Reading Rainbow is officially back and stepping into the digital era with a fresh format for a new generation of curious minds.
The beloved children’s series, which inspired generations of kids to open a book and explore the world, is relaunching on KidZuko, Sony Kids’ YouTube channel, with weekly episodes running from Oct. 4-25. Hosting the reboot is Mychal Threets, widely known on social media as “Mychal the Librarian,” who brings his signature warmth, humor, and love of literature to kids across the nation.
From 1983 to 2006, actor LeVar Burton made the televised story time for kids something memorable and magical. But unfortunately, budget cuts and a cultural focus on the mechanics of literacy over the joy of reading led to the show’s cancellation. While Burton has attempted to reboot the series himself, past efforts were stalled by legal battles with Buffalo Toronto Public Media.
Now, decades later, Reading Rainbow is returning with Threets to help to deliver the same mission: “to motivate kids in grades K-3 to become avid readers; help all kids succeed as readers; encourage a strong home literacy environment; and enrich classroom literacy environments.”
Threets has already cultivated a devoted following by promoting children’s literature and advocating for young viewers’ emotional well-being online. And throughout his dedication to literature, he has openly credited Burton and the original show as his inspiration.
“There have been two hosts in the history of Reading Rainbow. The Legend of Literacy, LeVar Burton! And… me, Mychal Threets, a librarian,” he announced on his social media accounts. “I was raised on Reading Rainbow, LeVar Burton is my hero. I am a reader, I am a librarian because LeVar Burton and Reading Rainbow so powerfully made us believe we belong in books, we belong everywhere.
lam so happy for all of us that Reading Rainbow is returning!”
He thanked all of his supporters, adding, “YOU all did this! We’re flying twice as high, butterflies in the sky! Stay tuned…”
The reboot kicked off on Saturday (Oct. 4) with the episode “No Cats In The Library,” by Lauren Emmons with narration by actress Jamie Chung (Lovecraft Country). The animal-themed episode also featured actor Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear) who joined kids at The ACC to learn how to care for creatures big and small.
On Oct. 11, the series continues with “Tiny Troubles” by Sophie Diao, an episode that focuses on self-discovery with narration by Chrissy Teigen and John Legend. Celebrity chef Candice Kumai will also help kids explore careers as chefs, stylists, and photographers.
The following episode “More Than Peach” by Bellen Woodard will be narrated by Gabrielle Union (Bring It On), who helps kids celebrate inclusivity and creativity in the “boardroom of imagination.” Author and kid CEO Bellen Woodard will also make an appearance.
Courtesy of Reading Rainbow
The season wraps on Oct. 25 with episode “Moo Hoo” by Audrey Perrott, narrated by Adam DeVine (Pitch Perfect), and featuring dancers Rylee Arnold and Ezra Sosa (Dancing With the Stars) as they explore emotions through a colorful paint-filled adventure at the Los Angeles Paint Splatter Room.
Episodes will premiere at 10 A.M. ET every Saturday on KidZuko’s YouTube and on the official Reading Rainbow website. This time, with Mychal the Librarian at the forefront, Reading Rainbow aims to bring the magic of reading and the joy that comes with it to a whole new generation.
See the trailer for the first episode above, and the all-new theme song below.