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Reading Rainbow

  • TV Series
  • 1983–2006
  • TV-Y
  • 30m
IMDb RATING
8.4/10
5.5K
YOUR RATING
LeVar Burton in Reading Rainbow (1983)
AnimationComedyDramaFamilyFantasySci-Fi

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.

  • Stars
    • LeVar Burton
    • Stephen Horelick
    • Lee Murphy
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.4/10
    5.5K
    YOUR RATING
    • Stars
      • LeVar Burton
      • Stephen Horelick
      • Lee Murphy
    • 30User reviews
    • 1Critic review
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys
      • 37 wins & 93 nominations total

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    Top cast99+

    Edit
    LeVar Burton
    LeVar Burton
    • Self - Host
    • 1983–2006
    Stephen Horelick
    Stephen Horelick
    • Self - Music Director…
    • 1983–2002
    Lee Murphy
    • Announcer…
    • 1983–1991
    Jennifer Betit Yen
    • Self
    Fred Newman
    • Self…
    • 1986–1991
    Ruby Dee
    Ruby Dee
    • Self…
    • 1984–2001
    Kenny Blank
    Kenny Blank
    • Self - Book Reviewer…
    • 1987–1989
    Arnold Stang
    Arnold Stang
    • Self
    • 1986–1995
    Laura Haymann
    • Self…
    • 1986
    James Avery
    James Avery
    • Self
    • 1992–2006
    Lea Salonga
    Lea Salonga
    • Self
    • 1993–2001
    Michael Ansara
    Michael Ansara
    • Self - Narrator
    • 1983–1993
    Vincent Gardenia
    Vincent Gardenia
    • Self
    • 1983–1991
    Doug Parvin
    • Camper…
    • 1983
    Tom Puckett
    Tom Puckett
    • Self - Book Reviewer
    • 1983
    Carolyn McMahon
    • Dancer…
    • 1983
    Linda Gelman
    • Narrator…
    • 1983
    Anne Michele Harrington
    • Self - Book Reviewer
    • 1983
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews30

    8.45.5K
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    Featured reviews

    8tristenjones-74208

    Back when Educational Shows were good

    Back when I was a toddler and maybe up to 2nd grade, these shows were honestly what I watched everyday and this is one of them. I was honestly hooked to this show even if it did seem a little outdated for it's time. I loved the stories LeVar would read since it filled my imagination.

    Nowadays, there's no shows that are like this anymore to be honest with you. Except for maybe Sesame Street (but that show is probably never going to end), and maybe a few others. To the parents that want to show their kids a classic TV show, then I definitely recommend this one.
    Bass-o-matic

    Fascinating, informative, entertaining...

    This show, at least in it's current state, is better than 99% of the crap one will find on network tv. I've seen up close pottery making by Indians in the mid-west, examined the inner workings of the largest galactic telescope in the world in Puerto Rico, and otherwise been very entertained and informed from the times I've caught this show just before Charlie Rose came on.

    Levar does a nice job of imparting important virtues to kids - RESPECT for creativity and craft, your elders, the environment... what more could you ask for, in an age when parents take NO responsibility for raising kids and kids have no respect even for human life??

    As far as the books reviewed, I can't vouch for this, but I've always left with a good, warm feeling about people every time I watch this show, (and I usually feel like heaving when I see the other crap on tv).

    I say, 'KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!'
    Kristinartist79

    I am glad this is still on the air!

    I loved this show as a child. I am a teacher's Aide now for kindergarten students and they watch this show during library! They love it! I am so glad that this show still exists! When I was a child in the early 80s,the media had became a big part of children's lives, and its even more so now. Computers, video games, and fast paste shows, are great but they tend to take children's attention span away, which makes school less enjoyable even for the brightest children. Fortunately, in this show, the media puts children's books to life motivating children to read, which is perfect for children in this technical society! As an education major, I am really glad to have this opportunity to support this show!
    amh678

    Best Show Ever

    As a child of the 80s "Reading Rainbow" was a big part of television for me.

    I remember watching it in school sometimes and I LOVED it. Lavar Burton is an awesome host. Hosting the same show for so many years shows his dedication to literacy among children. Each show taught you about a few different books. I even remember the theme song and does my 16-year-old brother. I haven't seen it in years though. For some odd reason PBS doesn't are it in the Atlanta area. I highly recommend this show for parents now. "Reading Rainbow" is a rare show that is educational and entertaining. If it were still aired here, this is one 22-year-old that would still watch it!
    kimmb

    My favorite show

    I grew up watching this show, it first appeared when I was 4 years old. I watched it as I learned to read and as I progressed through school. I still watch it on the occasions I find it on PBS, and I'm now a 22 year old grad student in Literature. I think this show really helps instill the value of reading in young kids--values that will follow them throughout life. I can't think of a better show for kids. And unlike most children's programs, it doesn't lose its charm no matter how old you get. A great great show, one of my personal favorites and a big reason I'm studying English and Literature today.

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • 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]

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    FAQ18

    • How many seasons does Reading Rainbow have?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • July 11, 1983 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Facebook
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Радуга-читальня
    • Filming locations
      • Sonoran Desert National Monument, Gila Bend, Arizona, USA
    • Production companies
      • WNED-TV Buffalo
      • Lancit Media Entertainment
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      • 30m
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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