Take a Look, It’s in a Book: 'Reading Rainbow' Makes a Modern Comeback

In a move that has sparked a wave of joy across social media, the beloved educational staple Reading Rainbow is officially returning to screens. Decades after it first premiered on PBS in 1983, the franchise is being reimagined for a new generation, proving that the power of storytelling remains timeless.

The relaunch follows years of advocacy and a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign led by the show's original host and executive producer, LeVar Burton.

'Reading Rainbow Live': The Interactive Relaunch

The newest iteration, titled Reading Rainbow Live, marks a significant shift from the classic documentary-style episodes of the 80s and 90s. Instead of a single host, the show features a diverse group of young actors known as the "Rainbows." This version is designed as an interactive, virtual event where kids can engage directly with the hosts, participate in "field trips," and share their own book recommendations in real-time. The goal is to blend the nostalgic "take a look" magic with the interactive capabilities of modern streaming platforms.

The LeVar Burton Legacy & 'Butterfly in the Sky'

While Burton is not the primary host of the Live series, his influence is the backbone of the brand. The return has been fueled by the recent success of the documentary Butterfly in the Sky, which tells the story of the original show’s 26-year run and its struggle to stay funded.

The documentary’s viral success on streaming platforms this year has reignited calls for a high-budget, narrative reboot. Rumors are currently swirling in Hollywood that a major streaming giant—possibly Netflix or Apple TV+—is in talks for a scripted series that would see Burton return in a "Mentor" or "Narrator" capacity.

Why It’s Trending Now

Google Trends indicates a massive spike in searches for "Reading Rainbow" following a series of viral TikTok clips featuring Burton reading to adults—a reminder of the deep emotional connection his "books-to-life" philosophy has with multiple generations.

The return is also being hailed as a vital response to declining national literacy rates. Educators and parents are praising the move, noting that the "Reading Rainbow" brand carries a level of trust that many modern YouTube-first children's shows lack.

How to Watch

Reading Rainbow Live: Currently available through school-based platforms and select streaming partners.

Classic Episodes: A massive library of the original episodes has been restored and is available on Amazon Prime Video and the PBS Kids app.

Butterfly in the Sky: The documentary is available for purchase and streaming on major VOD platforms.