Al Roker, the beloved Emmy-winning weatherman and 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 inspire kids to explore weather and community.
For years, The Today Show host has been the comforting voice guiding viewers through storms and sunny spells alike. Now, with Weather Hunters, he’s blending two of his passions, weather and animation, to teach a new generation about the science and wonder of weather.
“I think to a certain extent we all grow up with that interest. Weather impacts all of us,” the 71-year-old said an interview with Parents.com. “Right now is the perfect time for Weather Hunters because there’s a lot of stuff going on in the world and happening in weather. We need to try to demystify it and explain to kids why things happen. Because even after the mystery is gone, the awe remains the same.”
The show follows 8-year-old Lily Hunter, a curious young weather detective, along with her family, her dad, Al, who’s a weather caster; her mom, Dot, a TV producer; and her siblings Corky and Benny, who each bring their own unique interests to the family’s weather adventures. And, true to Roker’s style, the series includes a catchy theme song inspired by his own childhood memories.
“When my daughter Courtney was young, we’d braid her hair and watch The Disney Afternoon shows, singing along to theme songs for TaleSpin, DuckTales, Chip ’n Dale,” the media personality recalled. “So it was important to me to have a theme song that is a great piece of music and unifies that Weather Hunters is a family show.”
Al modeled the show’s family on his own, his kids Courtney, Nick, and Leila, now grown, were around the same ages as the Hunter children when he developed the idea. And now that he’s a grandfather, he’s thrilled his granddaughter will get to enjoy the series too.
At a recent screening, the famed meteorologist was struck by kids’ curiosity, especially when one asked about “firenados,” a weather term even he only learned about recently. “Kids see this stuff online,” he said. “They can then be cool to their friends and say, ‘Hey, do you know why this happens?’”
Executive producer Dete Meserve shares the goal of sparking wonder alongside understanding. “It is a chance to learn what’s behind all of that wonder, all that beauty, and ask why does weather work that way? Why does it rain? While unlocking some of the mysteries too.”
Episodes explore real weather phenomena like the Indonesian rainforest raining without clouds, where kids learn about transpiration, or lessons on humidity and storm clouds. The series also offers practical tips, like how to dress for weather or apply sunscreen, helping kids prepare without fear.
The Hunter family’s motto, “Whatever the weather, we’re in it together,” sums up the show perfectly. Al wants kids to feel reassured during storms and big weather events, teaching preparedness and community support.
“Kids feel what we feel. They are incredible receptors of our feelings,” Al said, recalling his own children’s fear during Superstorm Sandy. “It’s about reassuring kids that this is something that we’re going to get through and it’s going to be okay.”
Weather Hunters also highlights the strength found in communities after disasters. Roker shares stories from his reporting, like in Asheville, North Carolina, where first responders who lost everything still helped others. He wants families to see the good in people even during tough times.
For Roker, Weather Hunters is a passion project that blends family, climate, and storytelling. “It’s the perfect nexus of everything that’s important in my life, my family, climate, weather, and animation.”
Photo Credit: PBS Kids Instagram
