Steve Burns, the original host of Blue’s Clues, is back with his old friends in this first Nickelodeon series-inspired film, following a touching message of love that moved fans to tears about a year ago.
Burns appears in Blue’s Big City Adventure alongside co-stars Donovan Patton (Joe) and Josh Dela Cruz (Josh). The film follows Josh and everyone’s favorite pup taking a trip to New York City following Josh securing an audition for a Broadway musical.
However, Josh has left a handy dandy notebook at home, so Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper heads to the big city, where they find someone familiar who lives there: Burns, who swapped out the unforgettable green striped polo shirt for a more grown-up green striped tie.
As the journey to the Big Apple unfolds, Josh and Blue meet new friends and discover the magic of music and dance. The musical, which premieres on Paramount + on November 18, also features performances by BD Wong, Phillipa Soo, Ali Stroker, Alex Winter and Steven Pasquale.
Blue’s Clues was first released in 1996 on Nick Jr., with Burns guiding the children through various mysteries and his dog, Blue, helps them unravel the clues. In 2002, Burns left the show, giving the lead to Steve’s brother Joe, played by Patton.
The series was rebooted as Blue’s Clues & You! in 2019 with new host Dela Cruz.
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Burns Talks About Previously Leaving the Show
Last year’s 25th anniversary of the show, Burns shot a video message about his sudden exit (in season 4, “Steve Goes to College”), slicing onions for fans.
“Hi, you got a second?” he stated, dressed in a new green polo.
“You remember how when we were younger, we used to run around and hang out with Blue and find clues, and talk to Mr. Salt, and freak out about the mail, and do all the fun stuff? And then one day, I was like, ‘Oh hey, guess what? Big news… I’m leaving.”
Burns then asked, “Can we talk about that?”
The 48-year-old host elaborated that the time he was away made him challenge himself and utilize his mind.
As a grown-up, “I literally am doing many of the things that I wanted to do.”
He further said, “Look at all you have done and all you have accomplished in all that time. And it’s just… it’s just so amazing, right? I mean, we started out with clues, and now it’s what? Student loans, and jobs, and families, and some of that has been kind of hard, you know?
“I know you know. I guess I just wanted to say that after all these years, I never forgot you. Ever. And I’m super glad we’re still friends.”
In an interview with EW in 2003, Burns said that Blue’s Clues family always held a part in his heart.
“I’m really protective of the show and the new guy [Donovan Patton],” he stated. “But the nice thing is now I get to bust that character out whenever I want to. It’s kind of like being Clark Kent.”
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Photo: Nicki Swift
