Where can I watch The Americas, narrated by Tom Hanks? In the US, you can stream it on NBC and platforms, such as Peacock and YouTube TV. In the UK, BBC iPlayer shows The Americas for free. So, you can join the 13.4 million people who use the platform every week1. Sadly, BBC iPlayer is usually only available in the UK.

However, using a reliable VPN makes it possible to watch The Americas in HD for free anywhere. It masks your location, making it appear as though you’re browsing from a different country. Plus, it keeps your online activity private and prevents your ISP from slowing down your connection.

My team and I tested over 45 VPNs, and my top choice for watching The Americas buffer-free is ExpressVPN. It offers excellent speeds and reliable worldwide servers to safely access this nature docuseries no matter where you are. Even better, you can try ExpressVPN without risk, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch The Americas in HD >>

How Can I Watch The Americas From Anywhere?

  1. Download a VPN.
    I recommend ExpressVPN because it provides excellent speeds for streaming The Americas in HD without buffering from anywhere.
  2. Connect to a server.
    For the best streaming experience, connect to a server close to your location.
  3. Start watching.
    Log in to your preferred streaming service, like BBC iPlayer or Peacock, and watch The Americas without interruptions.
Be advised. The VPNs recommended here maintain strict no-logs policies, meaning they don’t track or store your online activities. It’s your responsibility to use streaming services in compliance with their terms and conditions. The vpnMentor team and I don’t support copyright infringement.

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Streaming The Americas in 2025

  • Editor’s Choice

    ExpressVPN

    ExpressVPN
    Excellent speeds to stream The Americas in UHD without buffering from anywhere.

    Checked out by 7000+ users last month
  • CyberGhost VPN
    CyberGhost
    Dedicated servers for streaming The Americas without interruptions on many platforms.
  • Private Internet Access
    Private Internet Access
    Massive server network to safely access The Americas no matter where you are.

How to Watch The Americas For Free

There are several ways to stream The Americas online, such as Peacock, FuboTV, or Hulu+ Live TV. I recommend BBC iPlayer, which shows the Tom Hanks-narrated docuseries for free. Just note that The Americas will be available on BBC iPlayer starting from March 2, 2025.

Here’s a simple guide on how to watch The Americas in HD for free from anywhere:

Step 1. Download a VPN and Connect to a Server

Head to a VPN provider’s website and download the app for your device. I recommend ExpressVPN because it has fast and reliable US and UK servers that work great with Peacock and BBC iPlayer. Plus, its easy-to-use apps work on all devices — including smart TVs — so you can stream The Americas in stunning UHD on the big screen.

Screenshot of ExpressVPN's Windows UIChoose a nearby server and connect to it

Step 2. Sign Up for BBC iPlayer

Visit the BBC iPlayer website, click on the Sign in button, and choose Register now. Enter a valid email address. Create a secure password that includes a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Enter your date of birth and a valid UK postcode.

Screenshot of BBC's login pageBBC iPlayer will send a verification email to the address you provided

Step 3. Start Watching The Americas

Click on the search icon (magnifying glass) at the top of the page. Type The Americas into the search bar and press Enter. Look through the search results to find the nature docuseries, and click on the episode you want to watch.

Screenshot of watching The Americas on BBC iPlayer with ExpressVPN connectedWait until March 2 to stream The Americas for free on BBC iPlayer

If you encounter an error while using a VPN, try switching to a different server or clearing your browser’s cache. If that doesn’t work, reach out to customer support for assistance with resolving the streaming issues.

Where Can I Watch The Americas Online?

The Americas premieres on NBC in the US on February 23, with new episodes airing on Sunday evenings. All episodes will be available to stream on Peacock the day after they air on NBC. The Americas will also be available on BBC iPlayer in the UK, starting from March 2.

Country Platform Price Free Trial
US NBC website or the NBC App Free with a cable subscription N/A
US Peacock $7.99/month ❌
US YouTube TV $82.99/month ✅
(2-30 days)
US Fubo TV $32.99/month ✅
(7 days)
US Hulu + Live TV $82.99/month ✅
(3 days)
US Sling TV (Blue) $46/month ❌
UK BBC iPlayer Free N/A

Best VPNs for Watching The Americas in 2025

A reliable VPN lets you stream The Americas in HD quality while protecting your online privacy. The VPNs below provide consistently fast speeds for buffer-free streaming, plus they work with popular platforms like BBC iPlayer, Peacock, and NBC.

