Pompeii: Out of Time with Tom Hiddleston 2026

Pompeii: Out of Time with Tom Hiddleston (2026) is a three-part American historical documentary series produced by National Geographic and Plimsoll Productions. Hosted and executive produced by Tom Hiddleston, the series combines documentary filmmaking with dramatic recreations to revisit the final hours before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Guided by archaeologists, historians, geologists, and disaster experts, Hiddleston explores new discoveries that shed fresh light on one of history’s most famous natural disasters. The series premiered on National Geographic on July 22, 2026, followed by streaming on Disney+ and Hulu beginning July 23, 2026.

Pompeii: Out of Time with Tom Hiddleston (2026) Storyline

Nearly two thousand years after the destruction of Pompeii, Tom Hiddleston returns to one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites to investigate what really happened during the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Drawing on the latest archaeological evidence, the series reconstructs the lives of ordinary Romans living in Pompeii during its final hours. Through cinematic dramatizations and expert analysis, it examines how families, merchants, soldiers, and children responded as warning signs appeared and the volcanic disaster unfolded.

Rather than focusing only on the eruption itself, the documentary explores the human stories preserved beneath volcanic ash. New research challenges long-held assumptions about the tragedy, revealing that many residents may have had opportunities to escape and highlighting the difficult choices they faced during one of history’s most devastating natural disasters.

Featured Cast and Experts

• Tom Hiddleston as Host
• Lubna Azabal as Julia (dramatic recreation)
• Mikhail Basmadjian as Caecilius
• Maxime Durand
• Darius Arya (Archaeologist)
• Steven Tuck (Historian)
• Sarita Robinson (Historian)
• Caitie Barrett (Classics Expert)

Production Details

Pompeii: Out of Time with Tom Hiddleston is produced by Plimsoll Productions for National Geographic. The series is directed by Tom Barbor-Might, who also serves as executive producer and writer alongside Mark Ravenhill, Jessica Ruston, and Kevin R. Wright.

The production blends factual investigation with scripted historical sequences, using archaeological evidence and scientific research to recreate life in ancient Pompeii. Filming took place in Malta and at archaeological locations connected to the ancient Roman world, helping bring the city’s streets, homes, and residents back to life on screen.

Release Date and Where to Watch

The documentary premiered on National Geographic on July 22, 2026. All three episodes became available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu beginning July 23, 2026, making the series accessible to audiences worldwide in supported regions.