Reading Rainbow: Difference between revisions
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*[[Reading]] | *[[Reading]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
| presenter = [[LeVar Burton]] | | presenter = {{Plainlist| | ||
*[[LeVar Burton]] | |||
*[[Mychal Threets]] (reboot only) | |||
}} | |||
| runtime = 30 minutes | | runtime = 30 minutes | ||
| company = {{Plainlist| | | company = {{Plainlist| | ||
*Lancit Media Productions ( | *[[WNED-TV|WNED Buffalo-Toronto]] | ||
*RCN Entertainment ( | *Lancit Media Productions <small>(seasons 1–18)</small> | ||
*On Screen Entertainment ( | *RCN Entertainment <small>(season 19)</small> | ||
*[[ | *On-Screen Entertainment <small>(seasons 20–21)</small> | ||
*[[Embassy Row (production company)|Embassy Row]] <small>(season 22)</small> | |||
}} | }} | ||
| executive_producer = {{Plainlist| | | executive_producer = {{Plainlist| | ||
| Line 21: | Line 25: | ||
*Twila Liggett | *Twila Liggett | ||
*LeVar Burton | *LeVar Burton | ||
*Tony Buttino ( | *Tony Buttino <small>(seasons 1–17)</small> | ||
*[[Michael Davies (television producer)|Michael Davies]] <small>(season 22)</small> | |||
*Various <small>(season 22)</small> | |||
}} | }} | ||
| theme_music_composer = {{Plainlist| | | theme_music_composer = {{Plainlist| | ||
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| first_aired = {{start date|1983|7|11}}<ref name="NYT1983">{{cite web |last=O'Connor |first=John J. |title=TV:'READING RAINBOW,' NEW SERIES |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/07/11/books/tv-reading-rainbow-new-series.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=11 January 2024 |date=11 July 1983}}</ref><ref name="wned">{{cite web |title=Celebrating 60 Years: WNED PBS Marks its 60th Anniversary |url=https://www.wned.org/celebrating-60-years/ |website=Buffalo Toronto Public Media |access-date=21 January 2024 |language=en |date=30 March 2019 |quote=July 11, 1983 was the birth of one of WNED PBS’s most decorated series, “Reading Rainbow”.}}</ref> | | first_aired = {{start date|1983|7|11}}<ref name="NYT1983">{{cite web |last=O'Connor |first=John J. |title=TV:'READING RAINBOW,' NEW SERIES |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/07/11/books/tv-reading-rainbow-new-series.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=11 January 2024 |date=11 July 1983}}</ref><ref name="wned">{{cite web |title=Celebrating 60 Years: WNED PBS Marks its 60th Anniversary |url=https://www.wned.org/celebrating-60-years/ |website=Buffalo Toronto Public Media |access-date=21 January 2024 |language=en |date=30 March 2019 |quote=July 11, 1983 was the birth of one of WNED PBS’s most decorated series, “Reading Rainbow”.}}</ref> | ||
| last_aired = {{End date|2006|11|10}}<ref name="FinalChapter">{{cite web|title='Reading Rainbow' Reaches Its Final Chapter|website=NPR.org |url=https://www.npr.org/2009/08/28/112312561/reading-rainbow-reaches-its-final-chapter|publisher=[[NPR]]|access-date=January 21, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=LeVar Burton Is Sued in Reading Rainbow Copyright Dispute — But You Don't Have to Take Our Word for It|url=http://people.com/tv/levar-burton-reading-rainbow-lawsuit/|magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]]|access-date=January 18, 2018}}</ref> | | last_aired = {{End date|2006|11|10}}<ref name="FinalChapter">{{cite web|title='Reading Rainbow' Reaches Its Final Chapter|website=NPR.org |url=https://www.npr.org/2009/08/28/112312561/reading-rainbow-reaches-its-final-chapter|publisher=[[NPR]]|access-date=January 21, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=LeVar Burton Is Sued in Reading Rainbow Copyright Dispute — But You Don't Have to Take Our Word for It|url=http://people.com/tv/levar-burton-reading-rainbow-lawsuit/|magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]]|access-date=January 18, 2018}}</ref> | ||
| num_seasons = | | network2 = [[YouTube]] | ||
| num_episodes = | | first_aired2 = {{Start date|2025|10|04}} | ||
| last_aired2 = present<!--Only insert end date after the last episode has aired.--> | |||
| num_seasons = 22 | |||
| num_episodes = 159 | |||
| list_episodes = List of Reading Rainbow episodes | | list_episodes = List of Reading Rainbow episodes | ||
| creator = {{Plainlist| | | creator = {{Plainlist| | ||
| Line 49: | Line 58: | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''''Reading Rainbow''''' is an American educational [[children's television series]] | '''''Reading Rainbow''''' is an American educational [[children's television series]] designed to encourage a love of books and [[reading]]. The original series aired on [[PBS]] and [[PBS Kids]] from July 11, 1983<ref name="NYT1983" /><ref name="wned" /> to November 10, 2006, with each episode based on a featured children's book, which is discovered through a number of on-location segments or stories.<ref name="FinalChapter" /> Episodes also feature children recommending books to find at the [[Public library|local library]]. The [[public television]] series garnered over 200 broadcast awards, including a [[Peabody Award]] and 26 [[Emmy Award]]s, ten as Outstanding Children's Series.<ref>{{cite web|title=Reading Rainbow Awards|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085075/awards?ref_=tt_ql_4|publisher=IMDb.com|access-date=June 16, 2013}}</ref> [[Sony Pictures Television|Sony Pictures]]' child-oriented KidZuko brand revived the series on [[YouTube]] starting in October 4, 2025.<ref name="renamed_from_2025_on_20251001010410">{{cite web|title= A beloved children's program will return this week after nearly 20 years |url=https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/nation-world/reading-rainbow-returns-new-host-revealed/507-c3e35f85-babe-4c0a-b0d1-59eb4e4507d0 |date=2025-09-30|website=KFMB-TV|access-date=2025-09-30}}</ref> | ||
The [[public television]] series garnered over 200 broadcast awards, including a [[Peabody Award]] and 26 [[Emmy Award]]s, | |||
The concept of a reading series for children began with Twila Liggett, PhD, who partnered with Cecily and Larry Lancit of Lancit Media Productions in New York to create the television series. The original team also included Lynne Brenner Ganek, Ellen Schecter, and host [[LeVar Burton]]. The show's title was conceived by an intern at WNED.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/93884/take-look-oral-history-reading-rainbow |title=Take a Look: An Oral History of Reading Rainbow |last=Rossen |first=Jake |date=May 19, 2017 |website=mentalfoss.com |publisher=Mental Floss |access-date=December 29, 2021 |quote=[Tony] Buttino: An intern at WNED came up with the name Reading Rainbow.}}</ref> Before its official premiere, the show aired for test audiences in the [[Nebraska]] and [[Buffalo, New York]], markets (their PBS member stations, the [[Nebraska Public Media|Nebraska ETV]] and [[WNED-TV]], respectively, were co-producers of the show). ''Reading Rainbow'' was the first PBS children's show to be broadcast in [[multichannel television sound|stereo sound]]. It is the fifth longest-running children's series in PBS history, after ''[[Cyberchase]]'', ''[[Arthur (TV series)|Arthur]]'', ''[[Mister Rogers' Neighborhood]]'', and ''[[Sesame Street]]'' (until its move to [[HBO]] in 2016). | |||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
===Format=== | ===Format=== | ||
