Reading Rainbow

Name: Reading Rainbow
Genre: Kids
Cast: LeVar Burton, Julia Child, Ruth Buzzi, Madeline Kahn, James Earl Jones

1983·Show

·155Episodes in21Seasons·TV-Y·

GreatGoodWatch score

Your score for Reading Rainbow

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1 Unwatchable10 Masterpiece

8.5

–7.6

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Reading Rainbow fingerprint

Low-key.

Energy

Calm and low-key

Spectacle4
Fast Pace3
Adrenaline1

Heart

Heartwarming and uplifting

Wholesome10
Hopefulness10
Wonder9

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

Situational Comedy3
Wit & Wordplay3
Physical Comedy2

World

Everyday modern life

Holds up on a rewatch.

Rewatchability8
World Immersion7
Dialogue Centrality7

Craft

Standout performances

Acting8
Direction7
Dialogue Quality6

Style

Standout score

Music Composition8
Music Centrality7
Cinematography6

Energy

Low

Calm and low-key

Reading Rainbow is calm and low-intensity.

Nostalgic shows Peaceful shows

All energy traits

Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.

Tension0Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Violence0Physical conflict and intensity.

Related traits

Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.

Heart

Medium

Heartwarming and uplifting

Emotionally, it's heartwarming, uplifting, and awe-inspiring.

More shows with medium heart Nostalgic shows Peaceful shows

All heart traits

Wholesome10Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Hopefulness10Optimism and uplifting resolve.
Wonder9Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.

Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
Pathos2Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
Melancholy1Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
Romance0Love stories and emotional connections.

Related traits

Character Depth5Rich, complex characterization.

Humor

Low

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

Expect a little humor.

Peaceful shows

All humor traits

Situational Comedy3Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.

Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.

Related traits

Wholesome10Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.

World

Medium

Everyday modern life

Holds up on a rewatch.

Its world is built around everyday modern life. It holds up on a rewatch.

More shows with medium world Nostalgic shows Peaceful shows Educational shows

All world traits

Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.

Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Ambiguity0Open-endedness and uncertainty.

Related traits

Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.

Craft

Medium

Standout performances

The performances stand out.

More shows with medium craft Peaceful shows Educational shows

All craft traits

Acting8Performance craft and presence.
Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
Narrative Structure5Story architecture and form.
Character Depth5Rich, complex characterization.

Intrigue4Curiosity and investigative pull.
Complexity2Layered plots and ideas.
Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.

Related traits

Educational10Informative and instructive.
Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.

Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.

Style

Medium

Standout score

Look and sound: the score stand out.

More shows with medium style

All style traits

Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
Music Centrality7Songs central to storytelling.
Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.

Editing5Pacing and structure through cuts.
Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.

Related traits

Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.

Who it's for

AdultsFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalKidsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure Escapism

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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every show. Select a row to see all of them.

About

Take a look, it’s in a book, a Reading Rainbow!

Journey to exciting places and build a lasting connection with your favorite books. Each episode centers on a theme from a book, or other children's literature, which is explored through a number of segments or stories.

Children's EducationalLiterary ExplorationWholesome LearningInspiring ReadingClassic TelevisionGentle & PositiveNarrative DrivenFamily-FriendlyNostalgic Comfort

Actors

LeVar Burton

Self - Host

Julia Child

Self - Narrator (voice)

Ruth Buzzi

Self - Narrator (voice)

Madeline Kahn

Self - Narrator (voice)

James Earl Jones

Self - Narrator (voice)

Vincent Gardenia

Self - Narrator (voice)

Lauren Tom

Self - Narrator (voice)

Michael Ansara

Self - Narrator (voice)

Bill Cosby

Self - Narrator (voice)

Kaleena Kiff

Self - Narrator (voice)

Lou Rawls

Self - Narrator (voice)

William Windom

Self - Narrator (voice)

Ruby Dee

Self - Narrator (voice)

Lorne Greene

Self - Narrator (voice)

Raúl Juliá

Self - Narrator (voice)

Amy Linker

Self - Narrator (voice)

Buddy Ebsen

Self - Narrator (voice)

