For more than two decades, Reading Rainbow turned curious kids into lifelong readers. The series left a big mark, thanks to LeVar Burton’s warmth and the show’s simple promise that books open up new worlds. Now the butterfly is back. A new reboot is on the way with Mychal Threets, better known online as Mychal the Librarian, stepping in as host.
A New Host With Library DNA
Threets is a public library champion who built a huge following by celebrating library cards, storytime energy, and the idea that everyone belongs in a library. That spirit is a natural fit for Reading Rainbow. He has already been working with PBS as a resident librarian, and his announcement teases the same core format that made the original work so well. Visits to real places, book spotlights, and guest readers are all in the mix.
Celebrity Guests And Familiar Magic
Early teases point to appearances from Ebon Moss Bachrach, John Legend, Gabrielle Union, Adam DeVine, Chrissy Teigen, and others reading stories or dropping in for segments. The details are still rolling out, but the format looks comfortingly familiar. Fans are also wondering if the show will bring back that earworm of a theme song that so many of us can still sing from memory.
Why This Matters Right Now
Reading habits have slipped among kids in recent years. National assessments show notable declines in reading scores since the mid 2010s, with an especially sharp dip during the early 2020s. A show that makes books feel exciting again can help parents and teachers by giving kids a fun reason to pick up a story. Reading Rainbow has always paired curiosity with kindness. Bringing that back for a new generation feels timely.
What We Know And What We Do Not
The revival has been announced with Threets as host and a lineup of recognizable guests. New episodes are coming, though a firm premiere date has not been shared in the initial round of reports. The team has already filmed portions of the season, which suggests a shorter wait than the usual TV lead time.
The Legacy Continues
The original series began in 1983 and ran into the mid 2000s. It won awards, boosted librarianship, and turned school libraries into gateways for adventure. Handing the baton to a librarian who lives and breathes that mission feels right. If the new series makes even a slice of today’s kids feel what the original did, it will be a win for families, teachers, and anyone who loves a good story.
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