Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that new episodes of “Reading Rainbow” will be released on the KidZuko YouTube channel.
(KTXL) – The renowned children’s educational show “Reading Rainbow” is returning for new episodes after nearly 20 years, now with a viral former librarian as the new host.
Mychal Threets, who previously worked as a librarian in Northern California, will be making his debut as the new face of “Reading Rainbow” when the show returns in its new format, Threets and Buffalo Toronto Public Media revealed on social media.
The show will not air on PBS, as it did during its original run, but instead on KidZuko, a YouTube channel operated by Sony Pictures Television, The Hollywood Reporter reported. The first episode will be available Oct. 4, according to the outlet.
“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!” reads an Instagram post announcing the news. “Make sure to follow the rainbow.”
The show’s official trailer teased some of the upcoming episodes, new projects and new guests, including actor Ebon Moss-Bachrach (“The Bear,” “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”), and dancers Rylee Arnold and Ezra Sosa (“Dancing With the Stars”).
Threets had previously resigned from his position as librarian in 2024 to prioritize his mental health, but continued to share positivity, along with his love for books, reading and the library, to his large social media following.
“I was raised on Reading Rainbow, LeVar Burton is my hero,” Threets wrote of his history with the show, as well as his admiration for its former longtime host. “I am a reader, I am a librarian because LeVar Burton and Reading Rainbow so powerfully made us believe we belong in books,” he added.
“Reading Rainbow” originally aired from 1983 to 2006, and was hosted by LeVar Burton during its entire run. “‘Reading Rainbow’ was the most-watched PBS show in classrooms, was carried on 95% of public television stations and served 85% of American television markets, the official Reading Rainbow website says.
The show, which earned 26 Emmys, only ended in 2006 due to “funding challenges and a growing need to update the show’s concept to adapt to changing technology and delivery methods,” according to the site.
“We have some exciting projects in the works for ‘Reading Rainbow,’ so check back to our website often and be sure to follow us on social media!” the site adds.