Isabel Sanford

Self - Narrator (voice)

Gilda Radner

Self - Narrator (voice)

James Coco

Self - Narrator (voice)

Martin Short

Self - Narrator (voice)

Arnold Stang

Self - Narrator (voice)

Michael Winslow

Self - Narrator (voice)

Alaina Reed Hall

Self - Narrator (voice)

Imogene Coca

Self - Narrator (voice)

Pete Seeger

Self - Narrator (voice)

Barbara Feldon

Self - Narrator (voice)

Sada Thompson

Self - Narrator (voice)

Georgia Engel

Self - Narrator (voice)

Keye Luke

Self - Narrator (voice)

Orson Bean

Self - Narrator (voice)

Zelda Rubinstein

Self - Narrator (voice)

Ralph Waite

Self - Narrator (voice)

Hoyt Axton

Self - Narrator (voice)

Ron Foster

Self - Narrator (voice)

Gene Klavan

Self - Narrator (voice)

Peter Falk

Self - Narrator (voice)

Héctor Elizondo

Self - Narrator (voice)

Jack Gilford

Self - Narrator (voice)

Roy Clark

Self - Narrator (voice)

Jane Curtin

Self - Narrator (voice)

Corinne Orr

Self - Narrator (voice)

Phylicia Rashād

Narrator (voice)

Michele Mariana

Self - Narrator (voice)

Josh Saviano

Self - Narrator (voice)

Phyllis Diller

Self - Narrator (voice)

Ed Asner

Self - Narrator (voice)

Fred Newman

Dr. Yorik Skull, Self - Narrator (voice)

Fran Brill

Self - Narrator (voice)

Philip Bosco

Self - Narrator (voice)

Victoria Jackson

Self - Narrator (voice)

Keshia Knight Pulliam

Self - Narrator (voice)

Leslie Uggams

Self - Narrator (voice)

Robert Morse

Self - Narrator (voice)

Harold Littlebird

Self - Narrator (voice)

Hattie Winston

Self - Narrator (voice)

Julia Barr

Self - Narrator (voice)

Brian Dennehy

Self - Narrator (voice)

Lena Horne

Self - Narrator (voice)

Lacey Chabert

Self - Narrator (voice)

Jason Robards

Self - Narrator (voice)

Viveca Lindfors

Self - Narrator (voice)

Jessica Walter

Self - Narrator (voice)

Dixie Carter

Self - Narrator (voice)

Tovah Feldshuh

Self - Narrator (voice)

James Avery

Self - Narrator (voice)

Tyne Daly

Self - Narrator (voice)

Reizl Bozyk

Self - Narrator (voice)

Lynne Thigpen

Self - Narrator (voice)

Lea Salonga

Self - Narrator (voice)

Keith David

Narrator (voice)

Beth Howland

Self - Narrator (voice)

Eartha Kitt

Self - Narrator (voice)

Charles Kimbrough

Self - Narrator (voice)

Faith Prince

Self - Narrator (voice)

Olga Merediz

Self - Narrator (voice)

Ossie Davis

Self - Narrator (voice)

Eli Wallach

Self - Narrator (voice)

Michael Learned

Self - Narrator (voice)

Al Roker

Self - Narrator (voice)

Anne Jackson

Self - Narrator (voice)

Robert Guillaume

Self - Narrator (voice)

Linda Lavin

Self - Narrator (voice)

Angela Bassett

Self - Narrator (voice)

Jamie Farr

Self - Narrator (voice)

Regina Taylor

Self - Narrator (voice)

Helen Mirren

Self - Narrator (voice)

Matthew Broderick

Self - Narrator (voice)

Nick Sullivan

Self - Narrator (voice)

B.J. Crosby

Self - Narrator (voice)

John Cunningham

Self - Narrator (voice)

Carol Kane

Self - Narrator (voice)

Gregory Hines

Self - Narrator (voice)

Patrick Stewart

Self - Narrator (voice)

Anna Holbrook

Self - Narrator (voice)

Nicholson Earl Billey

Self - Narrator (voice)

Michelle Trachtenberg

Self - Narrator (voice)

