Reading Rainbow (1983)
The iconic PBS children's series that turned books into adventures, hosted by the beloved LeVar Burton for over two decades.
Reading Rainbow - Series Information
- First Air Year: 1983
- Last Air Year: 2006
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Kids
- Content Rating (US): TV-Y
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 30 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 21
- Number of Episodes: 155
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: June 6, 1983 (United States - TV-Y), June 6, 1983 (Canada - G)
- Networks: PBS
- Production Companies: Lancit Media Productions, RCN Entertainment, On-Screen Entertainment, BTPM PBS
- Production Countries: United States of America
Reading Rainbow - Plot
Journey to exciting places and build a lasting connection with your favorite books. Each episode centers on a theme from a book, or other children's literature, which is explored through a number of segments or stories.
Reading Rainbow - Trailer
Watch the official Reading Rainbow trailer and relive the magic of the series:
Take a look, it's in a book, a Reading Rainbow!
Where to Watch Reading Rainbow
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Reading Rainbow - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- LeVar Burton
- Ruby Dee
- Arnold Stang
- Fred Newman
- Vincent Gardenia
- Michael Ansara
- Linda Gelman
- James Avery
- Lea Salonga
- Julia Child
Executive Producers
- Larry Lancit
- Tony Buttino
- Cecily Truett Lancit
- Twila Liggett
- David C. McCourt
Reading Rainbow - FAQs
Who hosted Reading Rainbow on PBS?
Reading Rainbow was hosted by LeVar Burton, who became one of the most recognizable faces in children's television. Burton served as host throughout the series' entire run from 1983 to 2006, guiding young viewers through books, stories, and imaginative adventures in every episode.
Where can you watch Reading Rainbow today?
Reading Rainbow is available to stream through the PBS Kids Amazon Channel. Episodes can also be purchased on Amazon Video and the Apple TV Store. Availability may vary by region, so checking your preferred platform for the latest options is recommended.
How many seasons does Reading Rainbow have?
Reading Rainbow ran for 21 seasons, comprising 155 episodes in total. The series premiered on June 6, 1983, and aired its final season in 2006, making it one of the longest-running children's educational programs in PBS history.
Why was Reading Rainbow cancelled after 2006?
Reading Rainbow ended in 2006 primarily due to a shift in federal funding priorities toward phonics-based literacy instruction under the No Child Left Behind Act. PBS redirected educational funding accordingly, and the show was not renewed. LeVar Burton later revived the brand as a digital platform in 2012.
What is Reading Rainbow about?
Reading Rainbow is a children's educational series where each episode centers on a theme drawn from a book or children's literature, explored through stories and segments. Host LeVar Burton guides young viewers to exciting places while fostering a deep, lasting love of reading and imagination.
Did Reading Rainbow win any major awards?
Yes, Reading Rainbow was one of the most decorated children's television programs in history, earning more than 26 Emmy Awards over its run, including Outstanding Children's Series. It also received a Peabody Award, recognizing its exceptional contribution to children's educational broadcasting.
What is the content rating for Reading Rainbow?
Reading Rainbow carries a TV-Y content rating in the United States, meaning it is suitable for all children. The series was designed specifically for young audiences and contains no content that would be considered inappropriate for children of any age.
Who are some notable guest voices on Reading Rainbow?
Reading Rainbow featured an impressive roster of celebrity narrators and guest voices over its 21 seasons, including James Earl Jones, Madeline Kahn, Julia Child, Lea Salonga, Ruby Dee, James Avery, and Ruth Buzzi, among many others who lent their voices to bring children's books to life.
More About Reading Rainbow
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