Reading Rainbow Reboot: Mychal Threets Takes the Helm

Reading Rainbow Reboot: Mychal Threets Takes the Helm

A classic television show is making a comeback with a fresh face at the helm. Mychal Threets, a librarian from Fairfield, California, who gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube, has been announced as the new host of the reboot of Reading Rainbow. The original series, hosted by LeVar Burton, aired on PBS from 1983 to 2006, featuring Burton reading children's books with illustrations on the screen.

Threets shared his excitement about the new role on Instagram, expressing his admiration for LeVar Burton and the impact Reading Rainbow had on him. As a librarian, Threets has been promoting reading and positivity through his online content, earning him a large following. He is now set to follow in Burton's footsteps as the host of the beloved show.

Having started his career as a children's librarian in 2013, Threets quickly rose to the role of supervising librarian at his branch by 2023. His viral content on TikTok, where he shared book recommendations and uplifting messages, led to his resignation from the Fairfield Civic Center Library in 2024 to focus on his mental health. However, he soon signed on with PBS as their "resident librarian" and is now gearing up to host Reading Rainbow.

The new episodes of Reading Rainbow will be available on Sony's Kidzuko platform in the near future. The reboot will also feature guest appearances from celebrities like Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Adam Devine, Gabrielle Union, John Legend, and Chrissy Teigen. With Threets at the helm, the iconic show is set to inspire a new generation of young readers and book lovers.