Two seconds into the bubbling synth sounds of its theme song will have a child of the 1980s or ‘90s exclaiming “Reading Rainbow!” Such is the beloved and ubiquitous nature of the classic children’s literary television show that introduced millions of kids to the wonder and importance of books. Not only did the series insist on having kids speak to kids about their favorite stories, but Reading Rainbow introduced the world to one of the most adored television hosts of all time in LeVar Burton. Thanks to his direct, non-patronizing and, most importantly, kind delivery, Burton became a conduit to learning for children of every background—an entrancing guide to subjects unknown.
Directed by Brett Whitcomb and Bradford Thomason
IMDB
N/A
Letterboxd
4.1 / 5
Where to Watch
Cast
LeVar Burton
Self
Cecily Truett Lancit
Self
Larry Lancit
Self
Dean Parisot
Self
Whoopi Goldberg
Self
Angela Bassett
Self (archive footage)
Johnny Carson
Self (archive footage)
James Earl Jones
Guest Narrator (archive footage)
Regina King
Self (archive footage)
Fred Rogers
Self (archive footage)
Patrick Stewart
Self (archive footage)
Michael Dorn
Self (archive footage)
Crew
Brett Whitcomb
Director
Bradford Thomason
Director
Whoopi Goldberg
Executive Producer
Justin Lacob
Executive Producer
Dava Whisenant
Executive Producer
Bryan Storkel
Producer
Raymond Esposito
Executive Producer
Popular Reviews
16 reviews
Bro
10.0★ · 07/24/25
This was so incredibly moving and inspiring. I love reading. I love Levar Burton. I love public television. I’m so touched and I LOVE READING RAINBOW!!!! 🌈🦋📚
This was so incredibly moving and inspiring. I love reading. I love Levar Burton. I love public television. I’m so touched and I LOVE READING RAINBOW!!!! 🌈🦋📚
Gabriel Silva
8.3★ · 06/15/25
The "talking head" style of documentary suits films like Butterfly in the Sky and Won't You Be My Neighbor if only because the nostalgia of these transformative children's television is very much actually worth the look back. Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood and Reading Rainbow were wholly transformative pieces of television that left a lasting impact on the lives of the people who grew up with them. These are substantive shows and the insight and look back from those involved in their making are in of themselves substantive. They have a lot to add to the conversation. I can't help but wonder how different things would be today if the conversation around funding for these programs never came under fire. Would we be more empathetic as a society overall?
The "talking head" style of documentary suits films like Butterfly in the Sky and Won't You Be My Neighbor if only because the nostalgia of these transformative children's television is very much actually worth the look back. Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood and Reading Rainbow were wholly transformative pieces of television that left a lasting impact on the lives of the people who grew up with them. These are substantive shows and the insight and look back from those involved in their making are in of themselves substantive. They have a lot to add to the conversation. I can't help but wonder how different things would be today if the conversation around funding for these programs never came under fire. Would we be more empathetic as a society overall?
emmydewPRO
8.0★ · 02/25/25
proud pbs kid 🥲
proud pbs kid 🥲
chloe wilks
8.0★ · 09/02/24
This program was made possible by contributions to PBS from viewers like you, thank you
This program was made possible by contributions to PBS from viewers like you, thank you
