Reading Rainbow Revival: How the Beloved Show’s Return Is Sparking a New Reading Revolution

Beloved children’s program Reading Rainbow is officially returning to PBS in 2025, and the reboot comes with a fresh face: California public librarian and viral TikTok sensation Mychal Threets. PBS confirmed that Threets—known online for his contagious “library joy” videos—will guide a new generation of young readers through books, field-trip segments, and guest appearances that blend modern pop culture with the series’ classic literacy mission. The relaunch marks the first new televised episodes since the show ended its original 23-season run in 2006, though reruns and streaming compilations have remained popular for nearly two decades. A modern host for a digital age Threets’ enthusiastic book reviews and inclusive approach to storytelling have earned millions of followers across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Producers say his social-media savvy will translate into interactive segments that encourage kids to share their own reading journeys online—an important update for an audience raised on tablets and smartphones. Early trailers tease cameos from Dancing with the Stars pros Rylee Arnold and Ezra Sosa, as well as beloved children’s entertainer Ms. Rachel, underscoring the show’s strategy of fusing nostalgia with fresh star power. LeVar Burton gives his blessing Original host LeVar Burton, who became synonymous with the Reading Rainbow brand from 1983 to 2006, remains involved as an executive producer. In a statement released via PBS, Burton praised Threets’ “unmatched passion for literacy” and called the new episodes “a dream come true for fans who grew up singing the theme song.” While Burton will appear in select episodes, he emphasized that the reboot’s goal is to “pass the torch to the next generation of literacy champions.” What’s new in the reboot • Hybrid on-location and animated segments will explore STEM themes, graphic novels, and multicultural stories. • A companion Reading Rainbow app will let kids scan QR codes shown on-screen to unlock e-books, augmented-reality activities, and educator guides. • Episodes will stream the same day on PBS Kids and major platforms, ensuring cord-cutting families can tune in live or on demand. • Classroom toolkits aligned with national reading standards will be available free to teachers, librarians, and homeschoolers. Why the timing matters America faces its widest literacy gap in more than 20 years, with the National Assessment of Educational Progress reporting that just 33% of fourth-grade students read at or above proficiency. By reviving a trusted brand that once helped millions of children discover books, PBS hopes to counteract pandemic-era learning loss and reignite excitement around independent reading. Experts note that no other children’s series has blended literature, culture, and real-world exploration as effectively as Reading Rainbow, making the reboot a strategic investment in both entertainment and education. Fan reaction and early buzz Social media lit up within minutes of the announcement, with “Reading Rainbow” trending across X (formerly Twitter), Threads, and TikTok. Many millennials shared memories of watching the original in school libraries, while educators expressed relief at having a modern resource that still carries the show’s signature slogan: “But you don’t have to take my word for it.” Book-industry site Book Riot hailed the casting of Threets as “the perfect bridge between analog picture books and digital discovery”. Release date and how to watch The new Reading Rainbow premieres nationwide on PBS stations and the PBS Kids app in spring 2026, with a holiday preview episode dropping December 2025. Episodes will also be available on Amazon Prime Video Channels and YouTube Kids 48 hours after broadcast, ensuring global access. Takeaway By pairing nostalgic goodwill with a charismatic, digitally native host, Reading Rainbow is poised to capture search traffic from parents, teachers, and lifelong fans eager for updates on its return date, streaming options, and educational resources. Keep following for episode guides, guest-star lists, and exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews as the countdown to launch begins.