMeekin, professor, Bard CollegeSimon Sebag Montefiore, historian and authorDan Carlin, podcaster, Hardcore HistoryGeoffrey Wawro, professor, University of North TexasJadwiga Biskupska, associate professor, Sam Houston State University

In 1942, Eisenhower leads the first joint U.S.-British operation of the war – Operation Torch – successfully landing thousands of untested U.S. troops on the Vichy-controlled shores of North Africa. The Allies race to trap the German forces in Tunisia, resulting in fearsome tank battles against the famed “Desert Fox,” German Field Marshall Erwin Rommel and his battle-tested Afrika Korps.This episode features interviews with (in order of appearance):Robert Citino, senior historian, National WWII MuseumJonathan Parshall, military historian, US Naval War CollegeGeneral Wesley Clark, US Army, Ret.Colonel Douglas Douds, professor, US Army War CollegeSaul David, military historian and authorDan Snow, historian and broadcasterCameron Zinsou, associate professor, Command and General Staff CollegeMichael Neiberg, professor, US Army War CollegeAlexandra Richie, professor, Collegium CivitasJon Meacham, presidential historian

America’s “day of infamy” at Pearl Harbor is the birth of a new Japanese empire. Japan launches unprecedented attacks across Asia, proclaiming “Asia for the Asians” and pushing out Western colonial powers. Fueled by ideology, Japan’s armies are seemingly unstoppable – until a confrontation with the 1st Marine Division of the United States at Guadalcanal becomes a testing ground in a war without mercy.This episode features interviews with (in order of appearance):General Wesley Clark, US Army, Ret.Jonathan Parshall, military historian, US Naval War CollegeRobert Citino, senior historian, National WWII MuseumSaul David, military historian and authorDan Snow, historian and broadcasterChristopher Harding, cultural historian, University of EdinburghDan Carlin, podcaster, Hardcore HistoryTakima Melber, the University of HeidelbergColonel Douglas Douds, professor, US Army War CollegeGeoffrey Wawro, professor, University of North Texas

Driven by their desire for resources and an Asian empire, Japan invades China. The US joins the global outcry as Japanese troops brutally destroy the Chinese capital of Nanking. FDR responds with a crippling oil embargo, but Japan refuses to back down, propelling them towards an attack on Pearl Harbor that will change the trajectory of WWII and the world.This episode features interviews with (in order of appearance):Geoffrey Wawro, professor, University of North TexasNoriko Kawamura, professor, Washington State UniversityTakima Melber, the University of HeidelbergRobert Citino, senior historian, National WWII MuseumDan Carlin, podcaster, Hardcore HistoryColonel Douglas Douds, professor, US Army War CollegeChristopher Harding, cultural historian, University of EdinburghJon Meacham, presidential historianLeah Wright Rigueur, associate professor, Johns Hopkins UniversityJonathan Parshall, military historian, US Naval War CollegeMax Brooks, fellow, Modern War Institute, West Point

After defeating Poland, Hitler looks west, planning an attack into France that will take advantage of a weak point in their defences. France is overrun and new British Prime Minister Churchill scrambles to evacuate Allied troops from the coast. Shocked by the defeat of France, Roosevelt calls to mobilize the US while German planes bombard Britain from the sky. The Germans are pushed back as Roosevelt establishes the US as the “arsenal of democracy” in the war against tyranny.This episode features interviews with (in order of appearance):Ludivine Broch, historian, University of WestminsterCameron Zinsou, associate professor, Command and General Staff CollegeMichael Neiberg, professor, US Army War CollegeSaul David, military historian and authorGeoffrey Wawro, professor, University of North TexasDan Snow, historian and broadcasterAlexandra Richie, professor, Collegium CivitasDan Carlin, podcaster, Hardcore HistoryRobert Citino, senior historian, National WWII MuseumJon Meacham, presidential historianLeah Wright Rigueur, associate professor, Johns Hopkins University

Coming May 26th: World War II with Tom Hanks reexamines history’s most devastating conflict for a new century. Across twenty hours, the series traces the war’s full arc–from the rise of fascism to Hiroshima–uncovering the decisions, hidden networks, and lasting consequences that continue to shape our world.