Reading Rainbow Returns: Meet the New Host and Celebrity Guests!
Reading Rainbow, the beloved children's TV program that promotes childhood reading and fights against the "summer loss phenomena," is making a comeback after nearly two decades. The show will return to PBS with a new host, Mychel Threets, also known as Mychal the Librarian on TikTok. Threets, a librarian and literacy advocate, currently serves as the resident librarian for PBS Kids. The show's revival was announced with a vibrant video on Instagram, teasing the exciting content to come in the new edition.
Threets, in the video, asks the children if they are ready for the return of Reading Rainbow, to which they enthusiastically respond with a "Yes!" The upcoming episodes will feature a lineup of celebrity guest stars, including Rylee Arnold and Ezra Sosa from Dancing With The Stars, 14-year-old author Bellen Woodard, and actor Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who is also a cat dad. The new program promises to introduce new friends, projects like postcards and sidewalk libraries, and a variety of books narrated by famous voices such as Jamie Chung, Gabrielle Union, Adam DeVine, Chrissy Teigen, and John Legend.
Reading Rainbow, previously hosted by LeVar Burton, first aired in 1983 and became the most-watched PBS program in classrooms. Burton, a lifelong advocate for reading, emphasized the importance of literacy, especially childhood literacy, in his work. The show was initially created to combat the decline in reading skills that often occurs during the summer break. After a successful 26-year run, Reading Rainbow concluded in November 2006.
The return of Reading Rainbow brings a fresh perspective on promoting reading and literacy among children. With a new host, celebrity guests, and exciting projects, the show aims to inspire kids to discover the joy of reading. Stay tuned for the colorful and book-filled adventures that lie ahead on the revived Reading Rainbow.