What could be more interesting and profound than watching a 20-part docuseries about the Second World War? How about if Tom Hanks was the narrator?
That's exactly what you get with this new dissection of mankind's darkest hour. Here's how to watch "World War II with Tom Hanks" online from anywhere with this VPN.
'World War II with Tom Hanks' - How to watch, release dates, streaming options
"World War II with Tom Hanks" begins with three episodes airing on the History Channel on Monday, May 25 in the U.S. It's also on Sky History in the U.K. on May 26.
• U.S. — History via YouTube TV FREE trial (U.S.)
• U.K. — Sky History (May 26)
• Canada — STACKTV
• Watch from anywhere — use NordVPN 100% risk-free
There are countless documentaries and series about World War II, which is not surprising given the magnitude of this most tragic and brutal period of human history. Tom Hanks will forever be linked to that time thanks to his role in "Saving Private Ryan", one of the best war movies ever made.
It makes sense, then, that the legendary actor would be the one to lend his dulcet tones to this sprawling docuseries about the pivotal moments of the six-year battle. From Germany's invasion of Poland, through to Pearl Harbor, the development of the atomic bomb, and Winston Churchill's inspirational leadership, there is so much to digest when it comes to World War II, but Hanks will be doing his best to make it all accessible over the next few weeks.
If you're ready to embark on a lengthy and powerful trip through history, read on now to find out how you can watch "World War II with Tom Hanks" online and from anywhere, with a free option even on the cards.
Can I watch 'World War II with Tom Hanks' for free?
You can watch the first three episodes of "World War II with Tom Hanks" for free before you need to start paying. Here's how...
"World War II with Tom Hanks" will be broadcast on the History Channel in the U.S. You would need a cable package that includes that channel, but you could sign up for a free trial of YouTube TV and enjoy the show while you can.
Given the first three episodes all drop on Monday, May 25, you can watch those episodes to get a taste for the docuseries before continuing your viewing via cable.
Outside the U.S.? Unlock "World War II with Tom Hanks" with NordVPN (75% off).
How to watch 'World War II with Tom Hanks' from anywhere
Thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network), "World War II with Tom Hanks" should be available to view no matter where you are. The software allows your devices to appear to be back home, giving you access to your usual streaming services.
Not all VPNs works for this – but NordVPN does (we use it daily) and you can get an exclusive offer below:
Using a VPN is incredibly simple.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're away from the U.S. and want to view a geo-locked. service, you'd select U.S. from the list.
3. Sit back and enjoy the show. Head to your desired platform to watch "World War II with Tom Hanks" online and on-demand.
How to watch 'World War II with Tom Hanks' in the U.K.
The first three episodes of "World War II with Tom Hanks" will premiere on Sky History on Tuesday, May 26 at 9 p.m.
The rest of the series will continue on that channel every Tuesday.
There are various ways to access this channel. You could sign up to a full Sky package for £24 per month, or get an Entertainment Membership with NOW for just £9.99 per month.
Outside the U.K.? You don't have to miss this show if you are a Brit living abroad because you can unblock your chosen service with a VPN.
How to watch 'World War II with Tom Hanks' in the U.S.
In the U.S. you can watch "World War II with Tom Hanks" via the History Channel. The first three episodes air on Monday, May 25 at 8 p.m.
You have a lot of options to access this channel. You could sign up to YouTube TV or Sling, or use cable packages from companies lke Xfinity, Spectrum, or Verizon.
Outside the USA at the moment? If you give NordVPN a try, you can access your usual streaming service and television channels that way, if terms allow.
How to watch 'World War II with Tom Hanks" in Canada
It's a fairly similar story in Canada, in that you'll need access to the History Channel to watch "World War II with Tom Hanks".
Services like GlobalTV or STACKTV are your best bets for this.
Abroad? Use NordVPN to access your streaming services from anywhere.
How t watch 'World War II with Tom Hanks' in Australia?
You'll need access to the History Channel if you want to watch "World War II with Tom Hanks" in Australia. The first three episodes air on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 8:05 p.m.
You can add the channel to your chosen cable provider through services like Foxtel Now or Fetch TV.
If you are a Brit working or on vacation Down Under you can catch the show on your usual domestic streamer by using a VPN such as NordVPN.
'World War II with Tom Hanks' — all you need to know
'World War II with Tom Hanks' - episode guide
- Episode 1 - The Beginning: The actor explores the key events of the Second World War, from Germany's invasion of Poland through the atomic age, examining pivotal battles, wartime leaders like Churchill and Roosevelt, and the human cost of total war. In September 1939, enabled by a secret pact between Adolf Hitler and Josef Stalin, Germany invades Poland, plunging Europe back into war.
- Episode 2 - Blitz: After toppling the Netherlands and Belgium, Nazi Germany pushes further west. The Allies scramble to support France as Churchill is forced to defend Britain from the skies and FDR rushes to mobilize wartime production.
- Episode 3 - Barbarossa: The story of Operation Barbarossa, Hitler's massive surprise invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, the largest and costliest land offensive in human history.
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