In an exciting fusion of Al Roker’s love for weather and animated shows, the beloved weatherman is set to debut his educational cartoon, Weather Hunters, this fall on PBS Kids. A nostalgic project for Roker, who spent many childhood Saturdays eagerly awaiting TV Guide’s preview of new cartoons, Weather Hunters combines his two passions—family-friendly entertainment and meteorology—into a fun and informative animated series.
What’s the Show About?
Weather Hunters stars Roker as the voice of Al Hunter, a younger version of himself, sporting violet-framed glasses and a flair for dad jokes. Along with his producer wife, Dot, and their curious kids, Al Hunter will guide young viewers through various weather-related topics.
In the first episode, the Hunter family explores the concept of wind, answering children’s questions with explanations about weather vanes, anemometers, and how air movement creates wind. Roker emphasizes the show’s hands-on learning approach, saying, “We’re empowering kids to ask questions and draw their own conclusions instead of just telling them what to think.”
Encouraging Exploration and Scientific Thinking
The show’s educational mission goes beyond entertainment, aiming to foster scientific thinking in kids. Executive producer Dete Meserve shares her vision of encouraging children to use their senses to understand weather patterns. The series will feature interactive elements such as weather-related games on the PBS Kids Games app, where kids can become weather reporters, create avatars, and make their own weather forecasts.
Meserve highlights the importance of teaching kids to recognize weather signs like dropping temperatures or increased humidity, which can signal impending storms. She believes that helping children connect with nature through science will spark curiosity and foster a love for learning.
A Show for Everyone
While Weather Hunters primarily targets kids aged 5 to 8, Roker hopes the show will also captivate older siblings and adults, offering new insights into weather science. He reflects, “For young kids, one of the first conversations is about the weather. It’s practical and relatable.”
With the talent of voice actors like Sheryl Lee Ralph, LeVar Burton, and Holly Robinson Peete, the series promises to be both entertaining and educational. Roker humorously recounts his attempt to get his wife involved in the show, but she declined, joking that she has enough of him in real life.
What’s Next for Weather Hunters
The series will explore a wide range of weather phenomena in upcoming episodes, from rainbows to the science behind pink snow. Roker, ever enthusiastic about the project, notes, “I’m proud of this project. It lets me stay forever young as Al Hunter, despite being 71!”
The Weather Hunters premiere is sure to be a hit for families, combining fun animation with a deeper appreciation of the natural world. Don’t miss the debut on PBS Kids—coming this fall!
Stay tuned for more updates as the series continues to captivate young minds and inspire future scientists!
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