''Reading Rainbow'' is hosted by actor and executive producer [[LeVar Burton]],<ref>{{Cite news|last=Jones|first=Fred|date=May 19, 1999|title=Learning to Read the Rainbow|work=Tacoma Herald}}</ref> who when the show premiered was then known for his role in ''[[Roots (1977 miniseries)|Roots]]''. The show was produced first by Lancit Media Entertainment (1983–2001), and later On-Screen Entertainment (2002–2006). Every episode features a different children's [[picture book]], often narrated by a celebrity. The featured story's illustrations were scanned by the camera in a technique known as "iconographic animation" of each page shown in succession, although on certain occasions the shots would be animated. | ''Reading Rainbow'' is hosted by actor and executive producer [[LeVar Burton]],<ref>{{Cite news|last=Jones|first=Fred|date=May 19, 1999|title=Learning to Read the Rainbow|work=Tacoma Herald}}</ref> who when the show premiered was then known for his role in ''[[Roots (1977 miniseries)|Roots]]''. The show was produced first by Lancit Media Entertainment (1983–2001), and later On-Screen Entertainment (2002–2006). Every episode features a different children's [[picture book]], often narrated by a celebrity (such as Phylicia Rashad and others). The featured story's illustrations were scanned by the camera in a technique known as "iconographic animation" of each page shown in succession, although on certain occasions the shots would be animated. | ||
After the featured story, Burton visits many places relating to the episode's theme, often featuring interviews with guests. A notable example is the season 6 premiere episode, which features the book ''The Bionic Bunny Show'' by [[Marc Brown (author)|Marc Brown]] and his wife Laurene, and includes a behind-the-scenes look at the TV series ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation]]'', in which Burton was a main cast member. | After the featured story, Burton visits many places relating to the episode's theme, often featuring interviews with guests. A notable example is the season 6 premiere episode, which features the book ''The Bionic Bunny Show'' by [[Marc Brown (author)|Marc Brown]] and his wife Laurene, and includes a behind-the-scenes look at the TV series ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation]]'', in which Burton was a main cast member. | ||
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The last segment of each show, called Book Reviews, begins with Burton's introductory catchphrase, "But you don't have to take my word for it", and features children giving capsule reviews of books they liked. At the end of almost every episode, Burton signs off by telling the audience "I'll see you next time", with a review of the books featured in that episode beginning in season 2. | The last segment of each show, called Book Reviews, begins with Burton's introductory catchphrase, "But you don't have to take my word for it", and features children giving capsule reviews of books they liked. At the end of almost every episode, Burton signs off by telling the audience "I'll see you next time", with a review of the books featured in that episode beginning in season 2. | ||
The series' pilot, which was created and produced in 1981 and aired as the show's | The series' pilot, which was created and produced in 1981 and aired as the show's eighth episode in 1983, features the book ''[[Gila Monsters Meet You at the Airport]]'' by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat and is narrated by Doug Parvin. Producer Larry Lancit's daughters, Shaune and Caitlin, were often featured in the series, notably as the children thanking the sponsors at the beginning and end of the show. | ||
===Theme song and opening sequence=== | ===Theme song and opening sequence=== | ||
{{listen | pos=right | filename = The Reading Rainbow Theme Song (Butterfly in the Sky).ogg| title = "Reading Rainbow Theme song" | description = Sample of "Reading Rainbow Theme Song"}} | {{listen | pos=right | filename = The Reading Rainbow Theme Song (Butterfly in the Sky).ogg| title = "Reading Rainbow Theme song" | description = Sample of "Reading Rainbow Theme Song"}} | ||
The show's theme song was written by Steve Horelick, Dennis Neil Kleinman, and Janet Weir; the former also served as the series' music director and composer for all 155 episodes and received an Emmy nomination in 2007 for his work on the series. Over the show's 23-year run, it went through three different versions of the theme song. The original theme (used from 1983 to 1999) was performed by Tina Fabrique and featured one of the first uses of the [[Buchla Electronic Musical Instruments|Buchla synthesizer]] in a TV theme song. The original opening sequence, which consisted of an animated butterfly transforming the surroundings of young children reading books into animated fantasy lands, was used until January 1, 1999. The introductory animation was produced by Ovation Films, Inc. and designed and animated by Bill Davis. Some episodes (from 1983 through 1999) have the end credits accompanied by the full version of the | The show's theme song was written by Steve Horelick, Dennis Neil Kleinman, and Janet Weir; the former also served as the series' music director and composer for all 155 episodes and received an Emmy nomination in 2007 for his work on the series. Over the show's 23-year run, it went through three different versions of the theme song. The original theme (used from 1983 to 1999) was performed by [[Tina Fabrique]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=She sang the iconic ‘Reading Rainbow’ theme. Decades later, her voice is going viral on TikTok. |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/sang-iconic-reading-rainbow-theme-decades-later-voice-going-viral-tikt-rcna20870 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220428145441/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna20870 |archive-date=2022-04-28 |access-date=2025-08-31 |website=www.nbcnews.com |language=en}}</ref> and featured one of the first uses of the [[Buchla Electronic Musical Instruments|Buchla synthesizer]] in a TV theme song. The original opening sequence, which consisted of an animated butterfly transforming the surroundings of young children reading books into animated fantasy lands, was used until January 1, 1999. The introductory animation was produced by Ovation Films, Inc. and designed and animated by Bill Davis. Some episodes (from 1983 through 1999) have the end credits accompanied by the full version of the 1983–99 theme song (sung by the same singer, Tina Fabrique), with some episodes (with the said song) repeating two or three times. | ||
On January 4, 1999, episodes began using a new live-action opening sequence and featuring CGI in a new space-themed world, with a new arrangement of the original song by Steve Horelick and performed by [[Johnny Kemp]]. A third intro was used starting on May 8, 2000, with a rerecorded version and the original lyrics performed by R&B artist [[Chaka Khan]]. This opening sequence is mostly the same as the second one, but features footage of Burton in place of some of the animated elements. | On January 4, 1999, episodes began using a new live-action opening sequence and featuring CGI in a new space-themed world, with a new arrangement of the original song by Steve Horelick and performed by [[Johnny Kemp]]. A third intro was used starting on May 8, 2000, with a rerecorded version and the original lyrics performed by R&B artist [[Chaka Khan]]. This opening sequence is mostly the same as the second one, but features footage of Burton in place of some of the animated elements. | ||
===Later years=== | ===Later years=== | ||
Original production of the series was to have ended after April 4, 2005, with the show continuing to air in [[rerun]]s, but Burton said on February 7, 2006, that five new episodes of the show would be shot the same year despite the continuing financial issues of PBS.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.trektoday.com/news/070206_02.shtml|title=TrekToday - Burton Talks Drama, Diversity, Respect & 'Reading Rainbow'|date=October 3, 2021 }}</ref> The show aired its | Original production of the series was to have ended after April 4, 2005, with the show continuing to air in [[rerun]]s, but Burton said on February 7, 2006, that five new episodes of the show would be shot the same year despite the continuing financial issues of PBS.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.trektoday.com/news/070206_02.shtml|title=TrekToday - Burton Talks Drama, Diversity, Respect & 'Reading Rainbow'|date=October 3, 2021 }}</ref> The show aired its last original episode on November 10, 2006, and continued to air reruns until August 28, 2009. | ||
Not only was PBS unable to secure enough funds to cover the costs associated with renewing broadcast rights and continuing reruns, the show's core philosophy was challenged as well. ''Reading Rainbow'' prominently featured published books throughout each episode, and licensing those books to be read aloud on the air was costly—an expensive move that producing station WNED decided not to make.<ref>{{cite web |title=LeVar Burton: Criticism Of Reading Rainbow Is 'Bullsh*t' |date=June 4, 2014 |url=https://archive.thinkprogress.org/levar-burton-criticism-of-reading-rainbow-is-bullsh-t-ab292d2c3355/ |publisher=Think Progress |access-date=29 January 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title='Reading Rainbow' Was Canceled After 26 Years Due to This Sad Reason |date=July 27, 2021 |url=https://www.distractify.com/p/why-did-reading-rainbow-get-canceled |access-date=29 January 2023}}</ref> Prior to the cancellation, the [[Corporation for Public Broadcasting]] and the [[U.S. Department of Education]] provided funds for the production of ''Reading Rainbow'' and a number of other PBS children's series throughout the early 2000s. The "[[Ready-to-Learn]]" grant was designed for television programming that encourages early childhood learning and development. However, under the [[No Child Left Behind Act]], this grant was focused much more narrowly toward programs that teach literacy skills, phonics, and spelling after 2005. Since ''Reading Rainbow'' was | Not only was PBS unable to secure enough funds to cover the costs associated with renewing broadcast rights and continuing reruns, the show's core philosophy was challenged as well. ''Reading Rainbow'' prominently featured published books throughout each episode, and licensing those books to be read aloud on the air was costly—an expensive move that producing station WNED decided not to make.<ref>{{cite web |title=LeVar Burton: Criticism Of Reading Rainbow Is 'Bullsh*t' |date=June 4, 2014 |url=https://archive.thinkprogress.org/levar-burton-criticism-of-reading-rainbow-is-bullsh-t-ab292d2c3355/ |publisher=Think Progress |access-date=29 January 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title='Reading Rainbow' Was Canceled After 26 Years Due to This Sad Reason |date=July 27, 2021 |url=https://www.distractify.com/p/why-did-reading-rainbow-get-canceled |access-date=29 January 2023}}</ref> Prior to the cancellation, the [[Corporation for Public Broadcasting]] and the [[U.S. Department of Education]] provided funds for the production of ''Reading Rainbow'' and a number of other PBS children's series throughout the early 2000s. The "[[Ready-to-Learn]]" grant was designed for television programming that encourages early childhood learning and development. However, under the [[No Child Left Behind Act]], this grant was focused much more narrowly toward programs that teach literacy skills, phonics, and spelling after 2005. Since ''Reading Rainbow'' was initially developed upon fostering a love of reading books, and not necessarily developing reading skills, the funding was redirected toward other programs, and led to the launch of new skills-based programming, like ''[[Super Why!]]'', ''[[WordWorld]]'', and a new reboot of ''[[The Electric Company (2009 TV series)|The Electric Company]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=About the Ready to Learn Grant |url=http://pbskids.org/read/about/rtl-grant.html |access-date=29 January 2023 |archive-date=October 6, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006100716/http://pbskids.org/read/about/rtl-grant.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> | ||
In | In Spring 2024, reruns of the show began airing on the free streaming channel PBS Retro<ref>{{Cite web |last=Manfredi |first=Lucas |date=2024-04-24 |title=PBS Launches Ad-Supported Classic TV Channel on Roku {{!}} Exclusive |url=https://www.thewrap.com/pbs-retro-fast-channel-roku-launch/ |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=TheWrap |language=en-US}}</ref> and toward the end of 2024 on a free streaming channel on Amazon Prime Video,<ref>{{Cite web |title=PBS and Amazon to Launch Local PBS Stations and PBS KIDS FAST Channels |url=https://www.pbs.org/about/about-pbs/blogs/news/pbs-and-amazon-to-launch-local-pbs-stations-and-pbs-kids-fast-channels/ |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=About PBS - Main |language=en}}</ref> where it has also been available on demand and through the PBS Kids subscription service.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-14 |title=Watch Reading Rainbow - If You Give a Mouse a Cookie {{!}} Prime Video |website=Amazon |url=https://www.amazon.com/Reading-Rainbow-Give-Mouse-Cookie/dp/B00ZQADHB8 |access-date=2025-01-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514214856/https://www.amazon.com/Reading-Rainbow-Give-Mouse-Cookie/dp/B00ZQADHB8 |archive-date=May 14, 2024 }}</ref> | ||
== | ==Revivals== | ||
===Announcement and early developments ( | ===Announcement and early developments (2010–14)=== | ||
Former executive producer [[LeVar Burton]] announced on his Twitter feed on March 19, 2010, that "''Reading Rainbow'' 2.0 is in the works."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/levarburton/status/10730167290|title=You heard it here first... Reading Rainbow 2.0 is in th works! Stay tuned for more info. But, you don't have to...|first=LeVar|last=Burton|date=March 19, 2010}}</ref> In 2011, [[WNED-DT|WNED]], the PBS affiliate in [[Buffalo, New York]] that owns the Reading | Former executive producer [[LeVar Burton]] announced on his Twitter feed on March 19, 2010, that "''Reading Rainbow'' 2.0 is in the works."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/levarburton/status/10730167290|title=You heard it here first... Reading Rainbow 2.0 is in th works! Stay tuned for more info. But, you don't have to...|first=LeVar|last=Burton|date=March 19, 2010}}</ref> In 2011, [[WNED-DT|WNED]], the PBS affiliate in [[Buffalo, New York]] that owns the Reading Rainbow brand, licensed rights to the brand to Burton and his company, RRKidz. On March 4, 2012, he announced that it was the "last day of shooting before launch!"<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/levarburton/status/176351841083326465|title=Last day of shooting before launch! #readingrainbow #relaunch #excitedashell|first=LeVar|last=Burton|date=March 4, 2012}}</ref> | ||
On June 13, 2012, in a special presentation at [[Apple Inc]]'s annual [[World Wide Developers Conference]], Burton and his business partner, Mark Wolfe, introduced the new ''Reading Rainbow'' iPad App.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rastogi |first=Anurag |title=Lunch with LeVar Burton |url=https://www.newgenapps.com/en/blogs/lunch-with-levar-burton |website=www.newgenapps.com}}</ref> It became available in Apple's iTunes Store on June 20, 2012, and within 36 hours was the #1 educational app. In January 2014, the ''Reading Rainbow'' App surpassed 10 million books read and video field trips watched | On June 13, 2012, in a special presentation at [[Apple Inc]]'s annual [[World Wide Developers Conference]], Burton and his business partner, Mark Wolfe, introduced the new ''Reading Rainbow'' iPad App.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rastogi |first=Anurag |title=Lunch with LeVar Burton |url=https://www.newgenapps.com/en/blogs/lunch-with-levar-burton |website=www.newgenapps.com}}</ref> It became available in Apple's iTunes Store on June 20, 2012, and within 36 hours was the #1 educational app.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kozlowski|first=Michael|title=Interview with Levar Burton on the Reading Rainbow iPad App|date=June 27, 2012 |url=http://goodereader.com/blog/electronic-readers/interview-with-levar-burton-on-the-reading-rainbow-ipad-app/|publisher=Good E-Reader|access-date=June 16, 2013}}</ref> The RRKidz app offered children unlimited books, video field trips starring Burton, and rewards for reading. In January 2014, the ''Reading Rainbow'' App surpassed 10 million books read and video field trips watched in 18 months.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.justchildrensbooks.com/reading-rainbow-relaunched-as-an-app/|title=Just Childrens Books: Reading Rainbow Relaunched as an App}}</ref> | ||
''Reading Rainbow'' celebrated its 30th anniversary in July 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Celebrations! |url=http://readingrainbowblog.wordpress.com/2013/06/11/celebrations/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615044501/http://readingrainbowblog.wordpress.com/2013/06/11/celebrations/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 15, 2013 |access-date=June 16, 2013}}</ref> | |||
===Kickstarter revival campaign and aftermath (2014–22)=== | ===Kickstarter revival campaign and aftermath (2014–22)=== | ||
On May 28, 2014, LeVar Burton | On May 28, 2014, LeVar Burton launched a [[Kickstarter]] campaign to revive the show and materials. In under 12 hours, the show had reached its $1 million goal.<ref>{{cite web|title=LeVar Burton on Reading Rainbow's Kickstarter and the Love of Reading |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexknapp/2014/06/06/levar-burton-on-reading-rainbows-kickstarter-and-the-love-of-reading/ |website=Forbes |access-date=June 8, 2014}}</ref> A stretch goal was to create an educational version for schools to use, free of cost to those schools in need, and help the nation get back to high literacy rates. The following day, they reached $2{{nbsp}}million (double their goal) at 1:15 pm PST.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/readingrainbow/bring-reading-rainbow-back-for-every-child-everywh|title=Bring Reading Rainbow Back for Every Child, Everywhere!|website=Kickstarter|date=July 28, 2016 }}</ref> The campaign raised $5,408,916 on Kickstarter<ref>[http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/readingrainbow/bring-reading-rainbow-back-for-every-child-everywh/posts Project Updates]. Kickstarter. Retrieved July 2, 2014.</ref> with another $1{{nbsp}}million from ''[[Family Guy]]'' creator/animator [[Seth MacFarlane]] and $70,000 raised via direct contributions, for a grand total of $6,478,916. | ||
With 105,857 backers, the campaign | With 105,857 backers, the campaign set a Kickstarter record for most backers, and in June 2015 was the 8th highest amount raised on the platform.<ref>[http://www.kickstarter.com/discover/most-funded Discover Projects >> Most Funded – Kickstarter]. Retrieved June 10, 2015</ref> | ||
The first product of the | The first product of the campaign was ''Skybrary by Reading Rainbow'', launched in May 2015 as a web-based subscription service offering the Reading Rainbow app experience. In addition to narrating many of the books, Burton hosted video fieldtrips which connected kids to real world experiences at places like NASA HQ and Niagara Falls.<ref name="usatoday-skybrary">{{cite web|title=Reading Rainbow soars online as Skybrary|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/gudmundsen/2015/05/24/reading-rainbow-skybrary/27708975/|website=USA Today|access-date=2021-01-08}}</ref> | ||
In March 2016, RRKidz launched a new online educational service called ''Reading Rainbow Skybrary for Schools'', which followed the same mission of the television series, while expanding to integrate into classroom curriculums.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thejournal.com/articles/2016/03/03/reading-rainbow-launches-digital-library-for-elementary-schools.aspx|title=Reading Rainbow Launches Digital Library for Elementary Schools -|website=THE Journal}}</ref> | In March 2016, RRKidz launched a new online educational service called ''Reading Rainbow Skybrary for Schools'', which followed the same mission of the television series, while expanding to integrate into classroom curriculums.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thejournal.com/articles/2016/03/03/reading-rainbow-launches-digital-library-for-elementary-schools.aspx|title=Reading Rainbow Launches Digital Library for Elementary Schools -|website=THE Journal}}</ref> | ||
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In August 2017, WNED filed a wide-ranging lawsuit against Burton and RRKidz that demanded Burton's company hand over administrative access to other websites and social media accounts. The lawsuit also sought to enjoin Burton from using the ''Reading Rainbow'' catchphrase, "But you don't have to take my word for it", on his podcast.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/reading-rainbow-owner-accuses-levar-burton-theft-extortion-lawsuit-1027372|title='Reading Rainbow' Owner Accuses LeVar Burton of "Theft and Extortion" in Lawsuit|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=August 7, 2017 }}</ref> | In August 2017, WNED filed a wide-ranging lawsuit against Burton and RRKidz that demanded Burton's company hand over administrative access to other websites and social media accounts. The lawsuit also sought to enjoin Burton from using the ''Reading Rainbow'' catchphrase, "But you don't have to take my word for it", on his podcast.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/reading-rainbow-owner-accuses-levar-burton-theft-extortion-lawsuit-1027372|title='Reading Rainbow' Owner Accuses LeVar Burton of "Theft and Extortion" in Lawsuit|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=August 7, 2017 }}</ref> | ||
In October 2017, WNED and RRKidz settled out of court. While the exact terms were confidential, the result was that RRKidz was no longer a licensee of the ''Reading Rainbow'' brand. RRKidz was rebranded ''LeVar Burton Kids'' and its services (including Skybrary) removed | In October 2017, WNED and RRKidz settled out of court. While the exact terms were confidential, the result was that RRKidz was no longer a licensee of the ''Reading Rainbow'' brand. RRKidz was rebranded ''LeVar Burton Kids'' and its services (including Skybrary) removed mentions to ''Reading Rainbow''. In addition, Burton was allowed to continue using the ''Reading Rainbow'' catchphrase.<ref name="vulture-settlement">{{cite web|title=Hooray, LeVar Burton Is Now Legally Allowed to Use His Reading Rainbow Catchphrase|url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/10/levar-burton-now-allowed-to-use-reading-rainbow-catchphrase.html|date=2017-10-19|website=Vulture|access-date=2021-01-08}}</ref> The official ''Reading Rainbow'' website stated "Recent legal disputes between WNED and LeVar Burton/RRKIDZ have been resolved and RRKIDZ no longer licenses the ''Reading Rainbow'' brand from WNED. WNED is currently working on the next chapter of ''Reading Rainbow'' and will continue its mission of fostering education for a new generation."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Reading Rainbow|url=http://www.readingrainbow.com|access-date=2021-01-08|publisher=WNED|url-status=dead <!-- no longer contains text--> |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022072842/https://www.readingrainbow.org/|archive-date=2017-10-22}}</ref> | ||
WNED announced in November 2018 that research and development had begun on a new ''Reading Rainbow'' program thanks to a $200,000 grant from [[The John R. Oishei Foundation]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Reading Rainbow|url=http://www.readingrainbow.com|access-date=2021-01-08|publisher=WNED}}</ref> | WNED announced in November 2018 that research and development had begun on a new ''Reading Rainbow'' program thanks to a $200,000 grant from [[The John R. Oishei Foundation]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Reading Rainbow|url=http://www.readingrainbow.com|access-date=2021-01-08|publisher=WNED}}</ref> | ||
| Line 111: | Line 110: | ||
Skybrary was acquired by [[Reading is Fundamental]] in March 2019.<ref>{{cite web|title=RIF Announcement|url=https://www.skybrary.org/content/rif-announcement|website=Skybrary|access-date=2021-01-08}}</ref> | Skybrary was acquired by [[Reading is Fundamental]] in March 2019.<ref>{{cite web|title=RIF Announcement|url=https://www.skybrary.org/content/rif-announcement|website=Skybrary|access-date=2021-01-08}}</ref> | ||
In December 2021, it was announced that the show would be revived as ''Reading Rainbow Live'', an interactive | In December 2021, it was announced that the show would be revived as ''Reading Rainbow Live'', an interactive special featuring several hosts, dubbed "The Rainbows". The special premiered on Looped on March 6, 2022.<ref>{{cite web|last=Maas|first=Jennifer|title=Reading Rainbow Revival 'Reading Rainbow Live' to Debut in 2022 With Multiple Hosts|url=https://www.thewrap.com/reading-rainbow-live-2022-premiere-date-hosts/|website=[[TheWrap]]|access-date=November 20, 2022|date=December 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title="Reading Rainbow" to Return This Weekend As an Interactive Streaming Program: "I Think It's Been a Long Time Coming"|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/reading-rainbow-rebooted-as-interactive-program/|website=[[CBS News]]|access-date=November 20, 2022|date=March 4, 2022}}</ref> | ||
===Series revival (2025–present)=== | |||
On September 29, 2025, Reading Rainbow announced via a trailer posted to social media and their website that new episodes are in production. The revival is hosted by [[Mychal Threets]] and will feature guest stars including [[Rylee Arnold]], [[Ezra Sosa]], Bellen Woodard, and [[Ebon Moss-Bachrach]].<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X74MZfG9jXg |title=Reading Rainbow🌈 {{!}} Official Trailer 🎬 {{!}} Educational Videos for Kids {{!}}@Kidzuko |date=2025-09-29 |last=Reading Rainbow (Official) |access-date=2025-09-29 |via=YouTube}}</ref> The revival was released on [[YouTube]] via Kidzuko, an online channel owned by Sony Pictures, with production continuing to be handled by WNED parent company Buffalo/Toronto Public Media.<ref>{{cite web|first=Alex|last=Weprin|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/reading-rainbow-returns-pbs-show-youtube-mychal-threets-1236388745/|title=‘Reading Rainbow’ Returns: Classic PBS Show Rebooted 20 Years After Final Episode|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=September 29, 2025|access-date=September 30, 2025}}</ref> | |||
==Accolades== | ==Accolades== | ||
| Line 124: | Line 126: | ||
* [http://www.rainbowcybercamguy.com Roger Holden], designer of the digital animation photography system used by Centron Films to film the Feature Book segments (1983–87) | * [http://www.rainbowcybercamguy.com Roger Holden], designer of the digital animation photography system used by Centron Films to film the Feature Book segments (1983–87) | ||
== | ==Notable guest readers and contributors== | ||
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}} | {{Div col|colwidth=30em}} | ||
* [[Marv Albert]] | * [[Marv Albert]] | ||
| Line 137: | Line 139: | ||
* [[Angela Bassett]] (''The Wonderful Towers of Watts'') | * [[Angela Bassett]] (''The Wonderful Towers of Watts'') | ||
* [[Orson Bean]] (''The Runaway Duck'') | * [[Orson Bean]] (''The Runaway Duck'') | ||
* Kenny Blank (book recommendation segment only) | |||
* [[Philip Bosco]] (''Desert Giant: The World of the Saguaro Cactus'') | * [[Philip Bosco]] (''Desert Giant: The World of the Saguaro Cactus'') | ||
* [[Reizl Bozyk]] (''Mrs. Katz and Tush'') | * [[Reizl Bozyk]] (''Mrs. Katz and Tush'') | ||
| Line 156: | Line 159: | ||
* [[Tim Conway]] (''The Secret Shortcut'') | * [[Tim Conway]] (''The Secret Shortcut'') | ||
* [[Bill Cosby]] (''[[Arthur's Eyes]]'', Dennis Nolan's ''[[Big Pig]]'') | * [[Bill Cosby]] (''[[Arthur's Eyes]]'', Dennis Nolan's ''[[Big Pig]]'') | ||
* [[Denise Crosby]] | * [[Denise Crosby]] | ||
* [[Jim Cummings]] (''[[Frog and Toad]]'') | * [[Jim Cummings]] (''[[Frog and Toad]]'') | ||
| Line 173: | Line 175: | ||
* [[Hector Elizondo]] (''[[Brush]]'') | * [[Hector Elizondo]] (''[[Brush]]'') | ||
* [[Georgia Engel]] (''Chickens Aren't the Only Ones'') | * [[Georgia Engel]] (''Chickens Aren't the Only Ones'') | ||
* [[Lola Falana]] (''Sophie and Lou'') | * [[Lola Falana]] (''Sophie and Lou'') | ||
* [[Peter Falk]] (''The Robbery at the Diamond Dog Diner'') | * [[Peter Falk]] (''The Robbery at the Diamond Dog Diner'') | ||
| Line 184: | Line 185: | ||
* [[Richard Gere]] (''The Biggest Test in the Universe'') | * [[Richard Gere]] (''The Biggest Test in the Universe'') | ||
* [[Jack Gilford]] (''The Purple Coat'') | * [[Jack Gilford]] (''The Purple Coat'') | ||
* [[Whoopi Goldberg]] | * [[Whoopi Goldberg]] (''Amazing Grace'', segment only) | ||
* [[Jane Goodall]] | * [[Jane Goodall]] | ||
* [[Robert Guillaume]] (''[[My Shadow (poem)|My Shadow]]'') | * [[Robert Guillaume]] (''[[My Shadow (poem)|My Shadow]]'') | ||
* [[Lorne Greene]] (''[[Ox-Cart Man]]'') | * [[Lorne Greene]] (''[[Ox-Cart Man]]'') | ||
* [[Ed Harris]] (''Enemy Pie'') | * [[Ed Harris]] (''Enemy Pie'') | ||
* [[Jim Henson]] ([[Kermit the Frog]] from [[The Muppets]]) | * [[Jim Henson]] ([[Kermit the Frog]] from [[The Muppets]]) | ||
* [[William Hickey (actor)|William Hickey]] (Dennis Nolan's ''Monster Bubbles: A Counting Book'', [[Willi Glasauer]]'s (Greetings from the Surreal) | * [[William Hickey (actor)|William Hickey]] (Dennis Nolan's ''Monster Bubbles: A Counting Book'', [[Willi Glasauer]]'s (Greetings from the Surreal) | ||
| Line 214: | Line 213: | ||
* [[Amy Linker]] (''A Chair for My Mother'') | * [[Amy Linker]] (''A Chair for My Mother'') | ||
* [[Keye Luke]] (''The Paper Crane'') | * [[Keye Luke]] (''The Paper Crane'') | ||
* [[Olga Merediz]] (''Borreguita and the Coyote'') | * [[Olga Merediz]] (''Borreguita and the Coyote'') | ||
* [[Andrea McArdle]] (''Lemonade for Sale'') | * [[Andrea McArdle]] (''Lemonade for Sale'') | ||
* [[Bruce McAvaney]] (The Club) | * [[Bruce McAvaney]] (''The Club'') | ||
* [[Gates McFadden]] | * [[Gates McFadden]] | ||
* [[Bobby McFerrin]] | * [[Bobby McFerrin]] | ||
| Line 230: | Line 227: | ||
* [[Corinne Orr]] ([[Aliki Brandenberg|Aliki]]'s ''Mummies Made in Egypt'') | * [[Corinne Orr]] ([[Aliki Brandenberg|Aliki]]'s ''Mummies Made in Egypt'') | ||
* [[Jane Pauley]] (''Humphrey the Lost Whale: A True Story'') | * [[Jane Pauley]] (''Humphrey the Lost Whale: A True Story'') | ||
* [[Faith Prince]] (''Nosey Mrs. Rat'') | * [[Faith Prince]] (''Nosey Mrs. Rat'') | ||
* [[Freddie Prinze Jr.]] (''Beegu'') | * [[Freddie Prinze Jr.]] (''Beegu'') | ||
| Line 238: | Line 234: | ||
* [[Lou Rawls]] (''Ty's One Man Band'') | * [[Lou Rawls]] (''Ty's One Man Band'') | ||
