Burton became a frequent TV presence during the late 1970s and early 80s, appearing in various specials (generally of the "Battle of the Network Stars" variety), serving as a presenter at several award shows and starring in some high-minded TV-movies. Among the latter were "Billy: Portrait of a Street Kid" (CBS, 1977), "One in a Million: The Ron LeFlore Story" (CBS, 1978) and "Dummy" (CBS, 1979). These early roles share some common characteristics, namely, they capitalize on Burton's ability to suggest virtuous potential complicated by unfortunate circumstances including poverty, delinquency, illiteracy and physical disability. Lead roles seemed to evaporate in the 80s so Burton shifted to character parts in TV-movies, often playing cops, teachers and other middle-class professionals. He began to concentrate on educational children's programming and historical specials and TV-movies that celebrated aspects of Black American history. Burton served as host and producer of "Reading Rainbow" (PBS, 1982- ), an acclaimed children's show designed to instill an interest in reading, which has won numerous awards over its long run.
Burton regained widespread celebrity in the late 80s as a member of the intergalactic ensemble of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (syndicated, 1987-94). As engineering whiz Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge, he wore a VISOR (Visual Input Sensory Optical Reflector) to compensate for blindness, ironically hiding Burton's eyes--one of his strongest attributes. Nonetheless, his Geordi registers as a memorable and likable character who is everyone's friend although unlucky in love. Burton also directed several episodes late in the series' run and reprised the role of La Forge in the big screen outings "Star Trek Generations" (1994), "Star Trek: First Contact" (1996), "Star Trek: Insurrection" (1998) and "Star Trek: Nemesis" (2002).
Since leaving his regular post on the bridge of the Enterprise, Burton had a recurring role on the period family drama "Christy" (CBS, 1994-95) and published the novel "Aftermath" in 1996. In addition, he has developed a second career as a director, handling helming chores on the various spin-offs like "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine", "Star Trek: Voyager" and "Enterprise," as well as non-Trek series such as the Showtime drama "Soul Food." . He branched out of the sci-fi genre to direct the 1998 Showtime biopic "The Tiger Woods Story" and the 1999 family comedy "Smart House" for The Disney Channel. He also had a cameo as Martin Luther King Jr. in "Ali" (2001).