Tom Hanks' 20-Part WWII Series Remains One Of The Biggest Shows On Streaming

Published Aug 26, 2026, 10:05 AM EDT Hannah Gearan (she/her) is has been writing for ScreenRant for over three years. Her deep cinema love traces back to age 11, when she equipped herself with a spiral-bound notebook, rated all the films she watched, and declared herself a critic. About a decade later, she received a BA from Wesleyan University, where she studied Film, Environmental Studies, and Writing. Hannah’s short film, Toxic Faucets, has screened at numerous film festivals, including the Independent Film Festival of Boston (IFFBoston). As a Movie News writer now, she draws upon her vast experience studying, making, and analyzing film as she approaches dynamic breaking stories. Sign in to your ScreenRant account A Tom Hanks history series is continuing to dominate the streaming charts. With two Oscar wins to his name (for Philadelphia and Forrest Gump), Hanks remains one of the most beloved actors of his generation. He is known for a wide range of roles, including many in which he portrays real people, such as in Captain Phillips, Sully, and Bridge of Spies. Among Hanks' most well-regarded films is the war epic Saving Private Ryan, in which he plays the fictional Captain John H. Miller. It is not Saving Private Ryan, but another Hanks' led war project that is taking over streaming charts right now. World War II with Tom Hanks is a history channel series that follows Germany's invasion of Poland through the creation of the atomic bomb, exploring some of the world's critical leaders along the way. Hanks serves as the host for this 20-episode series, which ran from late May through July of this year. Even a month after it wrapped, World War II with Tom Hanks is no. 3 on both the Apple and Prime Video VOD charts. Tom Hanks Is The Perfect Host For This WWII Series Hanks is an ideal host for a history series like this. For one, Hanks' voice has become iconic over the course of his career. He is the voice actor for Woody in the Toy Story franchise, making his voice instantly recognizable. His iconic cadence and tone does, of course, also contribute to his live-action roles. The warm and clear tone of his voice has also led Hanks to be labeled "America's Dad" at points over the years. There is nothing more dad-like than the History Channel, making World War II with Tom Hanks a logical project for the actor. Hanks himself also has an interest in the history of this particular war. He was a major supporter of the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, and served as the narrator for the museum's 4D theatrical experience. His America's Dad status, career history, iconic voice, and subject interest make Hanks the perfect series host. Why Tom Hanks Is Dominating Streaming With WWII Credit: A&E Television Networks LLC/Art Streiber The main reason WWII is dominating the streaming charts is likely the draw of Hanks himself. High-profile history docuseries can do well in general, as many a Ken Burns docuseries has. Attach a known star to them, and this is a recipe for success. The ongoing success World War II with Tom Hanks, even after it finished airing, may help cement this series as a new historical documentary series classic.