“Reading Rainbow” is coming back!
Nearly two decades after the long-running children’s show signed off, it will return with an all-new host.
“🎶 Take a look, it’s in a book 🎶,” the program captioned a Sept. 29 Instagram video announcing its relaunch that was shared by the show, new host Mychal Threets and Boston Toronto Public Media, which launched the original series.
“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! Make sure to follow the rainbow 📚🌈✨.”
The post ended with the hashtag #FollowTheRainbow.
“‘Reading Rainbow’ is returning will all-new episodes,” Threets, also known as Mychal the Librarian, says in the video, which also features appearances by celebrity guests such as Rylee Arnold and Ezra Sosa from “Dancing With the Stars,” 14-year-old author Bellen Woodard and actor Ebon Moss-Bachrach.
The updated show will feature a variety of projects, including making postcards and sidewalk libraries, while other stars such as Jamie Chung, Gabrielle Union, Adam DeVine, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend will narrate books.
“We’re so excited to start exploring the world of books together,” Threets says.
“Reading Rainbow” originally premiered in 1983 on PBS and was hosted during its run by LeVar Burton. It won a Peabody Award and multiple Daytime Emmy Awards before ending in 2006.
Where to watch ‘Reading Rainbow’
There is no word on what specific platform will carry the new series or when it will be available, although the trailer can also be found on Kidzuko, a YouTube channel geared toward children.
The original “Reading Rainbow” can be streamed on pbs.org and the free PBS app. It is available through the PBS KIDS Video app on iOS, Apple TV, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast and Roku. Viewers can also find the show on smart TVs from Xumo, Samsung and Vizio. The series is even available on the PBS Retro FAST channel, which is available on Prime Video, TCL, Roku and Vizio.
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