After nearly two decades off the air, the beloved children’s series Reading Rainbow is making a triumphant return—this time, not on traditional public television, but on the KidZuko YouTube channel. The reboot, launching Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. Eastern, is set to release four new episodes, each hosted by Mychal Threets, a passionate librarian and social media literacy advocate known to his online followers as "Mychal the Librarian." Subsequent episodes will drop on the following Saturdays at the same time, offering a fresh take on a show that inspired generations of young readers.
Threets steps into the shoes of the legendary LeVar Burton, the original host who became synonymous with the show’s mission to foster a love of reading among children. According to The Associated Press, Threets broke the news of the reboot on his social media channels, expressing both humility and excitement at the opportunity. "I was raised on Reading Rainbow, LeVar Burton is my hero," Threets wrote on Instagram. "I am a reader, I am a librarian because LeVar Burton and Reading Rainbow so powerfully made us believe we belong in books, we belong everywhere."
The revival comes at a time of significant transition for children’s media. Unlike the original, which aired on PBS and became a staple in classrooms nationwide, the new Reading Rainbow is a digital-only series. KidZuko, the channel hosting the reboot, is operated by Sony Pictures Television, and the episodes will be accompanied by vertical videos geared toward today’s mobile-first, online-savvy audience. This shift to digital comes as the federal government has eliminated $1.1 billion previously allocated to public broadcasting, a move that has forced many educational programs to seek new platforms and funding models.
For Threets, the journey to hosting Reading Rainbow is both personal and deeply rooted in his community. A native of Fairfield, California, Threets began his career shelving books at the Fairfield Civic Center Library, eventually rising to the position of supervising librarian. His infectious enthusiasm for reading and his advocacy for libraries have earned him a substantial following on social media, where he champions not only literacy but also mental health and community resources.
The city of Fairfield has expressed immense pride in Threets’ new role, seeing it as a reflection of the community’s values and spirit. In a statement to KTVU, city officials said, "Having been a longtime member of our community and a passionate advocate for literacy, Mychal embodies the spirit of Fairfield—dedicated, inspiring, and committed to making a positive impact." The city’s tourism information center, Visit Fairfield, echoed this sentiment, noting that Threets’ story is a "true hometown success story" that shines a light on Fairfield as a place where creativity, culture, and community thrive.
Threets’ path to national recognition has not been without its challenges. As reported by KTVU, he stepped down from his role as supervising librarian in early 2024 to prioritize his mental health, openly discussing his struggles with anxiety and depression. His candor in addressing these issues has resonated with many, as he has used his platform to destigmatize conversations about mental health and encourage others to seek help when needed. "This is the place where I've always felt safe, where I've always felt like I belong," Threets said when announcing his departure from the library. His willingness to share his journey has only deepened his connection with fans and the broader community.
The rebooted Reading Rainbow is not just about nostalgia—it’s a star-studded affair. The new episodes will feature guest appearances and narrations by celebrities such as Adam DeVine, John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, Gabrielle Union, Jamie Chung, and Rylee Arnold and Ezra Sosa from "Dancing with the Stars." This lineup aims to bring a fresh energy to the series while maintaining its core mission of making reading accessible and exciting for children.
The original Reading Rainbow made its debut in 1983, quickly becoming the most watched PBS program in classrooms. Designed initially to combat the so-called "summer slide"—the loss of academic skills over summer vacation—the show evolved into a year-round educational powerhouse. Over its 26-year run, it won a Peabody Award and 26 Emmys, cementing its status as a cultural icon. Its influence extended far beyond television, as it became a classroom staple and a cherished memory for countless viewers.
Despite the change in platforms, the reboot remains true to the show’s foundational ethos. As Threets explained in the trailer announcing the new series, "Reading Rainbow is returning with all new episodes!" The show will continue to feature narrators reading new books, blending celebrity appeal with educational content to inspire a new generation of readers.
The move to YouTube reflects broader trends in how children and families consume media today. With traditional public broadcasting facing steep funding cuts, digital platforms like KidZuko offer a lifeline for educational content. Sony Pictures Television’s involvement ensures production values remain high, while the online format allows for greater accessibility and interactivity. It’s a significant shift, but one that many hope will keep the spirit of Reading Rainbow alive in a rapidly changing media landscape.
For the city of Fairfield, Threets’ success is a point of communal pride. "His selection shines a wonderful spotlight on our city and serves as a powerful reminder of the talent and heart that flourish here. We are thrilled to see one of our own continuing the legacy of a beloved program that has encouraged generations of children to embrace reading and learning," city officials said. Visit Fairfield added, "Here in Fairfield, California, storytelling runs deep, whether through books, art, or the stories shared across our community and valley. Mychal’s new chapter with Reading Rainbow shines a light on Fairfield as a place where creativity, culture, and community thrive."
As the first episode of the new Reading Rainbow prepares to air, anticipation is high—not just among longtime fans, but among families, educators, and community members eager to see how the show will adapt and endure. Threets’ journey from library shelves to the national stage embodies the very message the series has always championed: that everyone belongs in the world of books, and that stories—whether read, told, or lived—have the power to connect and inspire.
With a new host, a fresh format, and a renewed sense of purpose, Reading Rainbow is ready to turn the page on its next chapter—inviting children everywhere to take a look, because it’s in a book.
