New Show from Al Roker Entertainment to Further Young Audiences’ Understanding of Earth Science and Meteorology, Foundational Concepts of Climate Education
Along with Roker, Star-Studded Voice Cast Features Holly Robinson Peete, Sheryl Lee Ralph, LeVar Burton, and More; Main Title Song Performed by Yvette Nicole Brown
Arlington, VA, January 22, 2024 – Today PBS KIDS announced the premiere date of WEATHER HUNTERS, a new animated STEM series for viewers ages 5-8 from Al Roker Entertainment (ARE), the production company helmed by Al Roker, Emmy-winning weatherman and host from TODAY. The new show is designed to support kids’ learning about Earth science and meteorology through adventure and comedy to cultivate their awareness, curiosity, and caring about how weather and climate impact individuals, communities, and our global society. The series centers on Lily Hunter, voiced by Tandi Fomukong, an intrepid and observant 8-year-old weather detective who shares her investigations with her family and friends, including dad Al Hunter, voiced by Roker; mom Dot Hunter, voiced by Holly Robinson Peete; sister Corky, voiced by Kapri Ladd; brother Benny, voiced by Lorenzo Ross; and neighbor Ms. Joyce, voiced by Sheryl Lee Ralph. WEATHER HUNTERS will premiere July 7, 2025, on PBS KIDS in English and Spanish.
“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.”
“Weather impacts all of us every day, from our activities to our health and well-being, and we’re so happy to be collaborating with Al Roker and his team at Al Roker Entertainment on this timely new series that helps teach foundational science concepts in a fun way,” said Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager, PBS KIDS. “WEATHER HUNTERS will help equip kids with the building blocks to start to understand weather overall, and encourage them to use these STEM skills to make observations, collect data, and investigate the weather where they live, too.”
Each 22-minute episode of WEATHER HUNTERS follows the adventures and explorations of weather detective and force of nature Lily Hunter and her family. Lily’s dad, Al, is the fun-loving, beloved host and weathercaster of a long-running TV program (any similarity to actual Al Roker is purely intentional!). Dot, Lily’s multitasking mom, is producer of the family’s weathercasts, while Corky, is an 11-year-old budding documentarian who loves capturing exciting weather events on video. Rounding out the Hunter family is Benny, the five-year-old brother who is always drawing or painting something he has seen during the family’s weather adventures. The Hunters’ primary goal is to learn as much as they can about weather to benefit the community and the planet by solving weather mysteries, sharing vital information, and encouraging stewardship of the environment. They are continuing in a great family tradition that started with Al Hunter’s grandfather, Wallace Reed Hunter (voiced by LeVar Burton), one of the original WWII Tuskegee weathermen who went on to become one of the first African American weather broadcasters.
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.
Created by Al Roker, WEATHER HUNTERS is produced by New York-based Al Roker Entertainment and Dete Meserve’s Silver Creek Falls Entertainment, Inc. Dete Meserve (Ready Jet Go! Space Camp), an accomplished creator and producer of award-winning films and television shows, is Executive Producer and Showrunner. The series was developed by three-time Daytime Emmy winner Carin Greenberg (Tumble Leaf, Duck & Goose) who serves as Executive Producer. Daytime Emmy-nominated John Semper, Jr. (Jay Jay the Jet Plane, Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock) serves as Executive Producer and Head Writer. Two-time Emmy winner Lisa Tucker serves as Executive Producer for Al Roker Entertainment. Actress Yvette Nicole Brown (Community) sings the main title. Jim Lang (Ready Jet Go!, Hey Arnold!) is the series composer.
Educational consultants and advisors for WEATHER HUNTERS include Sara B. Sweetman, PhD, Associate Professor of Education in the College of Education and Professional Studies at the University of Rhode Island (URI), who directs the Guiding Education in Math and Science Network (GEMS-Net); and Ethan Greenberg, meteorologist, educator, former vice president of the Cornell Chapter of the American Meteorological Society, and graduate research assistant at the National Drought Mitigation Center.
WEATHER HUNTERS is made possible with funding from Anne Ray Foundation, PBS, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Animation for WEATHER HUNTERS is produced in collaboration with Island of Misfits in Nova Scotia, Canada with partners Phillip Stamp and Dana Landry. Games are produced with Anna Jordan-Douglass, PhD at Makefully Studios.
About Al Roker Entertainment
Al Roker Entertainment (ARE) is a trailblazer in developing and producing innovative, award-winning content across a wide spectrum of platforms, from traditional broadcast and cable to digital, streaming, and emerging technologies. Founded in 1994 by 14-time Emmy-winning media personality Al Roker, ARE delivers engaging and impactful storytelling that resonates with audiences globally. Known for its expertise in branded entertainment, scripted and unscripted series, and cutting-edge digital content, ARE continues to set industry standards with forward-thinking collaborations and impactful, culturally relevant projects.
About Silver Creek Falls Entertainment
Silver Creek Falls Entertainment (SCFE) headed by Executive Producer Dete Meserve, has produced nearly 200 episodes of animated content including Ready Jet Go for PBS, Space Camp for Universal/DreamWorks, and an animated preschool series based on an award-winning book for Apple TV+. Meserve has also produced numerous live action films and television series including Bernie with Jack Black, What Men Want with Taraji P. Henson, St. George with George Lopez, and Good Sam for Netflix based on her bestselling novel of the same name. SCFE is also in development on an animated special with Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS believes the world is full of possibilities, and so is every child. As the number one educational media brand for kids, PBS KIDS helps children ages 2-8 learn lessons that last a lifetime. Through media and community-based programs, PBS KIDS wants children to see themselves uniquely reflected and celebrated in lovable, diverse characters who serve as positive role models, and to explore their feelings and discover new adventures along the way. Families can stream PBS KIDS for free anytime, no subscription required. A large collection of mobile apps and pbskids.org provide accessible content that spark kids’ curiosity. PBS KIDS and local stations across the country support the entire ecosystem in which children learn and grow – including their teachers and caregivers, parents, and community – providing resources accessible anytime and anywhere. For more information, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.
# # #
Contacts:
Lubna Abuulbah, PBS; 703-739-8463; pbskidspr@pbs.org
Alison Grand, Grand Communications; 212-584-1133; alison@grandcommunications.com
Gabrielle Torello, Grand Communications; 917-312-2832; gab@grandcommunications.com