Weather Hunters, a new, animated, STEM series for viewers ages five to eight, will debut in English and Spanish on PBS KIDS on September 8.
Created by Al Roker, Emmy-winning weatherman and TODAY show host, the series is designed to support kids’ learning about earth science and meteorology through adventure and comedy. It also aims 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, an intrepid and observant eight-year-old weather detective voiced by Tandi Fomukong, who shares her investigations with her family and friends. These include 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 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 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.”
Sara DeWitt, senior vice president and general manager, PBS KIDS, said “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.”
According to PBS KIDS, “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 multi-tasking 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.”
PBS KIDS concluded, “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.”
As the number one educational media brand for kids, PBS KIDS helps children ages two to eight learn lessons that last a lifetime. It 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 is required. 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.