Each one also offers user-friendly apps for all major devices, so you can watch Tom Hanks’ nature documentary on your preferred screen.

Lowest Price Server Network Device Compatibility Device Connections Refund Period
🥇ExpressVPN $4.99/month 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including 24 US locations and 6 UK locations Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, smart TVs, gaming consoles, Fire Stick, Roku, and more 8 30 days
🥈CyberGhost $2.03/month 11,690 servers in 100 countries, including 11 US locations and 3 UK locations Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, smart TVs, gaming consoles, Fire Stick, Roku, and more 7 45 days
🥉PIA $2.03/month 29,650 servers in 91 countries, including 53 US locations and 3 UK locations Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, smart TVs, gaming consoles, Fire Stick, Roku, and more Unlimited 30 days

1. ExpressVPN — The Fastest Speeds for Streaming The Americas in UHD From Anywhere

ExpressVPN is my top recommendation for streaming The Americas in UHD from anywhere. It’s impressively fast — when we tested the UK servers, we noticed only a 2% drop in speeds. This is much better than many other VPNs, which can slow you down by over 50%. The in-house Lightway protocol also uses less processing power, which means longer battery life on mobile devices.

The only drawback is that the subscription cost can be high. Luckily, ExpressVPN often runs generous discounts. When I opted for the 12-month plan, I got 61% off and 3 extra months for free for the final price of just $4.99/month. Plus, with its trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free.

ExpressVPN Offer February 2025: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 61% off! Don’t miss out!
ExpressVPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
  • One of the fastest VPNs
  • Works with top streaming sites
  • A proven no-logs policy
  • Limited customization
  • Smart Location isn’t always the fastest

2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Servers to Watch The Americas Without Slowdowns

CyberGhost provides specialized servers to watch The Americas anywhere without interruptions on platforms like BBC iPlayer, NBC, Peacock, Sling TV, and YouTube TV. It actively tests and updates these servers to make sure they work well with popular streaming platforms. While it might not match ExpressVPN’s speed, our average download speed was still way above the 25Mbps needed for buffer-free streaming.

The VPN’s long-term plans start at just $2.03/month. Plus, CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it for free.

February 2025 Deal: CyberGhost is currently offering 84% off its most popular plan! Take advantage of this offer now and save more on your CyberGhost subscription.
CyberGhost VPN Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
  • Secure access to streaming
  • Military-level security
  • Designed for ease of use
  • Slower long-distance servers
  • Doesn’t work in China

3. Private Internet Access — Massive Server Network to Safely Access The Americas Anywhere

PIA boasts the largest server network among all the VPNs I recommend, featuring numerous reliable servers across the UK and US. This means it’s easy to stream The Americas in the highest quality from anywhere. PIA also supports unlimited connections, perfect for large households. In our tests, it handled 8 devices buffer-free.

While PIA offers many customization options that might seem daunting for new VPN users, it arrives pre-configured for effortless streaming. You can get PIA for as low as $2.03/month.

February 2025 Update: PIA doesn’t usually have deals or discounts (it’s already so affordable), but right now you can get a new subscription for a crazy 83% off!
Private Internet Access Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
  • Many servers to choose from
  • Customizable security settings
  • Solid choice for torrenting
  • Hit-or-miss customer support
  • Tricky to navigate

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Watching the Americas

We thoroughly tested each VPN’s ability to work reliably with BBC iPlayer, NBC, Peacock, and other streaming platforms that air The Americas. Speed was another crucial factor — we conducted extensive tests to see if the VPNs could handle HD streaming of this visually stunning nature documentary without buffering or quality loss.

Our testing also evaluated essential security features like encryption and leak protection. This means you can stream The Americas safely without ISP throttling or connection drops.

Our international team continuously tests VPNs to provide accurate, up-to-date information. For more details about our comprehensive testing process, visit our dedicated methodology page.

What to Know About New NBC Nature Documentary Series The Americas

NBC’s new nature documentary series, The Americas, offers a captivating exploration of the diverse landscapes and wildlife across North and South America. Here’s what makes this series special:

  • Epic production scale. Filmed over 5 years, the series spans 180 expeditions across 11 countries, utilizing cutting-edge technology like drone cameras and night vision equipment to capture stunning footage.
  • Unique storytelling approach. Beyond showcasing wildlife, the series delves into how geography and climate have shaped both animal behavior and human civilizations throughout the Americas.
  • Notable narration. Tom Hanks, the fourth-highest-grossing American film actor, and two-time Oscar winner2, lends his iconic voice to The Americas, adding even more anticipation to the documentary. His narration will be accompanied by music from composer Hans Zimmer, another two-time Academy Award winner.
  • Groundbreaking footage. The series features several filming firsts, including rare behaviors of jaguars in Brazil and intimate portraits of mountain lions in Patagonia.

