Al Roker’s latest TV venture teaches kids ‘whatever the weather, we’re in it together’
It is simply a joy to watch. You learn, you laugh, and you find yourself eager to watch the next episode. Al also serves as the voice behind one of the characters, Al Hunter, a TV meteorologist — who just happens to be bald, a point the producers jokingly said was not intentional. Sara Sweetman, an associate professor of education at the University of Rhode Island, serves as an education consultant to the show.
I connected with Al recently and asked him about how “Weather Hunters” goes far beyond a regular children’s TV show, a passion project that he said took years to come to fruition, bringing an awareness of our evolving world of weather, together.
It’s weather, it’s family…it’s delightful.
KEN MAHAN: Al, you’ve been a staple in the weather world for many years. What was the inspiration behind “Weather Hunters”?
AL ROKER: Every time I spoke to elementary school kids, their interest in weather was off the charts. Teachers have told me throughout my career that weather is the No. 1 topic their students are curious about.
I’ve always been fascinated by animation — my dream job would’ve been to work as a Disney animator. And, of course, I’ve been passionate about television weather for more than 50 years. I also love my family (though I’m not always sure the feeling is mutual—hah!), so how could I combine the three things I care most about: family, weather, and animation?
The answer was “Weather Hunters”! I’ve been developing this for a long time. My TV children, Benny and Lily, are 5 and 8. They’re based on my own kids — Nicholas and Leila — who were those ages when I first imagined the characters. Now Nick is 23 and Leila is 27, which shows you just how long I’ve been working on this series.
KEN: Did you have a specific goal in mind for what you hoped your young viewers would take away?
AL: The idea behind “Weather Hunters” is to give kids — and their caregivers who watch with them — an appreciation for the awe and wonder of weather all around them. I also want them to gain problem-solving skills: to form a hypothesis, test it against facts, and develop an appreciation for STEM.
KEN: What was the most surprising or unique thing you discovered while making the show?
AL: Partnering with PBS Kids has been one of the most eye-opening experiences of my career.
To meet their standards, we had to ensure everything was accurate and fact-based, while also appropriate for children ages 5 to 8. Weather can sometimes feel scary, so we needed to explain it in a way that empowers kids, helping them understand what’s happening and giving them the tools to know what to do when weather happens around them.
KEN: Do you have a favorite theme you explored while making the series?
AL: My favorite theme, which runs through all the episodes, is family. Their motto is, “Whatever the weather, we’re in it together.” That’s the overarching message: we are all in this together, and weather is one of the universal experiences that connects us.
KEN: What advice would you offer kids (and adults!) who watch “Weather Hunters” and have a passion for weather in a changing climate?
AL: My advice is to be prepared. We’re hearing from so many families who love the show and feel more equipped to deal with rapidly changing weather conditions due to our current climate situation. Understanding what causes these changes — and how to respond — helps kids (and adults) become more confident and critical thinkers as they grow.
The PBS Kids television series “Weather Hunters” is geared for ages 5-8, and airs weekday mornings. You can also stream episodes on PBS Kids. Each episode is available in English and Spanish.
Ken Mahan can be reached at ken.mahan@globe.com. Follow him on Instagram @kenmahantheweatherman.