Sheryl Lee Ralph’s Friend Al Roker Convinced Her to Play a ‘Little Old Lady’ on New Show “Weather Hunters” (Exclusive)

Al Roker Persuades Sheryl Lee Ralph to Join ‘Weather Hunters’ Series

Renowned TV personality Al Roker successfully convinced his friend, actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, to lend her voice to the new animated show ‘Weather Hunters’. Al Roker, known for his work as a weather anchor on the Today show, approached Ralph with the idea for the PBS Kids series, where she portrays the character of Ms. Joyce. The star of ‘Abbott Elementary’, Ralph expressed amusement at being cast as a ‘little old lady’, jokingly questioning why Roker, who is younger in real life, was portraying a character younger than hers in the show.

The animated series, created and led by Al Roker himself, aims to educate children about weather and its impacts on the environment. ‘Weather Hunters’ follows the adventures of Al Hunter (Roker) and his family as they explore various weather phenomena, flying through the skies in their remarkable van, the Vansformer. Alongside Ralph, the show features voice talents such as Holly Robinson Peete and LeVar Burton, reminiscent of the beloved educational series ‘Magic School Bus’.

Ralph’s character, Ms. Joyce, is introduced as the Hunters’ lively and spirited neighbour in the series. Bonding with the family’s children over a pet she is fostering, Ms. Joyce showcases an intergenerational connection with the younger characters. Despite being labelled as a ‘little old lady’, Ralph emphasises that her character remains active and engaged, riding a bike, tending to flowers, and engaging with the children in the community, mirroring the diversity seen in ‘Abbott Elementary’.

Premiering amidst funding cuts and staff reductions at PBS, ‘Weather Hunters’ stands as a testament to the network’s commitment to providing educational and enriching content. Ralph emphasises the importance of supporting public broadcasting, noting the essential role PBS plays in offering documentaries, shows like ‘Weather Hunters’, and cult classics like ‘Sesame Street’, which remains on Ralph’s bucket list for future participation.

Reflecting on the enduring impact of ‘Sesame Street’ and its ability to engage and educate young audiences, Ralph highlights the significance of public broadcasting in reaching diverse viewers. Despite her desire to appear on ‘Sesame Street’, Ralph finds fulfilment in her role in ‘Weather Hunters’, underscoring the universal appeal of shows that cater to all sections of society.

As ‘Weather Hunters’ continues to air on PBS Kids, Ralph encourages viewers to support public broadcasting, recognising its role in fostering learning, diversity, and cultural understanding. In a time of financial challenges, Ralph’s endorsement of PBS underscores the enduring value of educational programming and the need for continued public support. Whether facing thunderstorms in the show or funding cuts in reality, Ralph’s message resonates, advocating for accessible and inclusive content for all audiences.

As ‘Weather Hunters’ unfolds its 40-episode first season on PBS Kids, audiences are invited to embark on educational and exciting adventures with the Hunter family. Amidst the challenges of the present, Ralph’s collaboration with Roker and PBS stands as a testament to the enduring significance of quality programming and the power of storytelling to inspire and educate viewers of all ages.