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PBS Kids Launches ‘Weather Hunters‘ with Al Roker, Fulfilling⁤ Lifelong Dream

A new educational animated​ series, “Weather ⁣Hunters,” premiered on PBS Kids, bringing Al Roker’s long-held ambition too inspire young minds about science ⁣and weather‍ to life. The show, aimed at children ages 5 to 8, follows the⁢ adventures of ​Lily and her siblings as they⁣ explore⁤ weather ‌phenomena with ⁤a ⁢flying⁤ mobile weather station called the⁣ Vansformer.

Roker shared his excitement about the⁣ project, emphasizing the show’s goal​ to ‌demystify weather events. “We’re explaining what it is‍ and how it works,” Roker says. ⁤”Kids can feel some sense of ⁤empowerment. In the show we talk about, how do we, as a family, prepare? How do ​we protect ourselves?‍ How do we ⁤keep ourselves​ safe?”

The series features the voice⁣ talents of actress holly Peete, who voices ⁣the character of⁤ Dot,⁤ and has a personal connection to children’s⁣ television. Peete’s father, ‍Matthew Robinson⁣ Jr., ​was the ‌original Gordon ‍on “Sesame‍ Street.” For Peete, appearing on PBS Kids‌ is ​a⁣ “full-circle moment.” “PBS just meant⁣ so much⁤ to me,” she says. “Its ⁣one thing for your dad ​to be on TV. It’s‍ nothing⁣ for your ⁣dad ⁢to be ⁤on like the best TV children’s ‍TV show ever. ‍I wish my dad could see that I was actually on ‌PBS ​doing this type of show with Al. He ‍would be very, very proud ⁣that I would continue this legacy⁢ of children’s entertainment and education.”

“Weather Hunters” blends fantastical ‍elements with “reality-based​ scientific explanations,” according to executive producer and showrunner Dete ⁣Meserve. An example ‌is an episode explaining that ​even​ when clouds obscure ‍the sun, the ⁣sun remains⁤ present.⁢ Meserve highlights the importance of representation in‌ STEM, stating, “There’s research that shows that if she can see it, she ‍can be it,” referring to the ⁣show’s focus on a young girl interested in science. The series also showcases ‍diverse approaches to scientific inquiry through ‍Lily’s⁢ siblings: Corky, who ⁣documents findings, and‌ benny, who expresses understanding through art.

Roker hopes the show will instill in children an‍ recognition ⁣for the “magic” ‌inherent in weather, grounded in scientific principles. ​The series emphasizes critical thinking skills, with Lily forming⁢ and testing hypotheses throughout each episode. “Those are all ‌things that I think the show excels at – helping create those​ skills for critical thinking that ‌kids ⁢can take forward​ as they get older,” Roker says.