The beloved children’s program “Reading Rainbow,” which originally aired on PBS and was hosted by the well-known actor LeVar Burton, is making a much-anticipated comeback after nearly two decades since its original run ended in 2006. This revival welcomes a new host, Mychal Threets, a popular librarian and literacy advocate who has gained significant attention for his engaging social media presence and his candid discussions about mental health.
“Reading Rainbow,” which first launched in July 1983, aimed to inspire children to discover the joy of reading, particularly during their summer breaks. The show not only won a Peabody Award but also received numerous Daytime Emmy Awards throughout its impressive 21 seasons and 155 episodes. Its return has been announced through the program’s Instagram account and other platforms linked to Threets and Buffalo Toronto Public Media, the entity behind the initial series.
Accompanying the launch announcement, the Instagram post excitedly states, “Take a look, it’s in a book. After nearly 20 years… Reading Rainbow is returning to motivate, help, and encourage kids to become avid readers with new episodes, new friends, new projects, and of course… new books!”
The new episodes will bring a sprinkle of stardom, featuring guest appearances from celebrities including Ebon Moss-Bachrach from “The Bear” and dancers Rylee Arnold and Ezra Sosa from “Dancing with the Stars.” Threets expressed enthusiasm about the revival, stating, “We’re so excited to start exploring the world of books together.”
In a previous interview, Threets articulated the transformative power books can hold, sharing that they have been a source of comfort during times of anxiety. His passion for literature and advocacy for reading stems largely from the inspiration he received from LeVar Burton, whom he credited for fostering a sense of belonging within the world of books.
New episodes of “Reading Rainbow” will air at 10 a.m. ET every Saturday during October on KidZuko, a children’s YouTube channel from Sony Pictures Television. The episodes will also be accessible on the “Reading Rainbow” website, ensuring exciting new content for young readers in the making.
This revival not only reintroduces a classic to a new generation but also continues the show’s mission to foster a love for reading among children in an engaging and dynamic way.