Reading Rainbow Returns with New Host After Two Decades

LOS ANGELES, CA — After almost 20 years, the iconic children’s television series “Reading Rainbow” is set to make a comeback with a new host, Mychal Threets, PBS announced on Monday.

Originally aired from 1983 to 2006 and hosted by LeVar Burton, “Reading Rainbow” focused on promoting literacy through engaging stories and educational content. The show quickly became one of PBS’s most beloved programs, cherished by generations of viewers.

Mychal Threets, known as “Mychal the Librarian” on TikTok, emphasizes the importance of libraries and literacy in his online content. He has been recognized for his enthusiasm in encouraging young readers to connect with books and learning. Threets has served as PBS’s resident librarian since 2024.

The revamped series will feature new episodes showcasing a variety of award-winning children’s books. It includes notable guest appearances, with stars such as dancing duo Rylee Arnold and Ezra Sosa, as well as actor Ebon Moss-Bachrach from the series “The Bear.” Celebrities will join the show to read selected books, expanding the program’s outreach.

Details on the series format have not yet been fully revealed, but early impressions suggest it will stick closely to the original’s winning formula. Fans of the series are enthusiastic about sharing this beloved educational show with the next generation of children.

“Reading Rainbow” resonates deeply within the community, as many credit its unique approach to storytelling and literacy encouragement for instilling a lifelong love of reading. Threets hopes to carry on this legacy and inspire a renewed passion for books among children once again.