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Dete Meserve is the executive producer of the eagerly anticipated PBS Kids animated series Weather Hunters, which premieres this Monday, September 8th. The show follows a family that makes various discoveries through their passion for weather. The forecast is set for fun!

Jackson Murphy: The concept of bringing Al Roker into animation to teach kids about meteorology is quite unique. As a child, I always enjoyed when meteorologists visited my school. It was a highlight. How did you get involved with this project, and do you share a fascination with meteorology?

Dete Meserve: I proudly identify as a weather enthusiast. My love for weather began in my childhood in Chicago, where the weather changed drastically throughout the day — the clouds would shift colors, and there were different kinds of rain. I was always curious about weather patterns, and how the weather could differ significantly from place to place. So, working with Al Roker on a PBS show about weather felt like a natural fit. I previously produced 67 half-hour segments of “Ready Jet Go!” for PBS Kids, and I embrace any chance to engage kids through stories and entertainment about the wonders of nature, whether it involves clouds, rain, snow, or, in the case of Ready Jet Go!, exploring the stars.

JM: The focus on STEM education is crucial. PBS Kids has been advocating for it my entire life. In the first episode, you introduce the Hunter family who moves to a new home. Can you elaborate on how this narrative was conceived and how you intend to engage audiences with Weather Hunters?

DM: The first episode portrays the family returning to their Great-Grandfather Wallace’s home, featuring a wealth of intergenerational storytelling. Great-Grandpa Wallace leaves behind items for them to explore concerning weather, which, as revealed in the third episode, includes a mobile weather station known as the Vansformer. This young family is dedicated to weather exploration, with many of their adventures occurring in their home and backyard. They will also use the mobile weather station, allowing them to travel to nearby locations, such as the beach. This concept beautifully combines family, legacy, and the exploration of their environment. LeVar Burton voices Great-Grandpa Wallace, who is a former weathercaster, adding depth to the narrative, along with the discoveries they make within the house. For example, when Lily opens her windows, various whirligigs begin to move and create enchanting sounds due to the wind, illustrating this fundamental, everyday phenomenon.

JM: Wind plays a significant role in the first episode, and Lily, your inquisitive daughter, discovers the FlexSpecs in the shed/workspace. It’s delightful to see LeVar Burton’s involvement, especially since he’s well-known through “Reading Rainbow” and currently shines on “Trivial Pursuit.”

DM: He is exemplary in his role, consistently guiding viewers toward the beauty of weather, encouraging them to observe and appreciate it, while also nudging the family to investigate new elements, such as the FlexSpecs — an extraordinary gift for Lily, allowing her to zoom in and see water molecules within fog.

JM: With so many weather phenomena to explore, how did your storytelling team strategically decide which aspects to focus on throughout the season?

DM: Our approach aims to establish a solid foundation to ensure that children aged four to eight grasp the essentials of weather during the initial 40 episodes. Alongside this foundational education, we introduce weather mysteries, such as those presented by Corky, the 11-year-old sister who often suspects that mysteries underpin everything. One such investigation involves uncovering the phenomenon of sailing stones in the desert that appear to move overnight without human or animal intervention. This mystery captivates both children and adults alike. We aim to explain key concepts, such as precipitation, clearly and engagingly, where kids understand the differences between phenomena like snow, rain, and hail, incorporating fun activities that promote family interaction alongside observation.

In addition to exploring various weather conditions, our show’s structure parallels modern-day television production. The kids create a weather forecast that their neighbors can view, demonstrating their new knowledge.

JM: The creative choice to have Al Roker voice character Al Hunter, alongside Holly Robinson Peete as his wife Dot and producer, adds a unique touch. What was it like to witness their performances develop in the booth?

DM: Al Roker is phenomenal. His warmth, humor, and fatherly nature shine through the character, offering relatable moments as he praises his children and connects with them beyond discussing weather. Viewers familiar with Al will deepen their affection for him, while new audiences will be charmed by his character’s warmth and love for Dot, highlighting an affectionate parental relationship. Notably, Al’s character isn’t infallible and, much like all of us, he doesn’t know everything. This relatability enhances his appeal.

JM: Has it been your passion to pursue unique narratives and fresh angles in storytelling?

DM: I enjoy seeking out stories that offer new insights on familiar themes, particularly with Weather Hunters. I am passionate about the significant impact this series will have on countless children, instilling excitement about weather and fostering a sense of wonder toward the world around them. Our aim is to encourage family interaction and engagement that resonates meaningfully long after the screen is turned off.

Persons: Dete Meserve, Jackson Murphy, Al Roker, LeVar Burton, Holly Robinson Peete
Company Names: PBS Kids
Titles: Weather Hunters, Ready Jet Go!

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