Tom Hanks, star of Saving Private Ryan, hosts a new 20-episode documentary series on World War II, but early reviews suggest it fails to capture the epic scale of the conflict. The series, which premieres with a triple bill, attempts to cover the largest event in human history, yet critics argue it feels superficial and formulaic.
Produced in the 2020s, the show lacks the first-hand testimony that made ITV’s 1973 classic The World at War so compelling. Instead, it relies heavily on talking-head academics and historians, who often reiterate information rather than offering fresh insights. One contributor, history podcaster Dan Carlin, is criticised for a melodramatic opening line: 'September 1st, 1939! A storm breaks over Poland!'
Despite these shortcomings, the series boasts impressive archive footage, including newly discovered material from German and Soviet newsreels. The documentary efficiently cycles through propaganda from all sides, offering a rounded view of wartime perceptions. However, it does not challenge mainstream historical consensus, leaving little for viewers seeking deeper analysis or new revelations.
The series runs for 20 episodes, with Hanks serving as both narrator and on-screen presenter, bookending each instalment. While it delivers a solid overview, critics suggest it lacks the emotional weight and originality of earlier documentaries, making it a serviceable but unremarkable addition to the genre.
