Listener sentiment
Listener enthusiasm for this Tom Hanks-narrated WWII series remains overwhelmingly positive and steady across the latest ratings, with most reviewers calling it one of the best history podcasts they've heard and crediting Hanks' warm, authoritative narration and the immersive production — archival speeches and radio broadcasts are repeatedly cited as genuinely moving. Many listeners describe binging the series on walks, drives, and chores, and the most common request is more: follow-up seasons on the Cold War, WWI, Vietnam, and the Civil War. The recurring criticisms are unchanged and remain a minority note: several reviewers independently fault the American-centric framing for glossing over Canadian and other Allied contributions, and multiple reviewers flag the omission of Japanese American internment and the Black wartime experience as significant gaps in a sweeping account of the war. A smaller group finds the interview splicing choppy or artificial-sounding, dislikes the background music, or considers the content too basic for listeners already well-versed in WWII history. Overall the reception is glowing, with the gaps in coverage and US-centered perspective the main substantive critiques.
Apple4.5 · 164
Summary generated Oct 7, 2026
