In a notable turnaround for public media, the beloved PBS series, Reading Rainbow, is making a comeback. Originally airing from 1983 to 2006, this iconic show encouraged a love for reading and literacy among children. The revival is set to debut as a digital series on KidZuko, a YouTube channel aimed at younger audiences, starting Saturday, October 4.
New Host and Episodes
The updated version of Reading Rainbow will be hosted by Mychal Threets, a librarian and digital creator. New episodes are scheduled to be released every Saturday until October 25. Alongside these episodes, viewers can look forward to companion vertical videos that enhance the learning experience.
Celebrating Literacy with Celebrity Guests
The original show was famously hosted by LeVar Burton and included numerous engaging segments focused on reading. The revival maintains this tradition, featuring a variety of celebrity guests who will contribute their voices and presence. Among those participating are:
- Rylee Arnold from Dancing With the Stars
- Ezra Sosa
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach from Fantastic Four
- Adam Devine
- John Legend
- Chrissy Teigen
Impact of Federal Funding Cuts
This revival comes at a challenging time for public broadcasters. Earlier in 2023, the Trump Administration rescinded $1.1 billion in federal funding for organizations like PBS and NPR. As a result, many local PBS stations face cuts that could impact their ability to produce quality programming.
Despite these challenges, the return of Reading Rainbow serves as a hopeful sign for the future of public media, demonstrating the enduring value of literacy and education. Viewers can catch a glimpse of the upcoming show by watching its trailer, which highlights its mission to inspire a love for reading in a new generation.
