The iconic children's television series, "Reading Rainbow," is set to make a triumphant return, almost two decades after its initial run concluded. Originally a cherished PBS program famously hosted by actor LeVar Burton, the show is poised to inspire a new generation of avid readers.
Guiding this revival will be Mychal Threets, widely recognized as "the internet's favorite librarian" and a passionate literacy advocate. Threets, a former supervisor at the Solano County, California, library, has amassed a significant online following through his engaging social media presence, where he candidly shares insights into library life and openly discusses his mental health journey.
Established in July 1983, "Reading Rainbow" was conceived with the primary goal of fostering a love for reading in children, particularly during their summer breaks. The show garnered critical acclaim, earning a Peabody Award and numerous Daytime Emmy Awards throughout its impressive 21-season, 155-episode run before its cancellation in November 2006.
The highly anticipated return was officially announced via "Reading Rainbow's" Instagram account, alongside posts from Threets and Buffalo Toronto Public Media, the original series' launching organization. An Instagram caption, echoing the show's memorable theme, declared: “After nearly 20 years... Reading Rainbow is returning to motivate, help, and encourage kids to become avid readers with new episodes, new friends, new projects, and of course... new books!”
The revamped series promises an exciting lineup of celebrity guest appearances, including actor Ebon Moss-Bachrach from "The Bear," and "Dancing with the Stars" professionals Rylee Arnold and Ezra Sosa. In an accompanying Instagram video, Threets expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We’re so excited to start exploring the world of books together."
Reflecting on the profound influence of literature, Threets previously told NBC News that books provide solace and joy during challenging times, describing them as "that constant friend in the battle with your own mind." He also attributed his passion for reading and his career as a librarian to the original show's host, LeVar Burton. On Threads, Threets gratefully acknowledged, "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. I am so happy for all of us that Reading Rainbow is returning! YOU all did this!”
New episodes are scheduled to debut at 10 a.m. ET every Saturday throughout October, exclusively on KidZuko, a children's YouTube channel operated by Sony Pictures Television. Additionally, the content will be accessible via the official "Reading Rainbow" website.
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Originally published at: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/reading-rainbow-reboot-viral-librarian-mychal-threets-host-rcna234777
