Classic PBS show Reading Rainbow rebooted 20 years after its final episode.
Reading Rainbow is officially back. Originally reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the beloved PBS children’s series will be reimagined as a digital-first show, debuting Saturday, Oct. 4, on KidZuko, a kids-focused YouTube channel operated by Sony Pictures Television. The reboot will be hosted by librarian and digital creator Mychal Threets, who will welcome special guests throughout the run.
New episodes will premiere each Saturday through Oct. 25, with companion vertical videos also rolling out, according to a spokesperson for BTPM.
A Legacy That Shaped Generations
Reading Rainbow first premiered in 1983 on PBS, running for over 20 years before its final episode aired in 2006. Hosted by LeVar Burton, the series introduced children to the joys of reading through engaging storytelling, vibrant visuals, and guest narrators. Burton’s warm presence made him a cultural icon, with the show winning more than 25 Emmy Awards, including multiple wins for Outstanding Children’s Series.
For many, myself included, Reading Rainbow was a formative part of growing up. It sparked a lifelong love of books and storytelling. Its catchy theme song and imaginative journeys remain a cherished piece of childhood nostalgia.
A New Chapter With Mychal Threets
At the helm of the new series is Mychal Threets. He is a librarian and digital content creator known for his passionate advocacy of reading, mental health, and community connection. Threets has built a strong following online by sharing his infectious enthusiasm for books and libraries, making him a natural fit to carry the Reading Rainbow torch for a new generation of kids.
What About LeVar Burton?
Some longtime fans may be disappointed that Burton is not returning as host. However, there’s still hope that he might appear as a special guest during this new run, keeping the connection to the original series alive. For many, Burton remains synonymous with Reading Rainbow, and his legacy continues to loom large.
As the series steps into the digital age, blending nostalgia with modern storytelling, Reading Rainbow is poised to inspire a whole new generation of readers—just as it did for us decades ago.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
