Nearly two decades after its final broadcast, the beloved children’s literacy series Reading Rainbow is returning — this time with a digital-first format and a new host poised to inspire the next generation of readers.
The revival will be led by Mychal Threets, the California librarian and social media personality affectionately known as Mychal the Librarian. Threets has built a devoted following through his joyful promotion of books and libraries, and he says the opportunity to carry forward the legacy of original host LeVar Burton is both humbling and thrilling.
Launching in a New Era
The reboot premieres October 4, 2025, with a four-episode run releasing weekly on KidZuko, Sony Pictures Television’s YouTube channel for children, as well as on ReadingRainbow.org. Episodes will drop each Saturday at 7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET, continuing through October 25.
Unlike its original 1983–2006 run on PBS, the new series has been designed from the ground up as a short-form, digital-first program, reflecting how young audiences consume media today.
Celebrity Guests and Fresh Storytelling
The reboot will feature a lineup of high-profile narrators and guests who will help bring stories to life. Confirmed participants include Chrissy Teigen, John Legend, Gabrielle Union, Adam DeVine, Jamie Chung, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, alongside young creators like author Bellen Woodard and dancers Rylee Arnold and Ezra Sosa.
Producers say each episode will also introduce companion activities — from building mini sidewalk libraries to interactive storytelling projects — designed to encourage reading beyond the screen.
Honoring a Legacy
First launched in 1983, Reading Rainbow became one of PBS’s most iconic children’s programs, winning a Peabody Award and 26 Emmy Awards across its 23-year run. Its combination of book narration, field trips, and its now-iconic theme song inspired countless children to develop a love for reading.
The reboot arrives amid steep cuts to federal funding for public broadcasting, which has forced many educational programs to migrate to online platforms. By embracing YouTube and digital distribution, producers hope the series will continue its mission in a way that resonates with today’s families.
Bridging Generations
While fans of the original are eager to see whether the reboot will echo the show’s classic tone, Threets emphasizes that the heart of Reading Rainbow remains unchanged.
“The goal is still the same,” he said in a recent interview. “To make sure every child knows that books belong to them — and that their stories matter too.”
With its new host, fresh format, and star-powered storytelling, Reading Rainbow is ready to turn another page — inspiring both nostalgic parents and a brand-new audience of young readers.