* [[Alaina Reed Hall|Alaina Reed]] (''The Milk Makers'') | * [[Alaina Reed Hall|Alaina Reed]] (''The Milk Makers'') | ||
* [[Lionel Richie]] | * Alisa Reyes (book recommendation segment only) | ||
* [[Lionel Richie]] ("Abiyoyo", music video clip only) | |||
* [[Jason Robards]] (''Sam the Sea Cow'') | * [[Jason Robards]] (''Sam the Sea Cow'') | ||
* [[Al Roker]] (''Hail to Mail'') | * [[Al Roker]] (''Hail to Mail'') | ||
* [[Zelda Rubinstein]] (''A Three Hat Day'') | * [[Zelda Rubinstein]] (''A Three Hat Day'') | ||
* [[Run-D.M.C.]] | * [[Run-D.M.C.]] ("Abiyoyo", song segment only) | ||
* [[Lea Salonga]] (''Silent Lotus'', ''My America: A Poetry Atlas of the United States'') | * [[Lea Salonga]] (''Silent Lotus'', ''My America: A Poetry Atlas of the United States'') | ||
* [[Isabel Sanford]] (''The Patchwork Quilt'') | * [[Isabel Sanford]] (''The Patchwork Quilt'') | ||
| Line 252: | Line 249: | ||
* [[Marina Sirtis]] | * [[Marina Sirtis]] | ||
* [[Phoebe Snow]] (''The Gift of the Sacred Dog'') | * [[Phoebe Snow]] (''The Gift of the Sacred Dog'') | ||
* [[Brent Spiner]] | * [[Brent Spiner]] (''The Bionic Bunny Show'', filming scenes only) | ||
* [[Arnold Stang]] (''Alistair in Outer Space'', ''Alistair's Time Machine'', ''Archibald Frisby'') | * [[Arnold Stang]] (''Alistair in Outer Space'', ''Alistair's Time Machine'', ''Archibald Frisby'') | ||
* [[Stomp (dance troupe)|Stomp]] | * [[Stomp (dance troupe)|Stomp Crew]] | ||
* [[Patrick Stewart]] (''On the Day You Were Born'') | * [[Patrick Stewart]] (''On the Day You Were Born'') | ||
* [[Jerry Stiller]] (''Digging Up Dinosaurs'') | * [[Jerry Stiller]] (''Digging Up Dinosaurs'') | ||
| Line 278: | Line 275: | ||
==Writing and illustrating contest== | ==Writing and illustrating contest== | ||
{{Main|PBS Kids Writers Contest}} | {{Main|PBS Kids Writers Contest}} | ||
In 1995, the creators launched the first contest called "''Reading Rainbow'' Young Writers and Illustrators Contest". The annual writing and illustrating competition for children grades K through 3 continued until 2009 when it was relaunched as "PBS Kids Go! Writers Contest". It was renamed to the ''PBS Kids Writers Contest'' in 2014. | In 1995, the creators launched the first contest called "''Reading Rainbow'' Young Writers and Illustrators Contest". The annual writing and illustrating competition for children grades K through 3 continued until 2009 when it was relaunched as "PBS Kids Go! Writers Contest". It was renamed to the ''PBS Kids Writers Contest'' in 2014. | ||
| Line 302: | Line 300: | ||
{{Former PBS Kids shows}} | {{Former PBS Kids shows}} | ||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Reading Rainbow (1983 TV series)}} | |||
[[Category:Reading Rainbow| ]] | [[Category:Reading Rainbow| ]] | ||
[[Category:1983 American television series debuts]] | [[Category:1983 American television series debuts]] | ||
| Line 323: | Line 322: | ||
[[Category:Reading and literacy television series]] | [[Category:Reading and literacy television series]] | ||
[[Category:Educational apps]] | [[Category:Educational apps]] | ||
[[Category:American television series revived after cancellation]] | |||
[[Category:Television series by Embassy Row (production company)]] | |||
Latest revision as of 05:37, 10 December 2025
Template:Short description Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox television
Reading Rainbow is an American educational children's television series designed to encourage a love of books and reading. The original series aired on PBS and PBS Kids from July 11, 1983[1][2] to November 10, 2006, with each episode based on a featured children's book, which is discovered through a number of on-location segments or stories.[3] Episodes also feature children recommending books to find at the local library. The public television series garnered over 200 broadcast awards, including a Peabody Award and 26 Emmy Awards, ten as Outstanding Children's Series.[4] Sony Pictures' child-oriented KidZuko brand revived the series on YouTube starting in October 4, 2025.[5]
The concept of a reading series for children began with Twila Liggett, PhD, who partnered with Cecily and Larry Lancit of Lancit Media Productions in New York to create the television series. The original team also included Lynne Brenner Ganek, Ellen Schecter, and host LeVar Burton. The show's title was conceived by an intern at WNED.[6] Before its official premiere, the show aired for test audiences in the Nebraska and Buffalo, New York, markets (their PBS member stations, the Nebraska ETV and WNED-TV, respectively, were co-producers of the show). Reading Rainbow was the first PBS children's show to be broadcast in stereo sound. It is the fifth longest-running children's series in PBS history, after Cyberchase, Arthur, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, and Sesame Street (until its move to HBO in 2016).
Overview
Format
Reading Rainbow is hosted by actor and executive producer LeVar Burton,[7] who when the show premiered was then known for his role in Roots. The show was produced first by Lancit Media Entertainment (1983–2001), and later On-Screen Entertainment (2002–2006). Every episode features a different children's picture book, often narrated by a celebrity (such as Phylicia Rashad and others). The featured story's illustrations were scanned by the camera in a technique known as "iconographic animation" of each page shown in succession, although on certain occasions the shots would be animated.
After the featured story, Burton visits many places relating to the episode's theme, often featuring interviews with guests. A notable example is the season 6 premiere episode, which features the book The Bionic Bunny Show by Marc Brown and his wife Laurene, and includes a behind-the-scenes look at the TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation, in which Burton was a main cast member.
The last segment of each show, called Book Reviews, begins with Burton's introductory catchphrase, "But you don't have to take my word for it", and features children giving capsule reviews of books they liked. At the end of almost every episode, Burton signs off by telling the audience "I'll see you next time", with a review of the books featured in that episode beginning in season 2.
The series' pilot, which was created and produced in 1981 and aired as the show's eighth episode in 1983, features the book Gila Monsters Meet You at the Airport by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat and is narrated by Doug Parvin. Producer Larry Lancit's daughters, Shaune and Caitlin, were often featured in the series, notably as the children thanking the sponsors at the beginning and end of the show.
Theme song and opening sequence
Script error: No such module "Listen". The show's theme song was written by Steve Horelick, Dennis Neil Kleinman, and Janet Weir; the former also served as the series' music director and composer for all 155 episodes and received an Emmy nomination in 2007 for his work on the series. Over the show's 23-year run, it went through three different versions of the theme song. The original theme (used from 1983 to 1999) was performed by Tina Fabrique[8] and featured one of the first uses of the Buchla synthesizer in a TV theme song. The original opening sequence, which consisted of an animated butterfly transforming the surroundings of young children reading books into animated fantasy lands, was used until January 1, 1999. The introductory animation was produced by Ovation Films, Inc. and designed and animated by Bill Davis. Some episodes (from 1983 through 1999) have the end credits accompanied by the full version of the 1983–99 theme song (sung by the same singer, Tina Fabrique), with some episodes (with the said song) repeating two or three times.
On January 4, 1999, episodes began using a new live-action opening sequence and featuring CGI in a new space-themed world, with a new arrangement of the original song by Steve Horelick and performed by Johnny Kemp. A third intro was used starting on May 8, 2000, with a rerecorded version and the original lyrics performed by R&B artist Chaka Khan. This opening sequence is mostly the same as the second one, but features footage of Burton in place of some of the animated elements.
Later years
Original production of the series was to have ended after April 4, 2005, with the show continuing to air in reruns, but Burton said on February 7, 2006, that five new episodes of the show would be shot the same year despite the continuing financial issues of PBS.[9] The show aired its last original episode on November 10, 2006, and continued to air reruns until August 28, 2009.
Not only was PBS unable to secure enough funds to cover the costs associated with renewing broadcast rights and continuing reruns, the show's core philosophy was challenged as well. Reading Rainbow prominently featured published books throughout each episode, and licensing those books to be read aloud on the air was costly—an expensive move that producing station WNED decided not to make.[10][11] Prior to the cancellation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the U.S. Department of Education provided funds for the production of Reading Rainbow and a number of other PBS children's series throughout the early 2000s. The "Ready-to-Learn" grant was designed for television programming that encourages early childhood learning and development. However, under the No Child Left Behind Act, this grant was focused much more narrowly toward programs that teach literacy skills, phonics, and spelling after 2005. Since Reading Rainbow was initially developed upon fostering a love of reading books, and not necessarily developing reading skills, the funding was redirected toward other programs, and led to the launch of new skills-based programming, like Super Why!, WordWorld, and a new reboot of The Electric Company.[12]
In Spring 2024, reruns of the show began airing on the free streaming channel PBS Retro[13] and toward the end of 2024 on a free streaming channel on Amazon Prime Video,[14] where it has also been available on demand and through the PBS Kids subscription service.[15]
Revivals
Announcement and early developments (2010–14)
Former executive producer LeVar Burton announced on his Twitter feed on March 19, 2010, that "Reading Rainbow 2.0 is in the works."[16] In 2011, WNED, the PBS affiliate in Buffalo, New York that owns the Reading Rainbow brand, licensed rights to the brand to Burton and his company, RRKidz. On March 4, 2012, he announced that it was the "last day of shooting before launch!"[17]
On June 13, 2012, in a special presentation at Apple Inc's annual World Wide Developers Conference, Burton and his business partner, Mark Wolfe, introduced the new Reading Rainbow iPad App.[18] It became available in Apple's iTunes Store on June 20, 2012, and within 36 hours was the #1 educational app.[19] The RRKidz app offered children unlimited books, video field trips starring Burton, and rewards for reading. In January 2014, the Reading Rainbow App surpassed 10 million books read and video field trips watched in 18 months.[20]
Reading Rainbow celebrated its 30th anniversary in July 2013.[21]
Kickstarter revival campaign and aftermath (2014–22)
On May 28, 2014, LeVar Burton launched a Kickstarter campaign to revive the show and materials. In under 12 hours, the show had reached its $1 million goal.[22] A stretch goal was to create an educational version for schools to use, free of cost to those schools in need, and help the nation get back to high literacy rates. The following day, they reached $2Script error: No such module "String".million (double their goal) at 1:15 pm PST.[23] The campaign raised $5,408,916 on Kickstarter[24] with another $1Script error: No such module "String".million from Family Guy creator/animator Seth MacFarlane and $70,000 raised via direct contributions, for a grand total of $6,478,916.
With 105,857 backers, the campaign set a Kickstarter record for most backers, and in June 2015 was the 8th highest amount raised on the platform.[25]
The first product of the campaign was Skybrary by Reading Rainbow, launched in May 2015 as a web-based subscription service offering the Reading Rainbow app experience. In addition to narrating many of the books, Burton hosted video fieldtrips which connected kids to real world experiences at places like NASA HQ and Niagara Falls.[26]
In March 2016, RRKidz launched a new online educational service called Reading Rainbow Skybrary for Schools, which followed the same mission of the television series, while expanding to integrate into classroom curriculums.[27]
In August 2017, WNED filed a wide-ranging lawsuit against Burton and RRKidz that demanded Burton's company hand over administrative access to other websites and social media accounts. The lawsuit also sought to enjoin Burton from using the Reading Rainbow catchphrase, "But you don't have to take my word for it", on his podcast.[28]
In October 2017, WNED and RRKidz settled out of court. While the exact terms were confidential, the result was that RRKidz was no longer a licensee of the Reading Rainbow brand. RRKidz was rebranded LeVar Burton Kids and its services (including Skybrary) removed mentions to Reading Rainbow. In addition, Burton was allowed to continue using the Reading Rainbow catchphrase.[29] The official Reading Rainbow website stated "Recent legal disputes between WNED and LeVar Burton/RRKIDZ have been resolved and RRKIDZ no longer licenses the Reading Rainbow brand from WNED. WNED is currently working on the next chapter of Reading Rainbow and will continue its mission of fostering education for a new generation."[30]
WNED announced in November 2018 that research and development had begun on a new Reading Rainbow program thanks to a $200,000 grant from The John R. Oishei Foundation.[31]
Skybrary was acquired by Reading is Fundamental in March 2019.[32]
In December 2021, it was announced that the show would be revived as Reading Rainbow Live, an interactive special featuring several hosts, dubbed "The Rainbows". The special premiered on Looped on March 6, 2022.[33][34]
Series revival (2025–present)
On September 29, 2025, Reading Rainbow announced via a trailer posted to social media and their website that new episodes are in production. The revival is hosted by Mychal Threets and will feature guest stars including Rylee Arnold, Ezra Sosa, Bellen Woodard, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.[35] The revival was released on YouTube via Kidzuko, an online channel owned by Sony Pictures, with production continuing to be handled by WNED parent company Buffalo/Toronto Public Media.[36]
Accolades
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Animation producers
Feature Book filming
The photographing of the Feature Book segments was by:
- Centron Films (1983–1987; renamed in 1986 to "Centron Productions Inc.")
- Loren Dolezal (1988–1998; renamed in 1995 to "Dolezal Animation"); Take Ten Animation teamed up with Dolezal from 1995 to 1998.
