THE HISTORY(R) CHANNEL ORDERS DEFINITIVE 20-PART WWII DOCUMENTARY SERIES HOSTED AND NARRATED BY TOM HANKS AND PRODUCED BY A+E FACTUAL STUDIOS(TM) GROUP AND NUTOPIA

New York, NY - March 6, 2024 - The HISTORY(R) Channel greenlights the new 20-part untitled WWII documentary series, hosted and narrated by Tom Hanks and produced by A+E Factual StudiosTM group and Nutopia. This gripping and definitive series offers a comprehensive view of World War II thanks to new scholarship and rarely seen archive that illuminates both the causes and pivotal moments of the war, one of the largest and most deadly in human history.

"During my formative years, every single adult in my life would make references to two words: The War," said Hanks. "The lasting effects of WWII on the world and my own family was not lost on me. I am thrilled to partner with The HISTORY Channel to produce this all-encompassing series with a long form format that will give us the ability to tell this important piece of history in its entirety."

"Tom is one of America's preeminent voices in WWII storytelling, not only respected for his on-screen portrayals but also for his deep insight and understanding of the war's events and impact," said Paul Buccieri, President and Chairman of A+E Networks. "As a leader in contextualizing historical narratives for generations, Tom shares our commitment, vision, and responsibility to create premium, historically fact-based content, the foundation of A+E Networks. We are honored to have his historical acumen and iconic voice help bring this important global series to life. "

With Tom Hanks as the guide, this 20-episode series reveals surprising new details of the global conflict and provides a complex portrait of this perilous time in history. Approaching the war from a fresh and truly global perspective, the series will tackle topics ranging from the invasion of the Soviet Union to the bloody and brutal battles in the Pacific to Hitler's response to Pearl Harbor and D-day. Sharing vivid accounts of the human experience, the series also includes the realities of racism in the US Armed Forces and the horrors of the Holocaust.

The untitled WWII series is produced for The HISTORY(R) Channel by A+E Factual StudiosTM group and Nutopia. Sharon Scott and Steve Ascher serve as executive producers for A+E Factual StudiosTM group. Ben Goold and Jane Root serve as executive producers for Nutopia. Eli Lehrer and Mary E. Donahue serve as executive producers for The HISTORY(R) Channel.

A+E Networks holds worldwide distribution rights to the untitled WWII project.

About The HISTORY(R) Channel

The HISTORY(R) Channel, a division of A+E Networks, is the premier destination for historical storytelling. From best-in-class documentary events to a signature slate of industry leading nonfiction series and premium fact-based scripted programming, The HISTORY(R) Channel serves as the most trustworthy source of informational entertainment in media. The HISTORY(R) channel has been named the #1 U.S. TV network in buzz for seven consecutive years by YouGov BrandIndex, and a top favorite TV network by Beta Research Corporation. For a deeper dive, visit history.com or follow @history on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok. For additional press materials visit the A+E Networks Press Center at https://press.aenetworks.com.

About A+E Factual Studios(TM)

A division of A+E Networks(R), A+E Factual Studios(TM), through its holdings, specializes in the development and production of premium, multiplatform unscripted series and specials for the A+E Networks(R) portfolio and the global marketplace. A+E Factual Studios(TM) brands, Category 6 Media(TM) and Six West Media(TM), span an array of genres including true crime, lifestyle, history, biography, premium documentaries, limited series, quick turn specials, and podcasts. For more information, please visit https://www.aefactualstudios.com/.

About NUTOPIA

Nutopia is known for creating award-winning series on a global scale and a new genre of television, the "mega-doc," which combines epic cinematography with action-driven drama or high-end documentary and A-list talent. Nutopia's critical successes include the award-winning series One Strange Rock for National Geographic and Emmy-award-winning series José Andrés & Family in Spain for Warner Discovery. Recent projects include Bad Surgeon: Love Under the Knife for Netflix, Royal Mob for Sky History, and Limitless with Chris Hemsworth for National Geographic/Disney+.