A brand-new animated series, Weather Hunters, made its highly anticipated debut today on PBS Kids, marking a significant addition to the network’s educational programming for children. The series aims to merge entertainment with science by introducing young audiences to the fascinating world of weather, while also addressing broader issues such as preparedness, resilience, and environmental awareness.
Created by Emmy-winning meteorologist Al Roker, the show follows the adventures of the Hunter family, who bring warmth and humor to their journeys through different weather events. At the heart of the series is Lily Hunter, an energetic eight-year-old with an insatiable curiosity for meteorological mysteries. Her father, Al Hunter, voiced by Roker himself, encourages her discoveries while guiding the family through everything from sunny days and rainstorms to snow, hurricanes, and more extreme conditions. Lily’s mother Dot, her siblings, and her wise grandfather Wallace Reed Hunter round out the family, helping to reinforce themes of cooperation, heritage, and community support during challenging times.
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Roker, who has spent decades making weather accessible to television audiences, envisioned the program as a way to help children overcome fears associated with unpredictable conditions. He has explained that weather can be intimidating for kids, especially when they hear about severe storms, but when it is broken down through stories, characters, and playful exploration, it can become a source of fascination instead of fear. By demystifying concepts like hurricanes, lightning, or snow accumulation, Weather Hunters encourages children to think critically while also reassuring them that they can be safe and prepared.
The production features a talented cast of well-known voices. Sheryl Lee Ralph lends her voice to the family’s neighbor, Ms. Joyce. Holly Robinson Peete portrays Dot Hunter, while beloved actor and storyteller LeVar Burton voices the grandfather, Wallace Reed Hunter. Burton’s character pays tribute to Wallace Reed, a historic meteorologist who provided crucial weather forecasting for the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. This connection gives the series a meaningful grounding in history while weaving in themes of legacy and resilience.
Each episode of Weather Hunters runs for approximately 22 minutes, blending lighthearted family adventures with practical lessons in science and safety. In one episode, the Hunters prepare for an incoming storm by creating an emergency plan, tracking the weather forecast, and supporting one another through uncertainty. In another, Lily marvels at the science of snowflakes, sparking discussions about water cycles and the uniqueness of natural phenomena. The show uses humor and engaging visuals to keep children entertained, while weaving in opportunities for parents to start conversations at home about how weather affects daily life.
In addition to the television series, PBS Kids is offering an interactive digital experience. On the PBS Kids app, children can play games that allow them to role-play as weather reporters, track storms, or explore climate concepts through hands-on activities. This extension of the show’s educational mission gives kids a chance to apply what they learn, fostering curiosity well beyond the screen.
Executive producer Dete Meserve, who has long worked on children’s programming that combines education and entertainment, oversaw the production of forty episodes now available for PBS stations nationwide. The large initial order signals the network’s confidence in the show’s appeal, as well as its alignment with PBS Kids’ broader focus on STEM learning. By making meteorology approachable and family-friendly, the series adds depth to the PBS lineup, which already includes well-regarded programs such as Wild Kratts, Molly of Denali, and Odd Squad.
The premiere of Weather Hunters coincides with another major release in children’s entertainment. Netflix launched its new animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s Red Fish, Blue Fish on the same day, offering families a lighter, literature-inspired option. The Seussian tale, based on the beloved book One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, has been reimagined for preschool audiences, bringing colorful characters and playful rhymes to life. Together, the two debuts highlight a growing trend in children’s media: programming that is both engaging and meaningful, offering lessons that blend fun with substance.
The simultaneous launches by PBS Kids and Netflix also reflect an increasingly competitive landscape for children’s programming. Families now expect shows to provide more than just entertainment. They seek content that encourages exploration, nurtures imagination, and provides opportunities for real-world learning. By tackling the topic of weather—a subject that touches every household and community—Weather Hunters places itself at the intersection of education and everyday experience.
For parents, educators, and caregivers, the arrival of Weather Hunters offers a new resource to spark curiosity in children while also building their confidence. For kids, it transforms stormy skies, windy days, and even blizzards into opportunities for discovery. By weaving together science, storytelling, and family values, PBS Kids is reinforcing its reputation as a trusted platform for enriching children’s lives.
