‘Reading Rainbow‘ host Mychal Threets Celebrates Latino Heritage
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The beloved children’s programme Reading Rainbow
has returned with a new host, internet personality Mychal Threets, who recently shared a deeply personal connection to his Latino heritage. The revelation came in response to audience feedback requesting a Latino lead for the reboot, which premiered last Saturday, September 27, 2025.
Threets addressed the audience’s wishes in a social media post, stating, You’re not going to believe this… I am [Latino]! My dad is Black, my mom is Mexican and white.I’m a mixed kid, homeschool kid, library kid, PBS kid, and @readingrainbow kid!
“1 This disclosure highlights the importance of representation and personal connection in children’s programming.
From Homeschool to ‘Reading Rainbow’
Threets, who began his career as a Bay Area librarian, explained to The times that his home-schooling experience fostered a deep thankfulness for his heritage through literature. He credits his grandfather and mother as role models in embracing his Latino identity, and fondly remembers a childhood soundtracked by the music of Selena Quintanilla, a tribute to which he recently commemorated with a new tattoo.
He expressed his hope for the show’s impact, stating, My heritage and being Latino will hopefully be reflected in my appearance on the show. I hope people will see me and see a happy, jovial person who has the same heritage as them.
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Building a Digital Following
Threets gained prominence in 2020 by creating short-form videos showcasing his passion for reading and sharing anecdotes from his work at the library. These videos quickly amassed over a million views each and garnered him hundreds of thousands of followers online.
A Legacy Reimagined
The original Reading Rainbow
, famously hosted by Levar Burton, debuted on PBS in 1983. For 23 years, the program championed literacy and a love of reading, earning numerous Emmy and Peabody Awards before concluding in 2006 after 155 episodes.2
The reboot arrives during a period of financial constraints for public media, including recent budget cuts impacting television programming. Unlike the original, the new Reading Rainbow
will be available on the Kidzuko YouTube channel, owned by Sony Pictures Television, and the show’s official website.
what to Expect from the Reboot
The reboot maintains the core elements of the original series, including a rerecorded theme song and a trivia segment. Upcoming episodes will feature celebrity guests such as Rylee Arnold and ezra Sosa from Dancing With the Stars
, Ebon Moss-Bachrach of The Bear
, John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, and Gabrielle Union. New episodes will air every Saturday through October 24, 2025.
Threets shared his enthusiasm, saying, Reading Rainbow seeks to make reading fun for everyone, all races, all backgrounds, all levels of reading! The reactions have been out of this world. I am overwhelmed in the best of ways.
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Key details: ‘Reading Rainbow’ Reboot
| Original Host | Levar Burton |
|---|---|
| New Host | Mychal Threets |
| Original Run Dates | 1983 – 2006 |
| Episodes (original) | 155 |
| Premiere Date (Reboot) | September 27,2025 |
| Platforms (Reboot) | Kidzuko (youtube),Reading Rainbow Website |
Did You Know?
mychal Threets’ online popularity began with short videos sharing his love of books and library life,quickly attracting a large and engaged audience.
Pro Tip:
Explore the Kidzuko YouTube channel and the official Reading Rainbow website to catch new episodes and revisit classic segments.
What are yoru favorite memories of the original ‘Reading Rainbow’? How do you think the reboot will inspire a new generation of readers?
the Enduring Power of ‘Reading Rainbow’
‘Reading Rainbow’ holds a meaningful place in television history, not only for its longevity but also for its innovative approach to promoting literacy. The show’s success stemmed from its ability to connect with children on a personal level, fostering a genuine love of reading. The reboot aims to recapture that magic for a new generation,leveraging the power of digital platforms to reach a wider audience. The show’s emphasis on diversity and inclusion, now embodied by host Mychal Threets, reflects a growing awareness of the importance of representation in children’s media.
Frequently Asked Questions about the ‘Reading Rainbow’ Reboot
- Who is the host of the new ‘Reading Rainbow’? Mychal Threets, an internet-famous librarian, is the new host.
- Where can I watch the ’Reading Rainbow’ reboot? The reboot is available on the Kidzuko YouTube channel and the Reading Rainbow website.
- What is Mychal Threets’ heritage? Mychal Threets is of mixed heritage; his father is Black, and his mother is Mexican and white.
- When do new episodes of ’Reading Rainbow’ air? New episodes air every Saturday through October 24, 2025.
- Will there be celebrity guests on the reboot? Yes, the reboot will feature guests including Rylee Arnold, Ezra sosa, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, John Legend, chrissy Teigen, and Gabrielle Union.
We’re thrilled to see ‘Reading Rainbow’ return with such a passionate and relatable host! Share this article with fellow book lovers and let us know what you think of the reboot in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates on your favorite shows and personalities.
