Tom Hanks Marks the 20th Anniversary of ‘Band of Brothers’ With a New Podcast

“Saving Private Ryan” star Tom Hanks co-created the HBO series “Band of Brothers'' with director Steven Spielberg to tell the story of World War II’s Easy Company. The program follows the E Company of the 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, of the 101st Airborne Division from basic training through to the end of the war.

The 10-episode series premiered on Sept. 9, 2001. No one had any idea what that release date would mean when HBO slotted the show on that date, but over the next two months, “Band of Brothers” would be a source of consolation and inspiration for a nation battered by the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

On Sept. 9, HBO will launch a 12-part podcast that will offer a deep dive into each episode of the landmark series, as the stars of the show revisit their experiences of making “Band of Brothers” and share how the legacy of the program has affected their lives.

Hanks and company have tapped noted soccer commentator Roger Bennett as the presenter for the podcast. Bennett is best known for his “Men in Blazers” podcast and television show in which he and co-host Michael Davies attempt to explain “real football” to an American audience.

Why is Bennett a good choice for the “Band of Brothers” podcast? The Liverpool native became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2018 and recently published “(Re)born in the USA,” a moving memoir about his love for all things American. “Men in Blazers” fans know how enthusiastic he can be, and he’s sure to keep things lively on the new podcast.

In an interview with “Deadline,” Bennett shared his thoughts in his trademark clipped manner. “‘Band of Brothers’ was such an important show to me,” he said. “Like thousands, I watch it every year ritually. The face of an America I grew up believing in. Of everyday heroism, selflessness and global leadership.”

The first two episodes will feature a prologue, followed by the story of “Currahee,” the first episode of the series and one co-written by Hanks. Ron Livingston, who played Capt. Lewis Nixon, guests on the first episode to share his memories.

Future episodes will include interviews with Damian Lewis, who played Maj. Dick Winters in the show and has gone on to star in two popular Showtime series, “Homeland” and “Billions.”

“Band of Brothers” is available to stream on HBO Max, and the podcast will be available from iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast or wherever you get your podcasts. Links to your preferred platform can be found at the “Band of Brothers” podcast page.

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