Current Host of Reading Rainbow
As of 2025, the new host of the Reading Rainbow media brand is LeVar Burton, following the conclusion of a multiyear rights and revival process that separated the legacy TV series from the modern streaming service. The original 1983–2006 PBS host, LeVar Burton, returned as the face of the rebooted Reading Rainbow app and YouTube series after the brand was acquired by a consortium led by Burton and numerous educational and publishing partners. This clarification distinguishes the enduring public television classic from the contemporary subscription service, which features Burton guiding new generations through curated book selections and themed episodes.
Understanding the Legacy and the Reboot
Reading Rainbow, originally hosted by LeVar Burton from 1983 to 2006, was a landmark children’s program that fostered a love of reading through celebrity-narrated picture books and in-studio explorations. Upon its transition to digital, the brand entered a complex rights phase, with episodes and the app splitting into separate commercial entities. The reboot, launched in the 2010s as a crowdfunding-successful app, is now produced under the stewardship of Burton’s company, Burton Media Strategies, in partnership with RRKIDZ and a network of educational licensors.
Key Milestones in the Hosting Transition
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1983–2006 | LeVar Burton hosts the original PBS series | Established the show’s educational tone and trusted voice |
| 2006–2014 | Reruns and rights reversion; no new episodes | Created a gap that fueled licensing confusion |
| 2014 | Reading Rainbow app relaunch via Kickstarter | Crowdfunded revival reintroduced the brand to a new audience |
| 2017–2025 | LeVar Burton as host of app and YouTube series | Clarifies continuity and brand stewardship under Burton Media Strategies |
Host Verification and Brand Differentiation
Because Reading Rainbow’s assets have changed hands over time, it’s important to verify current hosting through primary sources such as the official Reading Rainbow app, its YouTube channel, and Burton Media Strategies’ public announcements. The new host of Reading Rainbow is unequivocally LeVar Burton, yet this does not conflate the legacy TV series with the subscription-based digital platform. The app and YouTube series are distinct products, but both center on Burton’s narration and curatorial expertise.
Verification Checklist
- Check the official Reading Rainbow YouTube channel for host attribution
- Review the About section within the Reading Rainbow app for byline details
- Consult press releases from Burton Media Strategies or partner organizations
- Look for consistent use of the phrase host of Reading Rainbow LeVar Burton in reputable coverage
What Defines the New Host Arrangement
The relationship between LeVar Burton and the Reading Rainbow brand has evolved into a structured partnership in which Burton serves as on-screen host, content curator, and strategic leader. This modern iteration operates as a freemium app and YouTube series, allowing Burton to maintain the show’s core mission—promoting literacy and access to diverse stories—while adapting to current distribution models. The arrangement reflects a status clarification rather than a replacement, ensuring continuity for long-time fans and discoverability for new audiences.
Comparative Snapshot: Classic vs. Current Hosting
| Attribute | Classic TV Series (1983–2006) | Current Digital Platforms (2014–2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Host | LeVar Burton | LeVar Burton |
| Platform | PBS broadcast | Reading Rainbow app, YouTube, select streaming partners |
| Funding Model | PBS underwriting and licensing | Freemium app subscriptions, donations, partnerships |
| Content Format | 30-minute episodes featuring book reviews and studio segments | Curated book highlights, themed episodes, and digital exclusives |
Implications for Viewers and Stakeholders
For educators, parents, and young readers, knowing the new host of Reading Rainbow confirms a stable, trustworthy guide for literary exploration. LeVar Burton’s continued involvement assures brand consistency and pedagogical integrity across platforms. For stakeholders, the clarified hosting arrangement supports licensing clarity, content planning, and partnership development, anchoring the Reading Rainbow legacy in a sustainable digital framework.
Looking Ahead: The Enduring Role of the Host
The continuity of LeVar Burton as host of Reading Rainbow reinforces the importance of trusted voices in children’s media. As the brand expands into new formats and partnerships, Burton’s clear on-screen presence will remain central to maintaining the series’ educational mission and emotional resonance. For anyone asking who the new host of Reading Rainbow is, the answer is a stable, verified, and enduring one: LeVar Burton.
FAQ
Reader questions
Is Reading Rainbow still on television?
The original TV series is not currently airing new episodes on broadcast television, though classic episodes may appear on select streaming services and local stations that carry retro programming.
Who produces the new Reading Rainbow content? Current digital content is produced by Burton Media Strategies in collaboration with RRKIDZ and publishing partners, with LeVar Burton as host and creative lead. How can I verify that LeVar Burton is the host?
Refer to the official Reading Rainbow app, its About page, the brand’s verified YouTube channel, and public licensing announcements from Burton Media Strategies.