Host of ‘Reading Rainbow’ Reboot Focuses on Mental Health

The host of the ‘Reading Rainbow’ reboot, Mychal Threets, is taking steps to prioritize his mental health. Recently, he announced on Threads that he plans to check into a hospital for treatment. Threets shared, ‘I am not okay. Seeking help. Going to the hospital tomorrow. In this moment I am safe. By God’s grace.’ He expressed gratitude for the support from loved ones, saying, ‘No matter what happens to me, I will always be thankful for the extraordinary people in my life who worry, who help me. Thank you for your care. I will always love you.’

Yvette Nicole Brown, known for her role in ‘Community,’ encouraged Threets to seek help immediately by commenting, ‘If you need the help, maybe go tonight, friend.’

Threets, a literacy advocate, hosts the children’s series ‘Reading Rainbow’ on the KidZuko YouTube channel. Support for Threets poured in as users expressed their concern and appreciation. One user wrote, ‘Mychal, please get the help that you need because this world is a better place because you’re in it.’ Another added, ‘Please take care of yourself. You are loved by so many people. Most of us who haven’t even met you but admire all that you stand for. Please keep on living. We need you so much!’

Threets has been candid about his mental health challenges. After gaining popularity in 2023 for his uplifting messages on social media, he experienced difficulties that led him to resign from his librarian position at a California library in 2024. He admitted to feeling overwhelmed and even contemplating suicide. Despite these struggles, Threets took on the role of ‘Reading Rainbow’ host in 2025, succeeding LeVar Burton, who hosted the original series from 1983 to 2006 on PBS.

This article covered in-depth reports regarding Threets’ current situation and his past experiences with mental health.