Butterflies take to the sky as a new Reading Rainbow series will be launching in 2022. The original children's series ran on PBS for 23 years from 1983 to 2006 and won 26 Emmys in that time. The show fostered a love of reading among a generation of children, as each episode highlighted specific book recommendations for families. The show's host LeVar Burton has been the center of much attention recently following a campaign for him to become the new host of Jeopardy!
According to The Wrap, the new series titled Reading Rainbow Live will debut next year with a rotating cast of hosts. The revival will maintain the spirit of the original while updating it to include more interactive elements. The series will feature new music and explore a variety of topics such as nature and different cultures while incorporating dancing, field trips, and more. The show was developed during the pandemic in response to challenges faced by parents teaching their children at home.
The show's producers have made a commitment to diversity within Reading Rainbow Live, stating the show will feature an "inclusive selection of books that represent diverse authors, illustrators, main characters, subjects, and settings." The show's multiple hosts will be referred to as "The Rainbows," with the goal being that varying the host each week will allow children to better see themselves represented in the cast. Episodes will be 25 minutes in length, and they will be made available to stream online after they air.
Source: The Wrap