Controversial revival reignites debate over classic kids media

A bold gamble on beloved educational TV

February 24, 2026 – Sony Pictures Television has ordered a full 24 episodes of the Reading Rainbow reboot, elevating the digital revival into a major TV season after fans clamored for more. The original PBS children’s series, known for inspiring young readers for over two decades, now aims to reinvent itself for a new generation — but not without controversy.

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Mychal Threets returns as host

Mychal Threets — the viral library advocate known on social media as “Mychal the Librarian” — will reprise hosting duties, bringing his upbeat literacy mission back to screens after headlining the early digital episodes. Threets, based in Fairfield, California, has become a prominent voice for literacy and inclusivity, amassing hundreds of thousands of followers before stepping into the Reading Rainbow spotlight.

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Kristen McGregor joins behind the scenes

Sesame Street and Ms. Rachel veteran Kristen McGregor has been named executive producer and showrunner, steering creative direction for the expanded season. McGregor’s background in children’s programming is expected to influence both content and pacing as Sony seeks broadcast and streaming partners worldwide.

Classic nostalgia vs modern expectations

While fans celebrate Reading Rainbow’s return, critics question whether a reboot can match the magic of the PBS original that ran from 1983 to 2006. Purists argue that the show’s educational heart may be lost in today’s fragmented media landscape, while others welcome a renewed push for reading among kids.

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Final thoughts

Sony’s 24-episode order hands Reading Rainbow its biggest platform since the original PBS run, blending nostalgic legacy with modern media strategy. Whether this revival becomes a beloved staple again or a well-intentioned misfire remains one of 2026’s most intriguing kids TV debates.

FAQs

Q1: How many episodes did Sony order?
Sony ordered 24 new episodes for the Reading Rainbow reboot.

Q2: Who is hosting the reboot?
Mychal Threets returns as host, known for his literacy advocacy.

Q3: Who is running the show behind the scenes?
Kristen McGregor, a Sesame Street veteran, is executive producer and showrunner.

Q4: Will the show stay true to the original?
Officials say the reboot aims to maintain the original’s educational mission while modernizing for new audiences.

Q5: Where did the earlier episodes debut?
The initial revival episodes were released on Sony’s Kidzuko YouTube channel.