‘Band of Brothers: Legacy’ documentary celebrates 25-year anniversary of legendary HBO miniseries

“Band of Brothers” is the show that all World War II shows strive to be. HBO and Apple TV tried to replicate its success with “The Pacific” and “Masters of the Air,” but nothing has been able to dethrone the 10-part miniseries that followed Easy Company from Georgia to Germany.

It’s practically mandatory viewing for service members regardless of branch. Army ROTC even uses clips from the show in Military Science class. In honor of the 25th anniversary of “Band of Brothers,” HBO is releasing the documentary “Band of Brothers: Legacy.”

When “Band of Brothers” released on September 9, 2001, audiences were introduced to the men of Easy Company, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. Their stories were told through actors, but also recounted by the real men who lived through the war at the start of an episode. Two years of veteran interviews were compiled into an oral history titled “We Stand Alone Together” which was released alongside “Band of Brothers.”

Some 25 years after the first episode, “Currahee,” premiered, there are no surviving World War II vets of Easy Company. the last surviving member of the famous company, Pfc. Bradford Freeman, died in 2022. To carry on the legacy of “Band of Brothers,” HBO’s latest release will follow the production of the show.

HBO Max, where the documentary will stream, notes that behind the scenes footage will provide “an intimate look at the series’ production and enduring impact.” Moreover, actors from the miniseries recount their thoughts and experiences during production.

“We were blessed and fortunate enough to be able to portray lives of absolutely true heroes,” said Neal McDonough who played Lt. Buck Compton. Also returning for “Band of Brothers: Legacy” are Damian Lewis (Maj. Dick Winters), Frank John Hughes (Staff Sgt. Bill Guarnere), James Madio (Tech Sgt. Frank Perconte), Michael Cudlitz (Staff Sgt. Denver “Bull” Randleman), and David Schwimmer (Capt. Herbert Sobel).

Notably, “Band of Brothers: Legacy” is directed by U.S. Army Special Forces veteran Chase Millsap. “Band of Brothers” producers Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman returned as executive producers for the documentary.

HBO Max also shared that “Band of Brothers: Legacy” will feature never-before-seen archival footage and photographs of Easy Company and World War II.

For all its magnitude, the show was nearly overshadowed by world events. The two-hour premiere brought in 10 million viewers (6.2 million households), setting an all-time high record for an HBO, but subsequent episodes saw a steep drop in ratings. Two days after “Band of Brothers” premiered, America was struck by the terror attacks of 9/11.

In the aftermath of the attacks, the country found a renewed unity but the show’s viewership didn’t recover—which was a missed opportunity for the country. It’s difficult for people who have never served to understand the bonds that are forged in the military, but the days that followed 9/11 came close. As a nation, we could have learned a good lesson about perseverance from the men of Easy Company.

In the 25 years since, however, the dip in initial broadcast numbers became a footnote in the series’ history, and it went on to become one of the most celebrated and widely viewed World War II stories in television history.

For those needing a reminder, “Band of Brothers” can also convey this feeling. The men of E Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, came from all over the country for a common cause. Their shared experiences and hardships turned them into brothers. “Band of Brothers: Legacy” pays tribute to these men as well as the men who told their stories in the groundbreaking miniseries.

“Legacy” begins streaming on HBO Max on September 9, 2026.

Don’t Miss the Best of We Are The Mighty

• ‘Jimmy’ trailer: The Oscars, World War II, and a wonderful life • A National Guard unit saw the most combat during World War II • A former violinist singlehandedly cleared a mountain fortress during World War II

World War II

‘Band of Brothers: Legacy’ documentary celebrates 25-year anniversary of legendary HBO miniseries

Movies and TV

How German actress Marlene Dietrich fought back against the Nazis at every turn

Army, Navy, and Air Force: Your 2026 service academy football preview

Movies and TV

You’re not ready for this prisoner of war film based on a true story

Movies and TV

How World War II, ‘GI Joe,’ and a Vietnam War Marine shaped ‘Transformers’