New Host Mychal Threets Revives ‘Reading Rainbow’ for a New Generation

The beloved children’s show Reading Rainbow has made a comeback, with professional librarian Mychal Threets taking the helm as host. This reboot premiered on March 15, 2023, after nearly two decades off the air. Produced by Buffalo Toronto Public Media in partnership with Embassy Row, the show now airs on KidZuko, a children’s YouTube channel operated by Sony Pictures Television, rather than its traditional platform, PBS.

Threets, who is popularly known on social media as Mychal the Librarian, expressed his disbelief when he first received the hosting offer. “I honestly thought they were lying when they first reached out to me,” he remarked in an interview. His excitement mirrors the enthusiasm surrounding the show’s return, which features celebrity guests such as John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Gabrielle Union.

Reviving a Classic with Modern Touches

The reboot, which aims to retain the essence of the original series, includes a rerecording of the iconic theme song and introduces a trivia segment to engage young audiences. Michael Davies, an executive producer known for his work on “Jeopardy!” and “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” initiated the revival in 2020. Although initial pitches to various streaming services and broadcast channels did not generate interest, a recent trailer release has sparked a wave of excitement. The trailer garnered over 2 million views on Instagram within days, leading to a surge in inquiries from potential partners.

Threets emphasized the show’s ongoing mission to promote literacy among children. “All I’ve ever sought to do is amplify library people and library kids,” he stated, reinforcing the idea that every child is capable of becoming a reader. The reboot comes at a critical time when government support for public television has been reduced, highlighting its importance in providing educational content at no cost to young learners.

A Legacy of Educational Impact

The original Reading Rainbow, which aired from 1983 to 2006 under the stewardship of LeVar Burton, aimed to address summer learning loss among children. The program achieved significant acclaim, winning more than 250 awards, including 26 Emmy Awards and the George Foster Peabody Award. At its peak, the show attracted over 2 million viewers weekly, solidifying its status as a staple in elementary school classrooms.

Burton’s legacy continues to resonate. In a humorous moment, Threets acknowledged the strong connection many viewers have with the former host, stating, “If you’re upset because I’m not LeVar Burton … GET BEHIND ME!” His admiration for Burton and other iconic figures such as Mr. Rogers and Bob Ross reflects a commitment to fostering a positive and nurturing environment for young audiences.

Threets’ journey to this moment is marked by personal challenges. After beginning his career in children’s librarianship in 2013, he gained a substantial following on TikTok during the pandemic by sharing anecdotes and reading books. Despite facing mental health struggles, his passion for children’s literature and the joy he witnessed in young library patrons inspired him to persevere.

With the revival of Reading Rainbow, Threets aims to continue the show’s mission of nurturing a love for reading. “It wasn’t what saved me, but it helped me stay another day,” he reflected on the impact of his work. As this new chapter unfolds, the show seeks to inspire a new generation of readers while honoring its rich history.