The PBS KIDS show hopes to educate young viewers about Earth science and meteorology through adventure and comedy.
PBS KIDS has announced the production of Weather Hunters, a new animated science series for kids ages 5-8 from Al Roker Entertainment (ARE), the production company led by Emmy-winning Today weatherman and host, Al Roker. The show follows 8-year-old Lily Hunter, a weather detective who shares her investigations with her family, including dad Al Hunter, voiced by Roker. The series hopes to support kids’ understanding of weather through adventure and comedy, integrating Earth science and meteorology, both key building blocks of climate education.
Each 22-minute episode of Weather Hunters will explore kid-relatable STEM-based activities and themes, highlighting the wonder of weather within the broad field of science in terms that all learners can understand. Topics include observing and tracking weather patterns, exploring why weather changes can be different around the country and the world, and the connection between humans and the environment. The series will reinforce key weather, climate, and environmental concepts to provide building blocks for further learning. Digital content for kids, parents and teachers will launch along with the series to reinforce the show’s key messages and encourage further engagement.
With stories that feature warm family interactions and stunning natural weather phenomena, the series will have a unique, contemporary look.
Tracie Brennan and Lisa Tucker (ARE) serve as Executive Producers, along with four-time Emmy Award-winning animation industry veteran, Bill Schultz (The Simpsons, Garfield, Clifford the Big Red Dog). Tyree Dilihay (Bob’s Burgers) serves as animation director, Jerry Brice as animation producer/director, John Semper (Static Shock, Fraggle Rock) as head writer, and three-time Emmy Award winner Carin Greenberg (Tumble Leaf) as writer.
Weather Hunters received its funding from Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies and PBS.
“We’re so excited to be working with Al Roker and his team to bring important weather and Earth science lessons to kids through Weather Hunters,” said Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager, PBS KIDS. “We know that parents and kids are looking for content about weather and climate; this show is fresh, funny and forward-thinking, and will help kids understand how weather affects their lives every day.”
“Weather Hunters has been a labor of love and a passion project for more than a decade and I cannot think of a better partner than PBS KIDS to make this dream come true,” said Roker. “When it comes to Weather Hunters, I predict increasing animation with downpours of family friendly storytelling and a rising understanding of weather and climate on your local PBS station, pbskids.org, and the PBS KIDS Video and Games apps.”
Source: PBS KIDS
Whitney is a freelance writer focusing on VFX-driven fantasy film & TV as well as preschool animation.
