Butterfly in the Sky - Official Trailer (2024) Reading Rainbow Documentary

Check out the trailer to Butterfly in the Sky, which tells the story of the beloved PBS Children’s series Reading Rainbow. Levar Burton, Whoopi Goldberg, and more talk about the impact of the series. The documentary premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. Butterfly in the Sky is now available digitally.

[@Rockmanxpr]

Levar Burton, Fred Rodgers, and Bob Ross: The Holy Trinity of PBS!

[@caole88]

❤️

[@jomiran1000]

The Chill 3

[@dsolo2161]

​@@jomiran1000 Very appropriate

[@josephwilliams9209]

Well said. 👏🏾

[@randall2034]

Jim Henson to without him no Sesame Street!

[@douglasmijangos3327]

The reason we grew up to be more caring of others … Reading Rainbow and Mr Roger’s Neighborhood ❤

[@fluffypockets3513]

For sure

[@TheWriterNW]

Absolutely!

[@doriclogos4322]

Our children must not be teaching their children to be caring.

[@kyleebrock]

It wasn't the adults in our society. They grew up and became Republicans.

[@RoxieMarquez_marroxeli]

The Mr. Rogers documentary was amazing and I'm so looking forward to this as a spiritual sequel.

[@esinedordaz]

This was my childhood show. I'm 40 and this brought me tears. Oh the nostalgia.

[@cindyh303]

Same ❤

[@VB-fo1oc]

Me too ❤

[@oliviamadison6440]

Me too

[@justjonesy]

Yes indeed

[@keijijohnson9754]

Surpried it's taken THIS LONG for there to be a Reading Rainbow documentary. You'd think they would've done this YEARS ago by now.

[@emiliobello2538]

They should have in 2019 along with Won’t You Be My Neighbor

[@Arnell_Long]

​@@emiliobello2538Agreed! 💯

[@Alphawolf2017]

It *WAS* technically 2 years ago (in 2022). It's only being released now widely. Why? No idea.

[@Buff_Cupcake]

Omg yes! How TF has it taken so long? Kinda shameful really.

[@thezx5795]

@@Buff_Cupcake Money

[@DanielA-mp2sk]

Lavar Burton holds a very dear place in mine and my five brothers' hearts. Reading Rainbow got us through many Summers stuck at home as both of our parents worked. Reading Rainbow created such a happy, magical feeling. We knew that song by heart and sang it regularly. They don't make quality like that anymore..." but you don't have to take my word for it."

[@crystalpenoyar1190]

Sitting here bawling tears of joy from the happiness this TV show brought me as a child. ❤ I hope LeVar genuinely knows how many of our lives he touched.

[@Azvee]

He's actually got a podcast called 'LeVar Burton Reads' where he reads more mature short stories. He definitely knows we appreciate him.

[@methos-ey9nf]

2X for those of us who were also TNG fans. It's like he was with me from early childhood up to teen years.

[@crystalpenoyar1190]

@@Azvee omg seriously?! Thank you got recommending!

[@caole88]

❤️

[@yourdaddy9622]

That’s soo weird. You’re an adult, crying about that? “Bawling tears of joy”. Wow.

[@IngridStJohn]

This brought tears to my eyes, please continue to give Levar Burton his flowers 🌹🌷🌸🏵️💐🌼🌻🪻❤️💜❤️💜

[@jensoals5270]

Whom else is singing the them song now? Yes! Brought tears and glimmers of joyous memories and smiles.

[@caole88]

❤️

[@whoizmdot]

The Mr Roger's documentary, and now this. Hell yeah! 🙌🏿

[@stevenmcbride2347]

Need bob Ross next

[@PatrickMoore-yw6lu]

Don't forget about Street Gang.

[@TheJohhnyE]

​@stevenmcbride2347 there is a Bob Ross documentary from a couple years ago. It's sad, though. It covers how PBS and the company he partnered with completely screwed over his family out of everything related to him after he died. It also heavily hints he cheated on his wife.

[@MatthewLoh-ru1mw]

​@@TheJohhnyEseriously!?

[@BeardGuy-vz8tn]

Can't forget about Mr Dressup!

[@parrotcracker6629]

Reading Rainbow, Arthur, Wishbone, were some of my favorite shows growing up. Thankful my parents were too cheap to buy cable. Grew up on public t.v.

[@notmephisto1375]

Take a look It's in a book! Reading 🌈 Thank you Mr. Burton for being a positive influence on my childhood.

[@BeatsAndGuitars]

My childhood heart is leaping with joy!

[@endlesswaltz9051]

That is perfectly said!!!

[@brandnewcole]

❤❤❤❤

[@amvg1008]

❤❤

[@caole88]

🙌🏽❤️

[@gmf357]

Just hearing the Reading Rainbow song makes me smile. It’s so nostalgic to a much simpler time as a kid

[@KennyVert]

Greatest trailer EVER for using “but you don’t have to take my word for it” at the end. ❤❤❤

[@tkowintermute]

This show taught the little curious me, that the reading of the book was just the beginning of what a story is.... Later, thinking about that story, dwelling in how it made you feel, being inspired by it, was all a part of reading too! School missed teaching me that. Thank you Reading Rainbow!

[@ManNBlack4444]

Every day after lunch back in the elementary classroom....lights off.... reading rainbow....the days😊

[@brandnewcole]

Awwe so sweet! 💕

[@cindyh303]

Yes!

[@benjaminemelogu4272]

Reading Rainbow and Between The Lions were the best shows of my childhood that not only taught me how to read, but how fun reading is.

[@anthonyw.8103]

that synth in the intro will stay with me my entire life. it's just something majestic about it.

[@SadeWatkins]

THIS 🥺🥺🥺

[@amvg1008]

❤❤

[@00RussellSlimerson]

Reading rainbow and between the lions were some of my favorite shows as a kid.

[@DeadPiixxel]

Dragon tales

[@kanjo8769]

And Book mice

[@shalondrasanford5449]

Yes!

[@acheronparthenopaeus5490]

Let's not forget the puzzle place

[@Kamikaze19191]

They don't make TV like they use to

[@blackheartpopculture]

Indeed. They would rather let brain rot and attention spans go than encouraging reading.

[@MatthewLoh-ru1mw]

Sadly yes

[@jonathandavidpatterson6643]

😢😢😢😢😢

[@colddirtybastard]

You've grown up. You're not watching TV as a 5 year old anymore.

[@TheSingularitarian]

Public broadcasting.

[@CrownRoyal007]

Man....I got my parents to order me so many books based on seeing them talked about in Reading Rainbow....my childhood right here. Can't wait to watch this, wish this new generation had the same influence this show had on me.

[@J.montez20]

Dang bro… we not young anymore 😥 loved Reading Rainbow 🌈

[@meredithglass8760]

The song is so WONDERFUL

[@8BitLatinGamer]

This is the show that truly got me into reading back in early 80's. Best Times!

[@REGGIE_BXNY]

Me as well! 👍🏽

[@Savagewolver]

Oh heck yeah! First the Jim Henson one, and now this. It’s the year of nostalgic documentaries.

[@staticintheatmosphere]

The music... it just hits that spot more than any other theme song of sorts...

[@RIPx86]

This and Bill Nye are such a big part of my childhood

[@evilldead6824]

As a child of the 80s this show was such a big part in my love of reading.

[@ob15027]

Any kid from the 80's is going to see this as a spiritual awakening! "Respect your Elders" means so much more when you take the time to realize how much they created for us when we were little kids back then!❤🎉

[@spookyladyyy5122]

I'm an adult and I've seen almost every episode of this show. Love LeVar.

[@samwest1097]

Mr Burton getting his flowers LETS GO! 👏🏾👏🏾

[@jillschaeffer9196]

Singing the song at the top of my lungs! Heart so happy right now! Thank you Lavar for being a favorite part of our childhood!

[@juggaloflip3402]

THIS MAn made me love to read. It made it fun and not just a chore or punishment.

[@susan_e]

Loved Reading Rainbow as a child AND as an adult!🥰

[@brettturnage533]

Still remember Lavar accidentally dropping his ice cream 🍦 on an episode and childhood me feeling really bad for him.

[@davidhaseyes]

He wasn't afraid to directly confront the important issues that kids face.

[@RoadBloc85]

Storytime w/Geordi La Forge 🫡🔥🔥

[@lkf8799]

Loved the part where the guy would sketch out the drawings of the characters while telling the story. Such a great program to encourage children to read and learn about the world.

[@sersastark]

Glad I'm not the only one in this convent section in tears

[@DavidBatson]

Essential to my childhood. One of the best shows ever made.

[@SnicketMcGidgette]

Reading Rainbow, Arthur, Between the Lions! PBS Kids really got me to read so much as a kid.

[@tinalouise5475]

That song is so nostalgic. Life was so simple and the innocence of being a child.

[@tacodaddy4309]

This was my favorite show! PBS channel 11, mid 80’s!!

[@chrisb.5614]

This show was such a big part of my childhood. I'm glad they are making this documentary.

[@Espoboogie]

Wow. This was onw of my favorite show growing up. A must watch.

[@AReallyBigDay]

This trailer alone made me so happy. This show was definitely a safe space for me.

[@tiffb1300]

Plus the theme song is a bop!

[@AIRWOLF3636]

Reading Rainbow was my childhood ❤ It is pure Love, insight, it is childhood. Sometimes I'll listen to the theme song and get emotional.

[@alomarz2597]

Wooooah! The song has been in my head for days. Idk why, guess this is my answer 🤯😱👏🏽

[@MementoMori_2070]

I’m 38 but seeing this as a kid it was very old school to me but still binge worthy on the television

[@shadowunifer]

This show is one of the key influences in my life. I’m an engineer because of his portrayal of Captain Geordi LaForge but without the life long love of reading that this show gave me I’d have never done that.

[@Stuka87]

My childhood is anxiously awaiting this!

[@jxchamb]

Make it so!

[@Tyler-hs9eu]

Glad to see a positive documentary

[@paulthomas8884]

Levar was my favorite part every time, it didn't matter what the book was.

[@gmoe2259]

Loved this show as a kid. It should've never been taken off the air. Reading is fundamental.

[@kingderald]

Really truly loved watching this show. PBS kids had great shows 🫶🏾 one thing about growing up in the 90s… television shows were just fun to watch.

[@MikeCiccolo]

One word - chills.

[@AcgregWilson]

Tears in my eyes.. Strikes a chord of childhood lol- This is a must watch for me.

[@charlessaint7926]

Thirty years later, that music is still in my mind.

[@Jokerwolf666]

Troy is somewhere in the bathroom crying right now

[@issh0]

Set phasers to LOVE ME

[@davidliskey3553]

The comunity movie needs to have Troy being the host of a reboot version

[@cindyh303]

Aren't we all troy really? 😂

[@DSFamilia]

I’m so glad we’re finally given LeVar Burton his flowers!!!

[@popeye5274]

That opening synthesizer before the lyrics… never get tired of that. 🎹 🎶

[@SpoonMe]

Bring back this gem. Why long after it; he’s here. Bring it back!

[@jennaling6796]

Ugh that first 4 seconds of synth got me all in my feelings 🥰🥰🥰 seratonin booster!

[@mikeuk666]

Bot

[@AllThingsInfamous1]

Looking forward to this. Brings back memories.

[@deeramos9416]

My kids and grandkids loved this as well as grandpa reads .

[@natalieayala2083]

Loved this show made me want to read and find out about the world

[@ytm23ak]

Beautiful positive show. It’s great to see how hard folks were actually trying to make a difference on kids lives back in the day. Now it’s all about consuming.

[@donaldheardjr.2394]

Loved that show growing up.

[@Cynthia-ru9mj]

Reading Rainbow and Mr. Roger's were the best shows for a kid from that era.

[@wayneevans2660]

This man is simply the best! Thank you Levar…I mean for everything!

[@werideatdusk]

LeVar Burton, what a wonderful human being. You are an inspiration sir!

[@SAM-up6ym]

Man this brought back so many memories

[@dust17111]

This touches my heart so much !

[@karaoconnoraliasraidra]

The show had such a variety too. They could be talking about space travel one day and talking about diner slang the next.

[@MicheleLynn4]

Loved this show so much as a kid!!📖🌈

[@lorigthefirst]

Oh my gawsh!!! I’m so ready for this!!! ☺️

[@myangelmyall]

Omggg my favorite show as a kid❤

[@shakaylathomas4818]

Adventure. Discovery. Suspense. Excitement. And Friendship.

[@louismat319]

Another treasure from my childhood.

[@christinad2896]

One of my favorite memories

[@madeindade4168]

That theme music was dope...great childhood memories

[@Vr_Demon_]

This guy should've been hosting Jeopardy. He was so perfect for it. You messed up

[@dmaster001]

Normally, I'd totally agree. He seems like he would have done a great job, but in his stint as a guest host, he was one of the worst on the show IMO.

[@zackanderson3521]

Was expecting to hear DMX in the intro.

[@Testingz-jf7yt]

Come on 😂

[@user-er3ri6sc3j]

No Sean Combs?

[@Primal_Saiyan]

Excited for this! Now we need. Steve Irwin documentary.

[@tysonducrot1917]

More proof GenX is finally getting the reigns. Finally props for reading Rainbow ♥

[@josephhenderson5800]

From Boldly going where no man has gone before to teaching kids about reading 📖 Levar Burton has done it all

[@gregjones6955]

We really need a reading rainbow reboot

[@brandnewcole]

It wouldn't be the same. People don't accept kindness or adventure the way we did back then. All the comments would be controversial, mean, and overly critical of the host's personal life. CTG said it best: Malcolm Little could never become Malcolm X in today's world. 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@CelltheGREAT]

Bring this show BACK!

[@phexitol]

Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain gang, represent.

[@JC_wonderland]

This brings back memories…I always changed the channel when this came on

[@TianaMercedes89]

Yallll this is everything! 😢🤎

[@BeverlyHighland]

Reading Rainbow was my favorite show as a kid. My favorite story was Abiyoyo

[@Charlotte-kv7bk]

Thank you

[@Tambuzi729]

I’m glad we’re acknowledging him while he’s still here or as the young kids say giving him his flowers.

[@pauled4467]

It makes me want a La'Var Burton movie

[@marqusbraddy5145]

Man PBS had great shows

[@davidsimpson4407]

Jeopardy made a huge mistake not casting him right away. He’s a national treasure.

[@kats5827]

Love it, they should reboot the series!

[@LaughingMan2GIG]

For Canadians we had Mr Dressup along with Mr Rogers and Reading Rainbow

[@mrpzpdx]

Loved it!!