- On Screen Entertainment (2000–2006)
- Roger Holden, designer of the digital animation photography system used by Centron Films to film the Feature Book segments (1983–87)
Notable guest readers and contributors
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- Marv Albert
- Jason Alexander (Pet Stories You Don't Have to Walk)
- Maya Angelou (All the Colors of the Race)
- Michael Ansara (The Gift of the Sacred Dog, Sheila MacGill-Callahan's and Barry Moser's And Still the Turtle Watched)
- Lucie Arnaz (When Aunt Lena Did the Rhumba)
- Edward Asner (Dinosaur Bob and His Adventures with the Family Lazardo)
- James Avery (Berlioz the Bear, Game Day)
- Hoyt Axton (Meanwhile Back at the Ranch)
- Julia Barr (Raccoons and Ripe Corn, Deer at the Brook, Come Out, Muskrats)
- Angela Bassett (The Wonderful Towers of Watts)
- Orson Bean (The Runaway Duck)
- Kenny Blank (book recommendation segment only)
- Philip Bosco (Desert Giant: The World of the Saguaro Cactus)
- Reizl Bozyk (Mrs. Katz and Tush)
- Wayne Brady (Mr. George Baker)
- Jeff Bridges (The Tin Forest)
- Fran Brill (Dive to the Coral Reefs)
- Matthew Broderick (Owen)
- Ruth Buzzi (Miss Nelson is Back)
- David Canary (Work Song)
- Jose Canseco
- Diahann Carroll (Show Way)
- Dixie Carter (Come a Tide)
- Lacey Chabert (Snow)
- Julia Child (Florence and Eric Take the Cake)
- Roy Clark (Barn Dance)
- Kevin Clash (Elmo from Sesame Street)
- Imogene Coca (Imogene's Antlers)
- James Coco (Perfect the Pig)
- Tim Conway (The Secret Shortcut)
- Bill Cosby (Arthur's Eyes, Dennis Nolan's Big Pig)
- Denise Crosby
- Jim Cummings (Frog and Toad)
- Jane Curtin (Duncan and Dolores)
- Tyne Daly (Amazing Grace)
- Keith David (Follow the Drinking Gourd)
- Ossie Davis (Summer)
- Ruby Dee (Badger's Parting Gifts, Simon's Book, Tar Beach)
- Josie de Guzman (Saturday Sancocho)
- Brian Dennehy (Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express)
- Phyllis Diller (Ludlow Laughs)
- Michael Dorn
- Ann Duquesnay (Hip Cat)
- Eliza Dushku (Unique Monique)
- Buddy Ebsen (Steven Kellogg's Paul Bunyan)
- Hector Elizondo (Brush)
- Georgia Engel (Chickens Aren't the Only Ones)
- Lola Falana (Sophie and Lou)
- Peter Falk (The Robbery at the Diamond Dog Diner)
- Jamie Farr (The Sign Painter's Dream)
- Barbara Feldon (The Life Cycle of the Honeybee)
- Tovah Feldshuh (The Piggy in the Puddle)
- Ron Foster (My Little Island)
- Jonathan Frakes
- Vincent Gardenia (Louis the Fish, The Adventures of Taxi Dog)
- Richard Gere (The Biggest Test in the Universe)
- Jack Gilford (The Purple Coat)
- Whoopi Goldberg (Amazing Grace, segment only)
- Jane Goodall
- Robert Guillaume (My Shadow)
- Lorne Greene (Ox-Cart Man)
- Ed Harris (Enemy Pie)
- Jim Henson (Kermit the Frog from The Muppets)
- William Hickey (Dennis Nolan's Monster Bubbles: A Counting Book, Willi Glasauer's (Greetings from the Surreal)
- Gregory Hines (Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin)
- Anna Holbrook (Regina's Big Mistake)
- Lena Horne (Winter Morning)
- Beth Howland (If You Give a Mouse a Cookie)
- Scott Irby-Ranniar (My Life with the Wave)
- Anne Jackson (Stellaluna)
- Victoria Jackson (Tooth-Gnasher Superflash)
- James Earl Jones (Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain)
- Raul Julia (Mystery on the Docks)
- Madeline Kahn (Bea and Mr. Jones)
- Carol Kane (Someplace Else)
- Charles Kimbrough (June 29, 1999)
- Regina King (Max)
- Eartha Kitt (Is This a House for Hermit Crab?)
- Linda Lavin (Ruth Law Thrills a Nation)
- Robin Leach
- Michael Learned (Appelemando's Dreams)
- Maya Lin
- Viveca Lindfors (Rechenka's Eggs)
- Amy Linker (A Chair for My Mother)
- Keye Luke (The Paper Crane)
- Olga Merediz (Borreguita and the Coyote)
- Andrea McArdle (Lemonade for Sale)
- Bruce McAvaney (The Club)
- Gates McFadden
- Bobby McFerrin
- Mark McGwire
- Marilyn Michaels (Gregory the Terrible Eater)
- Stephanie Mills (Bea and Mr. Jones)
- Helen Mirren (How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World)
- Robert Morse (Sunken Treasure)
- Fred Newman (Fox on the Job, Mama Don't Allow)
- Jerry Orbach (Defense Team!)
- Corinne Orr (Aliki's Mummies Made in Egypt)
- Jane Pauley (Humphrey the Lost Whale: A True Story)
- Faith Prince (Nosey Mrs. Rat)
- Freddie Prinze Jr. (Beegu)
- Keshia Knight Pulliam (The Magic School Bus: Inside the Earth)
- Gilda Radner (The Tortoise and the Hare)
- Phylicia Rashad (Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters)
- Lou Rawls (Ty's One Man Band)
- Alaina Reed (The Milk Makers)
- Alisa Reyes (book recommendation segment only)
- Lionel Richie ("Abiyoyo", music video clip only)
- Jason Robards (Sam the Sea Cow)
- Al Roker (Hail to Mail)
- Zelda Rubinstein (A Three Hat Day)
- Run-D.M.C. ("Abiyoyo", song segment only)
- Lea Salonga (Silent Lotus, My America: A Poetry Atlas of the United States)
- Isabel Sanford (The Patchwork Quilt)
- Susan Sarandon (The Shaman's Apprentice: A Tale of the Amazon Rainforest)
- Josh Saviano (Little Nino's Pizzeria)
- John Sebastian
- Pete Seeger (Abiyoyo)
- Martin Short (Animal Cafe)
- Marina Sirtis
- Phoebe Snow (The Gift of the Sacred Dog)
- Brent Spiner (The Bionic Bunny Show, filming scenes only)
- Arnold Stang (Alistair in Outer Space, Alistair's Time Machine, Archibald Frisby)
- Stomp Crew
- Patrick Stewart (On the Day You Were Born)
- Jerry Stiller (Digging Up Dinosaurs)
- Regina Taylor (Uncle Jed's Barber Shop)
- Lynne Thigpen (The Salamander Room)
- Sada Thompson (Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie)
- Lauren Tom (Liang and the Magic Paintbrush)
- Michelle Trachtenberg (Math Curse)
- Alex Trebek
- Leslie Uggams (Jack, the Seal and the Sea)
- Ben Vereen (Ty's One Man Band)
- Ralph Waite (Rumplestilitskin)
- Bree Walker
- Eli Wallach (Once There Was a Tree)
- Adam West (The Bionic Bunny Show)
- William Windom (Hot-Air Henry)
- Michael Winslow (Space Case)
- Hattie Winston (Galimoto)
- Alfre Woodard (Visiting Day)
Writing and illustrating contest
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In 1995, the creators launched the first contest called "Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest". The annual writing and illustrating competition for children grades K through 3 continued until 2009 when it was relaunched as "PBS Kids Go! Writers Contest". It was renamed to the PBS Kids Writers Contest in 2014.
References
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- ↑ Project Updates. Kickstarter. Retrieved July 2, 2014.
- ↑ Discover Projects >> Most Funded – Kickstarter. Retrieved June 10, 2015
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External links
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- ReadingRainbow.com Reading Rainbow website by RRKidz, Inc.
- Reading Rainbow App for Kindle Fire on the Amazon Appstore
- Reading Rainbow App for iPad on the Apple App Store
- Reading Rainbow on YouTube with clips and full episodes
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Categories:
- Pages with script errors
- Pages with reference errors
- Reading Rainbow
- 1983 American television series debuts
- 2006 American television series endings
- 1980s American black television series
- 1990s American black television series
- 2000s American black television series
- 1980s American children's television series
- 1990s American children's television series
- 2000s American children's television series
- American children's adventure television series
- American children's education television series
- American children's fantasy television series
- American English-language television shows
- American television series with live action and animation
- English-language education television programming
- Kickstarter-funded software
- PBS Kids shows
- PBS original programming
- Personal development television series
- Reading and literacy television series
- Educational apps
- American television series revived after cancellation
- Television series by Embassy Row (production company)