“Reading Rainbow” host Mychal Threets raised concerns with a cryptic social media post indicating he’s unwell.
“I am not okay. Maybe I’ll never be okay,” the 36-year-old literacy advocate posted on Threads Monday.
Threets didn’t say what was troubling him, but assured supporters he would get treatment.
“I’m seeking help. Going to the hospital tomorrow,” Threets wrote. “In this moment I am safe. By God’s grace.”
Fans first grew concerned about Threets’ wellbeing earlier this month when he began a video by telling viewers, “If today is my last day in the land of the living, I just wanted to say, ‘I love you and I’m proud of you.’”
@mychal3ts I love you, thank you for staying, you belong 💚 Video Description: Mychal says that if it’s his last day in the land of the living, he wants to say he loves you and is proud of you. The world & library are best with you in it. Thank you for staying, who knows how you do it! Mychal shows us his Sea Cow board games chicken bag, which holds his FRONT DESK and DUNGEON CRAWLER CARL books. He invites you to tell everyone what you’re reading, and thanks you you for staying ✨
The California librarian and TV personality frequently speaks about the importance of mental health care. He announced in February 2024 that he was leaving his job at the Fairfield Civic Center Library after a decade of service so he could focus on her own well-being. Threets regularly uses social media to promote reading and positivity in general.
Threads / mychal3ts
Mychal Threets raised concerns with a cryptic social media post on Monday indicating he’s unwell. (Threads / mychal3ts)
In 2025 he was tapped to host an online revival of the children’s program “Reading Rainbow,” which dates back to 1983. Neither Threets not the show’s producers could be reached for comment Wednesday.
Threets thanked fans at the start of the week for their support over the years.
“No matter what happens to me I will always be thankful for the extraordinary people in my life who worry, who help me,” he posted. “Thank you for your care. I will always love you.”
Threets’ supporters on social media including actor Yvette Nicole Brown called him a “friend” and encouraged him to get help immediately.