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Reading Rainbow

  • TV Series
  • 1983–20061983–2006
  • TV-YTV-Y
  • 30m
IMDb RATING
8.4/10
4.7K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
6,369
280
LeVar Burton in Reading Rainbow (1983)
Family
Levar Burton introduces young viewers to illustrated readings of children's literature and explores their related subjects.Levar Burton introduces young viewers to illustrated readings of children's literature and explores their related subjects.Levar Burton introduces young viewers to illustrated readings of children's literature and explores their related subjects.
IMDb RATING
8.4/10
4.7K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
6,369
280
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Stars
      • LeVar Burton
      • John Bonavia
      • Jennifer Betit Yen
    Top credits
    • Stars
      • LeVar Burton
      • John Bonavia
      • Jennifer Betit Yen
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 28User reviews
    • 1Critic review
  • See production, box office & company info
    • Nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys
      • 37 wins & 92 nominations total

    Episodes161

    Browse episodes
    TopTop-rated

    Photos429

    LeVar Burton in Reading Rainbow (1983)
    LeVar Burton in Reading Rainbow (1983)
    LeVar Burton in Reading Rainbow (1983)
    Reading Rainbow (1983)
    Reading Rainbow (1983)
    Reading Rainbow (1983)
    LeVar Burton in Reading Rainbow (1983)
    LeVar Burton in Reading Rainbow (1983)
    LeVar Burton in Reading Rainbow (1983)
    Reading Rainbow (1983)
    LeVar Burton in Reading Rainbow (1983)
    Reading Rainbow (1983)

    Top cast

    Edit
    LeVar Burton
    LeVar Burton
    • Self - Host
    152 episodes152 eps • 1983–2006
    John Bonavia
    John Bonavia
    • Thomas
    10 episodes10 eps • 2004–2006
    Jennifer Betit Yen
    Jennifer Betit Yen
    • Self
    1 episode1 ep
    Arnold Stang
    Arnold Stang
    • Self
    3 episodes3 eps • 1986–1995
    Fred Newman
    • Self…
    2 episodes2 eps • 1986–1991
    Michael Ansara
    Michael Ansara
    • Self - Narrator
    2 episodes2 eps • 1983–1993
    Vincent Gardenia
    Vincent Gardenia
    • Self
    2 episodes2 eps • 1983–1991
    Stephen Horelick
    Stephen Horelick
    • Self
    1 episode1 ep • 1983
    Doug Parvin
    • Camper…
    1 episode1 ep • 1983
    Ruby Dee
    Ruby Dee
    • Self
    2 episodes2 eps • 1984–1992
    Laura Haymann
    • Self
    2 episodes2 eps • 1986
    Lisa Drew
    • Singer in Fourtune
    1 episode1 ep • 1983
    Charisma Largy
    • Singer in Fourtune
    1 episode1 ep • 1983
    Larry Mabrey
    • Singer in Fourtune
    1 episode1 ep • 1983
    Eric Mabrey
    • Singer in Fourtune
    1 episode1 ep • 1983
    James Earl Jones
    James Earl Jones
    • Self
    1 episode1 ep • 1983
    Ruth Buzzi
    Ruth Buzzi
    • Self
    1 episode1 ep • 1983
    Madeline Kahn
    Madeline Kahn
    • Self
    1 episode1 ep • 1983
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      After the TV series was cancelled, LeVar Burton received the copyright and developed an iOS educational app. In 2014, Burton decided to do a Kickstarter fundraising campaign to establish Reading Rainbow as an Android app and a class reading supplement resource for underfunded schools. The 30-day campaign's initial goal, $1 million, was raised within 11 hours. At the end of the full campaign, over $6 million had been raised. Seth MacFarlane contributed $1 million when the campaign hit $5 million.
    • Quotes

      LeVar Burton: [about to have kids introduce more recommended books] Of course, you don't have to take *my* word for it.

    • Alternate versions
      Recent airings (2000) have re-edited older episodes to include new footage of Levar Burton running around with kids to a new Reading Rainbow theme song at the beginning and end.
    • Connections
      Edited into Doggiewoggiez! Poochiewoochiez! (2012)
    • Soundtracks
      Reading Rainbow Theme Song
      Written by Stephen Horelick and Dennis Neil Kleinman and Janet Weir
      Performed by Tina Fabrique
      [Her version of the theme song ran from 1983 until 1999]

    User reviews28

    Review
    Review
    Top review
    Take a look, it's in a book!
    I remember watching "Reading Rainbow" with my youngest sister thirteen years ago. Being an avid fan of children's literature, I love to discover the new titles and receive literary recommendations for my preschool son who now loves it as much as I.

    The authors who create such magnificent literature for the youngsters today are to be commended! The illustrators bring such light and color to each story that the story becomes real before your eyes! The celebrity readers bring the authors' stories to life and open up new vistas for children.

    Levar Burton seems to really enjoy visiting new places and trying new things; he's the original and continuing host. Find it on a local PBS station near you and watch the magic!
    helpful•4
    0
    • mrskcj2
    • Jan 9, 2002

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • June 6, 1983 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Facebook
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Радуга-читальня
    • Filming locations
      • USA
    • Production companies
      • WNED-TV Buffalo
      • Lancit Media Entertainment
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      30 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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