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.

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.
The Bold and the Beautiful
Running

The Bold and the Beautiful

They created a dynasty where passion rules, they are the Forresters, the first name in Fashion. The Bold and the Beautiful, a world of fashion, glamor and romance. A place where power, money and success are there for the taking in a city where dreams really do come true. Follow the lives and loves of the Forresters on The Bold and the Beautiful...

MasterChef
Running

MasterChef

Three celebrated food experts put the latest group of contestants through a series of challenging elimination rounds and turn one home cook into a culinary master.

GenreFood
Irish Blood
Upcoming

Irish Blood

Irish Blood focuses on Fiona, whose path in life is earmarked by her father, Declan, who seemingly abandoned her and her mother on her tenth birthday. After years of channelling anger toward him, to the benefit of her litigious clients, a message from her father sends her to Ireland. There she learns key truths about her father as well as a family that doesn't know she exists, and, moreover, that the story of abandonment that has shaped her entire life - was a lie. A lie intended to protect her and her mother from her father's shady business dealings. Fiona resolves to uncover the full truth about her father and reconnect with the parent she only thought she knew. 

The Young and the Restless
Running

The Young and the Restless

The Young and the Restless revolves around the rivalries, romances, hopes and fears of the residents of the fictional Midwestern metropolis, Genoa City. The lives and loves of a wide variety of characters mingle through the generations, dominated by the Newman, Abbott, Chancellor, Baldwin and Winters families. ­ When The Young and the Restless premiered in 1973, it revolutionized the daytime drama. It continues to set the standard with strong characters, socially conscious storylines, romance and sensuality.

Jeopardy!
Running

Jeopardy!

Jeopardy! is a classic game show -- with a twist. The answers are given first, and the contestants supply the questions. Three contestants, including the previous show's champion, compete in six categories and in three rounds (with each round's "answers" being worth more prize money).