The History Channel's new documentary series "World War II with Tom Hanks" has become a global streaming sensation after its television premiere on May 25.
According to data from ScreenRant reported on June 2, the 20-episode series reached the No. 2 spot on the Apple TV Store Top 10 TV shows worldwide.
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It also secured the No. 5 position on Amazon globally, outperforming several prominent television dramas and reality programs.
Narrated and executive-produced by Tom Hanks, the series uses rarely seen archival material and insights from leading historians to examine the global conflict from the invasion of Poland to the atomic age.
Critical Reception
Media critics have offered varying assessments of the expansive historical documentary series.
Wall Street Journal critic John Anderson wrote: "This highly ambitious, informative and entertaining series takes the most analyzed, scrutinized, dramatized and idealized event of the 20th century and makes it feel like something you never learned about in school."
Joel Keller of Decider stated: "As comprehensive as World War II With Tom Hanks seems it will be, even people who consider themselves experts in World War II might learn some new information."
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However, some reviewers noted limitations.
The Guardian's Jack Seale commented: "If your knowledge is sketchy, a 20-hour investment in this programme will provide you with the basics.
It does feel basic, though: the war is too big for it."
Danielle Solzman of Solzy at the Movies praised the early episodes: "Based on the first three episodes, World War II With Tom Hanks is shaping up to be one of the more ambitious and accessible World War II documentary series produced for television in recent years."
The History Channel airs two new episodes every Monday at 8:00 p. m.
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ET, with episodes six and seven scheduled for June 8.