The Americas is a major collaboration between NBC and BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit, the team behind Planet Earth, and Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning wildlife producer Mike Gunton. Here’s what went into filming this groundbreaking series:

  • Cutting-edge filming techniques. Ultra-high-speed cameras (1,000 fps) capture rare animal behaviors never seen before.
  • Extreme locations. Crews braved everything from Arctic cold (-40°F) to Amazonian heat (100°F) to film stunning landscapes.
  • Conservation focus. The series highlights environmental challenges like deforestation and climate change, along with inspiring success stories in wildlife protection.
  • Scientific collaboration. Researchers and scientists across both continents contributed their expertise, helping capture previously undocumented animal behaviors.

The Americas Episodes

Each episode focuses on a distinct geographical region or theme, showcasing the unique wildlife and natural phenomena of that area:

Episode Number Title Focus Air Date
1 The Atlantic Coast Diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes along the Atlantic coastline February 23, 2025
2 Mexico Mexico’s varied ecosystems, from northern deserts to southern jungles February 23, 2025
3 The Wild West The rugged terrain of western North America, featuring canyons, mountains, and desert habitats March 2, 2025
4 The Amazon The world’s largest tropical rainforest, highlighting its extraordinary biodiversity March 9, 2025
5 The Frozen North The Arctic regions, exploring the unique adaptations of wildlife to extreme cold March 16, 2025
6 The Gulf Coast Coastal ecosystems teeming with diverse marine and bird life March 23, 2025
7 The Andes The majestic mountain range and its unique high-altitude flora and fauna March 30, 2025
8 The Caribbean Island ecosystems with vibrant marine life and tropical forests April 6, 2025
9 The West Coast The Pacific coastline’s rich marine ecosystems and coastal rainforests April 13, 2025
10 Patagonia The southernmost regions, showcasing dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife April 20, 2025

Check out more of our expert guides:

FAQs on Watching The Americas

Is Tom Hanks’ The Americas coming to BBC Airwaves?

Yes, The Americas, narrated by Tom Hanks, will air on BBC. It premieres on BBC iPlayer on March 2, bringing breathtaking wildlife footage to UK audiences. This stunning nature documentary is a collaboration between NBC and BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit. That said, it’s possible to securely watch it from anywhere using a reliable VPN.

What is The Americas release date?

NBC’s The Americas premiered on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with a special two-hour episode. Subsequent episodes are scheduled to air weekly on Sundays at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, starting March 2, 2025. All episodes will also become available on Peacock and BBC iPlayer.

How many episodes will The Americas have?

The Americas consists of 10 episodes exploring different regions. Each episode focuses on specific geographical areas and ecosystems across North and South America, from the Arctic to Patagonia. The series covers diverse landscapes, including rainforests, mountains, and coastal regions.

After all 10 episodes have aired, an eleventh bonus episode titled The Making of The Americas will delve into the behind-the-scenes strategies and technologies used to capture the series’ breathtaking footage.

Can I watch The Americas on Netflix?

The Americas is not available on Netflix. The series is a National Geographic production streaming on NBC, Peacock, and BBC iPlayer. A reliable VPN makes it possible to watch it in HD from anywhere.

Can I watch The Americas for free?

Yes, starting March 2, you can watch The Americas for free on BBC iPlayer. In the US, you can take advantage of the free trials and watch it at no cost for a limited time on YouTube TV, Fubo TV, or Hulu+ Live TV.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for watching The Americas from anywhere…

Rank
Provider
Our Score

Discount

Visit Website

1

medal

9.9 /10

9.9
Our Score

Save 61%!

2
9.7 /10

9.7
Our Score

Save 84%!

3
9.5 /10

9.5
Our Score

Save 83%!

References

  1. https://informitv.com/2023/07/11/bbc-iplayer-represents-15-of-bbc-viewing/
  2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Hanks#:~:text=Hanks%20is%20ranked%20as%20the,Awards%20and%20a%20Tony%20Award