Al Roker, the beloved Emmy-winning weatherman and co-host of The Today Show, has a new mission, to help kids better understand the weather around them without fear. His latest project, Weather Hunters, is an animated STEM series premiering on PBS Kids. Weather Hunters is designed to support children’s understanding of weather through adventure and comedy.
According to the official description, the main character is 8-year-old Lily Hunter, a weather detective who shares her investigations with her family, including dad Al Hunter, voiced by Roker. The series will help further young viewers’ interest and knowledge of Earth science and meteorology, both key building blocks of climate education.
Al modeled the show’s family based on his own. He has three children Courtney, Nick, and Leila, now grown, who were around the same ages as the children in the show when he developed the idea. And now that he’s a grandfather, he’s thrilled his granddaughter will get to enjoy the series too.
“Weather has always been a passion of mine, and inspiring young minds to explore its wonders has been one of the most fulfilling parts of this journey,” said Al Roker. “With Weather Hunters, I’m thrilled to share that passion with a new generation, including my granddaughter, Sky, who reminds me every day of the importance of leaving a better planet for our kids.”
The inventively animated stories feature stunning natural weather phenomena, giving the series a unique, contemporary, and original look. Weather Hunters will explore kid-relatable, STEM-based themes and activities, showcasing the wonder and science of weather in ways that are accessible to all learners. Among the key topics are observing and tracking weather patterns, investigating the weather at different times of the year and in different places around the world, and the connection between weather, humans, and their environment. Digital content for kids, parents, and teachers will launch in tandem with the series to reinforce the show’s messages and encourage further engagement and learning, with the first game from the series allowing kids to create their very own weather reports.
Since breaking ground as an anchor in 1978, Al Roker has grown to become an institution. The multifaceted journalist, tv personality, author and actor has executive produced numerous TV program, won 14 Emmys, and has published nearly 15 books.
Al Rooker is also the most trusted morning show anchor in America, according to The Hollywood Reporter/Morning Consult Poll (2024).