I can't imagine that quantifying the success or failure of a program like this is even possible. All you can quantify (and quite easily) is its popularity, and so that's probably why it's being dropped.
I don't think thats true. If a show inspires you to love reading, then (as a kid) you'll associate reading with that show and keep enjoying it.
Plus, a show like Reading Rainbow isn't really going to long term viewers, its going for the current generation of little kids.
That being said, if kids love reading before seeing Reading Rainbow, then it will lose popularity, but thats okay because its goal is being fulfilled anyway.
