Reflecting on 2024: Al Roker Entertainment’s Year in Review and a Look Ahead to 2025

As 2024 comes to a close, we at Al Roker Entertainment (ARE) are taking a moment to reflect on the impactful stories we’ve shared, the milestones we’ve achieved, and the exciting projects we’re preparing for 2025. From powerful documentaries to inspiring new series, this year has been one of growth, creativity, and connection telling stories of good.

2024 Highlights

Returning Citizens: Life Beyond Incarceration

Released in 2024, this docuseries, hosted by Georgetown Law Professor and MSNBC Contributor Paul Butler, sheds light on individuals navigating reentry after incarceration. Through compelling storytelling, Returning Citizens offers a nuanced perspective on the systemic challenges faced and the hope found in rebuilding lives. The series has sparked important conversations nationwide, highlighting the resilience of those seeking a fresh start. Watch on returningcitizens.tv

Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land

Our award-winning documentary, Gaining Ground, streamed on VON.tv from October 24–27, providing viewers with a profound look at the history and impact of heirs’ property laws on Black farmers in America. This powerful story, produced in partnership with John Deere, highlights the contributions of collaborators?Tharlyn Fox,?LEAP Coalition Manager at?Deere & Company, ARE's Denise Hurst Green, Director Eternal Polk whose efforts brought the narrative to life. Exploring themes of empowerment, loss, and reclamation, Gaining Ground continues to resonate with audiences nationwide as it finds new homes to spread the message.

Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn

In 2024, Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn became available for streaming on Prime Video and Tubi, bringing this powerful documentary to a broader audience. The film chronicles Malcolm Kenyatta's historic run for U.S. Senate, offering an inspiring narrative of resilience, leadership, and the pursuit of change, expanding its reach to viewers nationwide during an impactful election year.

Another Successful Musial Awards Show

This year marked the sixth year of Al Roker Entertainment’s partnership with the St. Louis Sports Commission and the National Sportsmanship Foundation in producing the national broadcast of the Musial Awards. Presented by Maryville University, the event celebrated the year’s greatest moments of sportsmanship and those who embody character and class in sports. Held at the Stifel Theatre in St. Louis, the awards brought together honorees such as Hall of Fame broadcaster Bob Costas and NFL great Larry Fitzgerald Jr., showcasing unforgettable stories of inspiration and excellence.

Emme Solutions played a key role in introducing Al Roker Entertainment to this collaboration, bringing ARE on board to produce the national broadcast, ensuring the production continues to reach audiences nationwide. The broadcast airs nationally on CBS and streams on Paramount+ on December 29, allowing audiences across the country to experience these inspiring moments.

Conversations that Matter: Social Impact Summit & Advertising Week New York

This year, Al Roker Entertainment participated in thought-provoking conversations at the Social Impact Summit and the Advertising Week New York Conference. At these events, we were joined by partners from innovative organizations such as Ancestry, who collaborated with us to discuss leveraging storytelling for positive change and the evolving role of media in shaping cultural narratives. to discuss leveraging storytelling for positive change and the evolving role of media in shaping cultural narratives. Engaging with industry leaders and changemakers, we reinforced our commitment to creating impactful content and fostering collaborative relationships.

Upcoming Projects for 2025

Weather Hunters

Premiering on PBS KIDS in 2025, this animated STEM series holds a special place in Al Roker’s heart. Inspired by his own family when his children were young, Weather Hunters has been years in development. Featuring 8-year-old weather detective Lily Hunter, the series aims to inspire a love for Earth science and meteorology in children aged 5–8. This project combines Al’s passion for science education with the joy of storytelling, making it a true labor of love.

Serving Up Joy with Gloria Gaynor

Legendary singer Gloria Gaynor brings her passion for food and resilience to the table in this unique culinary series. Blending music and cooking, Serving Up Joy celebrates Gloria’s favorite recipes and her uplifting life stories.

Eye of the Storm

This thrilling series follows storm chasers as they delve into the heart of severe weather events. Eye of the Storm offers viewers an up-close look at nature’s most powerful phenomena, providing education and inspiration for those fascinated by extreme weather.

Heirloom Hunters

This heartfelt series is dedicated to uncovering and preserving family heirlooms, connecting generations through shared history. Hosted by Avi Hopkins, a renowned expert in antiques and collectibles, Heirloom Hunters brings hidden treasures and their meaningful stories to light.

Grief is Love with Marisa Renee Lee

Based on her acclaimed book, Grief is Love, this series explores the journey of grief and healing. Through honest and empathetic storytelling, Marisa Renee Lee provides support and understanding for those navigating loss.

Better Living with Genevieve

In collaboration with designer Genevieve Gorder and AGI, this lifestyle program offers practical insights into home design, wellness, and personal growth. Through engaging content, Better Living with Genevieve inspires viewers to enhance their daily lives and create spaces they love.

Maya-Camille Broussard - Chef Extraordinaire

This project will highlight the creativity and artistry of Maya-Camille Broussard, blending her culinary expertise with her unique perspective on baking and life. Maya-Camille is also the founder of Justice of the Pies, a Chicago-based bakery dedicated to social justice causes. We're excited to explore how she uses her platform to empower underrepresented communities, combining her passion for food and advocacy to create meaningful change using her delicious creations.

Shaw-naé Dixon - Chef & Changemaker

This project highlights Shaw-naé Dixon’s renowned Staten Island soul food restaurant, Shaw-naé’s House, known for its warm atmosphere and extraordinary cuisine. Shaw-naé’s House has earned significant acclaim, including recognition as one of the top 100 restaurants in New York City. As a descendant of Captain John Jackson, the first free Black man to purchase property on Staten Island, Shaw-naé honors her rich legacy through her food and hospitality. This project will explore her journey as a chef and entrepreneur, celebrating the ways she brings history and community together on every plate.

ARE Holiday Celebration

This year, our team gathered for our annual holiday party at Shaw-naé’s House, a fitting venue to celebrate the season and our shared successes. Highlights from the evening included:

• A toast to the accomplishments of 2024 and the exciting projects ahead in 2025.
• Enjoying Shaw-naé’s signature soul food dishes, which made the evening truly memorable.
• Reflecting on the stories we’ve told and the new ones we can’t wait to share.

Looking Forward

As we move into 2025, ARE remains committed to producing content that inspires, educates, and entertains. We are deeply grateful to our team, partners, and audiences for making this journey possible. From documentaries that spark change to series that bring joy and connection, we look forward to sharing these stories of good and more with you.

Happy New Year from Al Roker Entertainment!

For more information on our upcoming projects, please visit alrokerentertainment.com or follow our social media channels @alrokerentertainment and @alrokerent.