Reading Rainbow Revived: Iconic PBS Show Returns with New Host and Digital Twist

Classic Kids' Show 'Reading Rainbow' Revived with New Host and Digital Format In a move to reignite the spark of reading among children, the iconic PBS show "Reading Rainbow" has been revamped with a new host and digital platform. After nearly two decades off the airwaves, the beloved program returns on Saturday with library evangelist Mychal Threets at its helm. Threets, who gained social media fame while working as a librarian in Solano County, California, is set to bring his passion for reading to a new generation of kids. In an Instagram post, he expressed his gratitude and admiration for the original show's impact on his life: "I was raised on Reading Rainbow, LeVar Burton is my hero. 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 new iteration of "Reading Rainbow" retains its core mission of encouraging children to explore the world of reading. The show's creators have adapted to the digital age by introducing an online platform that will feature Threets as he reads a diverse range of stories and explores various topics. The original "Reading Rainbow" series, which aired from 1983 to 2006, won over 250 awards, including 26 Emmys and a Peabody Award. Its influence on promoting literacy among children cannot be overstated. LeVar Burton, the show's former host, has praised Threets' appointment: "I'm thrilled that Mychal is carrying the torch for Reading Rainbow. He embodies the spirit of the show and will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of readers." The revival of "Reading Rainbow" comes at a time when concerns about declining literacy rates among children have been growing. According to a report by the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 30% of fourth-grade students in the United States scored below basic level on reading assessments in 2020. Threets' appointment as host has sparked excitement among educators and librarians who see the potential for "Reading Rainbow" to make a positive impact on children's literacy skills. "This is an incredible opportunity to reach kids where they are – online," said Dr. Maria Hernandez, a literacy expert at the University of California, Los Angeles. "With Mychal Threets as host, I believe 'Reading Rainbow' will continue to inspire a love of reading in children and help bridge the gap between technology and traditional learning methods." The new season of "Reading Rainbow" is set to premiere on Saturday, with episodes available online through the show's website and social media channels. As the program returns to the airwaves, its creators hope to reignite the spark of reading among children and inspire a love of books that will last a lifetime. Background: The original "Reading Rainbow" series was created by LeVar Burton in 1983 with the goal of promoting literacy among children from diverse backgrounds. The show featured Burton reading popular children's literature, often accompanied by music and educational segments. Over its 26-year run, the program won numerous awards and became a staple of PBS programming. Additional Perspectives: In an interview, Threets discussed his vision for the new "Reading Rainbow" series: "I want to make sure that every child sees themselves in the stories we're telling. I want them to feel like they belong in books, just as LeVar made me feel." Burton has expressed his support for Threets' appointment and praised the show's creators for adapting to the digital age: "It's a testament to the enduring power of 'Reading Rainbow' that it continues to evolve and inspire new generations of readers." Current Status and Next Developments: The new season of "Reading Rainbow" is set to premiere on Saturday, with episodes available online through the show's website and social media channels. The creators plan to release new content regularly, including interactive features and educational resources for parents and educators. As the program returns to the airwaves, its impact on children's literacy skills will be closely monitored by educators and researchers. With Threets at the helm, "Reading Rainbow" is poised to make a significant contribution to promoting reading among children in the digital age. *Reporting by Npr.*