Common Sense Media Review
By Ashley Moulton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet special about holidays after loss.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Weather Hunters: Christmas in Africa
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In holiday special WEATHER HUNTERS: CHRISTMAS IN AFRICA, the Hunter family has a different kind of Christmas. Dad (Al Roker) and Mom (Holly Robinson Peete) surprise the kids with the news that they're going on a special trip to visit their friends in Nigeria this Christmas. Daughter Corky (Kapri Ladd) is bummed that she won't be able to do some of her favorite Christmas traditions since she'll be away from home and in a place with warm weather. When they arrive in Nigeria, the Hunters learn a lot about how Nigerians celebrate Christmas from their friend Gyang (Gogo Lomo-David) and his daughter Binta (Simisola Gbadamosi). Corky learns that while she is missing her traditions, Binta is missing something even more important at Christmastime: her mom. Together, they learn to cherish the extra-special holiday time they have with family and friends.
Is It Any Good?
This Christmas special is more reflective and quiet than many merry Christmas episodes from other series. WEATHER HUNTERS: CHRISTMAS IN AFRICA tackles a subject that most young kids' shows do not: celebrating the holidays while grieving the loss of a love one. There's still fun and laughter, but twinged with a bit of melancholy. Kids missing a loved one will feel seen. Other kids unfamiliar with Nigerian culture will enjoy learning how another culture celebrates Christmas.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about ways that you can help remember people in your family who have died, especially around holidays. How did Binta remember her mom in Weather Hunters: Christmas in Africa?
Families can talk about what is important for them to celebrate when they have a holiday. What are some traditions your family has? Have you ever had a holiday where you've done traditions differently?
TV Details
- Premiere date : December 9, 2025
- Cast : Al Roker , Holly Robinson Peete , Simisola Gbadamosi
- Network : PBS Kids
- Genre : Educational
- Topics : Family Stories ( Dads , Moms , Siblings , Single Parents ) , Holidays ( Christmas ) , STEM ( Nature , Science ) , Travel
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : December 8, 2025
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