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)

Last Episode

Show Way
Season 21Episode 530 min

Show Way

As LeVar helps his wife and daughter construct his family tree, Diahann Carroll narrates Show Way, in which the author chronicles her family back to her Great, Great, Great, Great Grandmother, who was a slave in the South. Through traditions passed down to each generation, her family learned to sew "Show Way" quilts that were secretly maps designed to help slaves escape to the north to freedom, and how her relatives taught her to keep up with the love of quilting to retain family history.
nov. 10, 2006

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

LeVar Burton

LeVar Burton

plays himself
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Characters

Host

Host

played by LeVar Burton
View all characters

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