Lucie Arnaz

Self - Narrator (voice)

David Canary

Self - Narrator (voice)

Susan Sarandon

Self - Narrator (voice)

Jason Alexander

Self - Narrator (voice)

Andrea McArdle

Self - Narrator (voice)

Tim Conway

Self - Narrator (voice)

Tom Magliozzi

Self - Narrator (voice)

Ray Magliozzi

Self - Narrator (voice)

Jeff Bridges

Self - Narrator (voice)

Regina King

Self - Narrator (voice)

Ed Harris

Self - Narrator (voice)

Naomi Judd

Self - Narrator (voice)

Alfre Woodard

Self - Narrator (voice)

Eliza Dushku

Self - Narrator (voice)

Wayne Brady

Self - Narrator (voice)

Freddie Prinze Jr.

Self - Narrator (voice)

Jordan Nia Elizabeth

Self - Narrator (voice)

Richard Gere

Self - Narrator (voice)

Diahann Carroll

Self - Narrator (voice)

Jim Henson

Kermit the Frog

Kevin Clash

Self

Jerry Stiller

Dinosaur Comedian (voice)

Jane Pauley

Self - Narrator

Charles Fleischer

Luke (voice)

Joseph Simmons

Self (as Run)

Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels

Self

Susanne Blakeslee

Narrator (voice)

Brad Oscar

Narrator (voice)

Whoopi Goldberg

Self

Eric Bogosian

Conan the Librarian (voice)

Crew

Directed by:

Larry Lancit, Ed Wiseman

Produced by:

Tony Buttino

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

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Questions about Reading Rainbow

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Reading Rainbow legally?

Prime

PBS Kids

Reading Rainbow is included with a subscription to Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads in the United States. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, and Apple TV Store. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Reading Rainbow worth watching?

GreatGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 82/100 (IMDb 8.5). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Reading Rainbow rated?

TV-Y

It's rated TV-Y in the United States.

How many seasons does Reading Rainbow have?

21 seasons

It has 21 seasons with 155 episodes.

When did Reading Rainbow air?

S1S2S3S4S5S6S7S8S9S10S11S12S13S14S15S16S17S18S19S20S21

It ran from 1983 to 2006 and has ended.

What language is Reading Rainbow in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch Reading Rainbow?

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Reading Rainbow in 2 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does Reading Rainbow use?

PilotKid Hero All Grown UpGreen AesopActor AllusionEverything's Better with RainbowsHash House LingoLosing Your HeadCrossoverO.O.C. Is Serious Business"Sesame Street" CredAlliterative TitleBorrowed Catch Phraseand 21 more

TV Tropes lists 33 storytelling tropes for Reading Rainbow, including Pilot, Kid Hero All Grown Up, Green Aesop.

Reading Rainbow

Where to watch

Reading Rainbow fingerprint

⚡Energy

❤️Heart

🎭Humor

🌍World

🛠️Craft

🎨Style

⚡Energy

All energy traits

Related traits

❤️Heart

All heart traits

Related traits

🎭Humor

All humor traits

Related traits

🌍World

All world traits

Related traits

🛠️Craft

All craft traits

Related traits

🎨Style

All style traits

Related traits

Who it's for

Skip it if

Find more like it

About

Actors

Crew

Related Movies and Shows

🧬Overall

📚Educational

🌈Wholesome

🌤️Hopefulness

✨Wonder

📼Nostalgia

🎼Music Composition

💬Dialogue Quality

Shows

Movies

Sequels and Prequels

Media

Questions about Reading Rainbow

Where can I stream Reading Rainbow legally?

Is Reading Rainbow worth watching?

What is Reading Rainbow rated?

How many seasons does Reading Rainbow have?

When did Reading Rainbow air?

What language is Reading Rainbow in?

In how many countries can I watch Reading Rainbow?

What tropes does Reading Rainbow use?

Energy

Heart

Humor

World

Craft

Style

Energy

Heart

Humor

World

Craft

Style

Overall

Educational

Wholesome

Hopefulness

Wonder

Nostalgia

Music Composition

Dialogue Quality