Reading Rainbow

Reading Rainbow (1983-2006)

EndedScripted showChildren

Reading Rainbow is an American children's television series aired by PBS from June 6, 1983 until November 10, 2006 that encouraged reading among children. The award-winning public television series garnered over 200 broadcast awards, including scores of Emmy Awards, many for "Outstanding Children's Series". The series was created under the leadership of Cecily Truett Lancit and Larry Lancit, at Lancit Media Productions in New York. The concept of a reading series for children was inspired by Twila Liggett, Ph.D., of Lincoln, Nebraska of the Great Plains National Instructional Television Library at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Paul Schupbach, director of the Great Plains National Instructional Television LIbrary; and Tony Buttino, of WNED-TV Buffalo, New York. The original team included Lynne Brenner Ganek, Ellen Schecter, and LeVar Burton as host.

Streaming

Watch Now

Network
ScheduleMonday - Sunday (daily) at 14:30 (30 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S21E05Show WayNov 10, 2006
S21E04Game DayNov 9, 2006
S21E03Boxes for KatjeNov 8, 2006
S21E02I Lost My Tooth in AfricaNov 7, 2006
S21E01The Biggest Test in the UniverseNov 6, 2006
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did the Reading Rainbow premiere?

The Reading Rainbow premiered on June 6, 1983.

Who was the host of Reading Rainbow?

The host of Reading Rainbow was LeVar Burton.

What was the show's concept?

The concept of Reading Rainbow was to promote children's literacy by featuring books and their authors.

Was Reading Rainbow only for children?

Yes, Reading Rainbow was specifically produced for children.

Did Reading Rainbow win any awards?

Yes, Reading Rainbow won numerous awards including multiple Emmy awards.

What was the show's theme song?

The theme song of Reading Rainbow was "Reading Rainbow Theme" composed by Steve Horelick and Dennis Neil Kleinman.

How many episodes of Reading Rainbow were produced?

A total of 155 episodes of Reading Rainbow were produced.

Did Reading Rainbow have special guests?

Yes, Reading Rainbow had special guests, including celebrities and authors.

Did Reading Rainbow only focus on books?

Yes, Reading Rainbow was primarily focused on books and promoting literacy.

Did Reading Rainbow have any spin-offs?

Yes, Reading Rainbow had a few spin-offs, including a series of video releases and an educational website.

Did Reading Rainbow tackle social issues?

Yes, Reading Rainbow tackled social and cultural issues, such as diversity and inclusion within literature.

Did Reading Rainbow have any critics?

Yes, Reading Rainbow had some critics who felt it was too focused on commercializing children's literature.

How did Reading Rainbow change over time?

Over time, Reading Rainbow incorporated more interactive segments and incorporated technology, such as virtual reality.

Did Reading Rainbow have any impact on society?

Yes, Reading Rainbow had a significant impact on promoting literacy and encouraging children to read.

Was Reading Rainbow popular?

Yes, Reading Rainbow was a popular show, receiving high ratings and critical acclaim.

Cast

View all cast

Characters

View all characters

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
Big Brother
Running

Big Brother

Big Brother follows a group of people living together in a house outfitted with dozens of high-definition cameras and microphones recording their every move, 24 hours a day. Each week, the Houseguests will vote someone out of the house. At the end, the last remaining Houseguest will receive the grand prize of $500,000.

Naked and Afraid: Global Showdown
Running

Naked and Afraid: Global Showdown

Survivalists from all over the world - including Brazil, Australia, Mexico, and the United States - represent their homelands in a grueling 40-day primitive bushcraft competition. Paired with a partner, their skills, toughness and teamwork will be tested as they compete for national pride and the largest cash prize in franchise history.

The Mega-Brands That Built America
Running

The Mega-Brands That Built America

The Mega-Brands That Built America is the newest series in History's "That Built" franchise, telling the origin stories of some of the most successful businesses in history: from mega-stores like Costco and Walmart to sporting goods giants like Spalding and Wilson, titans like Ivory Soap, Schick and Gillette, to shipping giants like Fedex and UPS, and countless more of the biggest brand names in history. Each story is told through the "That Built" franchises' signature blend of expert interviews and archival, mixed with original premium recreations. Through the eyes of the visionaries and entrepreneurs behind the brands, the series takes viewers on a journey; starting with how it all began, following the innovations, the failures, and all the incredible achievements that forever changed the way Americans live. It's everything you didn't know about the colossal brands you know so well.

Hazardous History with Henry Winkler
Running

Hazardous History with Henry Winkler

The eight-episode fast-paced, nostalgia-fueled series will take viewers on a thrilling ride through America's past. 

Shark Week
Running

Shark Week

Shark Week is an annual, week-long TV programming block created by Tom Golden at the Discovery Channel, which features shark-based programming. Shark Week originally premiered on July 17, 1988.

GenreNature