‘Reading Rainbow’ is returning to TV after 15 years—yes, it’s OK to squeal

“Take a look, it’s in a book, it’s Reading Rainbooowwww!” This theme song is going to be stuck in your head for the rest of the day, sorry not sorry. And now a whole new generation of readers will have that same song memorized in no time, because Reading Rainbow is returning to television.

After being off the air for 15 years, the beloved children’s show is getting a comeback makeover of sorts. According to CBS This Morning, the new version of the show will be called “Reading Rainbow Live,” and will feature “a diverse, talented and comedic troupe of young performers” as hosts.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Reading Rainbow (@readingrainbow)

The OG Reading Rainbow aired in 1983 and was hosted by brilliant storyteller LeVar Burton. The 25-minute show took children surely inspired an entire generation to love and appreciate books.

The decision to bring the show back was motivated by the pandemic and remote learning, according to the show’s creators. It will educate young viewers through a book of the day in addition to field trips, cultural explorations and music.

“We know it was a tough pandemic for parents, for caregivers, for teachers. We wanted to make sure that we have kids engaging with books and we’re going to use movement and music to engage kids in learning. And we really want kids to see themselves in the books that we’re choosing, and we’re going to use diverse creators, authors, illustrators, settings,” creative director Amy Guglielmo told CBS News national correspondent Vladimir Duthiers. 

In an exclusive interview with Motherly this fall, Burton explained one of the many reasons why he’s so passionate about childhood literacy—the connection between parents and their kids.

“Spontaneously, we can connect with our kids, especially around literature,” he said. “It sends the right signal that meeting is important to us as a family and as a species. By spending time together reading this book, it says to a child, ‘I’m investing in you.'”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Reading Rainbow (@readingrainbow)

The new group of hosts for Reading Rainbow Live will be known as the “Rainbows.” The goal of having a bunch of different hosts, according to the show’s creators, is for kids to be able to feel represented on the show.

“We think the rainbow, this fun and diverse ensemble cast, will allow children to just identify with these hosts, and it’s just a totally new experience and it’s truly an experience,” Guglielmo said.  

Related Stories

What To Read

LeVar Burton’s new children’s book about imagination has a powerful message for parents, too

What To Read

19 Christmas books we can’t wait to read with our kids this season

Life

25 favorite books from our childhoods