“Reading Rainbow” Returns with Librarian Mychal threets, Championing Diversity and a Renewed Love of Reading
October 6, 2025 – A beloved children’s program is back! “Reading Rainbow,” the iconic show that fostered a generation’s love of literacy, has officially been rebooted with internet sensation and librarian Mychal Threets as its new host. The revival arrives at a crucial time,as public media faces funding challenges,and aims to reignite the joy of reading for a new audience.
A New Host, A Familiar Mission
The reboot premiered last Saturday, quickly sparking conversation – particularly around representation. Threets directly addressed audience requests for a Latino lead in a recent social media post, revealing his own heritage. “You’re not going to believe this… I am [Latino]!” he shared.
His background is a rich blend: a Black father and a Mexican and white mother. This personal connection deeply informs his approach to the role. Threets credits his home-schooling experience with fostering a strong connection to his heritage through books. He looks to his grandfather and mother as role models, and even honors his cultural roots with a recent tattoo commemorating Selena Quintanilla.
“My heritage and being Latino will hopefully be reflected in my appearance on the show,” Threets stated. “I hope people will see me and see a happy, jovial person who has the same heritage as them.” This commitment to inclusivity is central to the reboot’s vision.
From Bay Area Librarian to national Spotlight
Threets’ journey to “Reading Rainbow” host is a testament to the power of online connection.He first gained popularity in 2020,sharing engaging short-form videos of himself reading and discussing books from his work as a Bay Area librarian.
These videos resonated with a wide audience, quickly amassing over a million views each and earning him hundreds of thousands of followers. He tapped into a desire for authentic, relatable book recommendations and a celebration of the library experience.
Honoring a Legacy
The original “Reading Rainbow,” hosted by LeVar Burton, debuted on PBS in 1983. For over two decades, Burton captivated young viewers, making literacy accessible and exciting. The show earned numerous accolades, including Emmy and Peabody awards, and ran for an impressive 155 episodes.
it wasn’t just entertainment; it was educational. The original series was partially funded by the Department of Education, highlighting its commitment to fostering literacy skills.
Navigating a Changing Media Landscape
The reboot arrives amidst notable shifts in the media landscape. Public broadcasting is currently grappling with considerable budget cuts, impacting programming and staffing.
Consequently, the new “Reading Rainbow” will find its home on Kidzuko, a kids’ YouTube channel owned by Sony Pictures Television, and the official Reading Rainbow website. This strategic move allows the show to reach a broader audience while adapting to evolving consumption habits.
What to Expect from the Reboot
The new “Reading Rainbow” stays true to its core principles. you can expect a refreshed theme song, engaging trivia segments, and, most importantly, a continued focus on the joy of reading.
The reboot also features a stellar lineup of celebrity guests,including:
* Rylee Arnold and Ezra Sosa (“Dancing With the Stars”)
* Ebon Moss-Bachrach (“The Bear”)
* John Legend and Chrissy Teigen
* Gabrielle Union
New episodes will air every Saturday through October 24th.
A Message of Hope and Inclusion
Threets is clearly passionate about the show’s potential.”reading Rainbow seeks to make reading fun for everyone, all races, all backgrounds, all levels of reading!” he exclaimed. “The reactions have been out of this world.I am overwhelmed in the best of ways.”
This reboot isn’t just a nostalgic revival; it’s a vital reminder of the power of literacy and the importance of representation.It’s a chance to inspire a new generation of readers and celebrate the diverse stories that shape our world.
Resources:
* [Los Angeles Times: Reading Rainbow Reboot](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2025-09-30/reading-rainbow-reboot-mychal-thre