Reading Rainbow host Mychal Threets has been open about battling depression and anxiety. The beloved librarian alarmed fans and loved ones with a cryptic message that he’s “not okay” and headed to check himself into the hospital. This comes weeks after blogger Perez Hilton’s terrifying live-streamed breakdown. Keep reading to find out more on this developing story.
Reading Rainbow Gets Rebooted With New Host
LeVar Burton spent over two decades encouraging children to read. He was the host of Reading Rainbow for 23 years. The educational program aired on PBS from 1983 until 2006. PBS is a federally funded network. The No Child Left Behind Act reduced funds for the network, forcing it to cancel the show in 2006. LeVar Burton was a fan favorite to take over as Jeopardy! host after Alex Trebek passed away in 2025. However, the role ultimately went to former contestant Ken Jennings.
Reading Rainbow was rebooted in digital format in 2025. Mychal Threets gained fame on social media as Mychal the Librarian. Who better to host an education program about reading than a librarian? He took over for LeVar Burton to hos the reboot. Reading Rainbow airs exclusively on Sony Television’s children’s YouTube channel, KidZuko.
Mychal Threets Alarms Fans With Cryptic Message: ‘I Am Not Okay’
Mychal Threets’ social media posts in the last week are concerning, especially after his latest post on Threads. He wrote that he was not okay and was going to check himself into a hospital for help.
“I am not okay. Maybe I’ll never be okay. I’m seeking help. Going to the [hospital] tomorrow. In this moment I am safe. By God’s grace,” Mychal Threets, Threads.
The Reading Rainbow host spoke to PEOPLE magazine earlier this year about his mental health struggles with depression and anxiety. Mychal Threets described himself as an “introvert” and admitted he struggled with fame. “Had I known all this was going to happen, I probably would’ve never started posting. I still have hard days and I’d much rather be behind the scenes,” he admitted.
Just a few days before he decided to go to the hospital, Mychal Threets posted on Instagram that he was on the “struggle bookmobile,” after telling fans that if their heart hurts, they aren’t alone. He also recently revealed that he’s received death threats for speaking out about ICE and the conflict in Israel. However, it’s unclear if those posts had anything to do with his decision to seek help in the hospital.
Mychal Threets received a ton of support regarding his mental health struggles and quest to seek help. Several followers encouraged him to go to the hospital ASAP instead of waiting until the next day. Stay tuned for updates as they become available. Our thoughts are with the Reading Rainbow host during this difficult time.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger