After 21 Years, Steve Burns Is Back On ‘Blue’s Clues’ To Help Solve The Next Case

May 24, 2023 by apost team

Steve Burns, the original star of the popular children's show "Blues Clues" who left in 2002, is set to make a welcome reappearance on the series that made him a household name 21 years after his departure.

The show — which is known for a cast of memorable characters like Steve, Mailbox, Mr. Salt, Mrs. Pepper and Blue herself — got its start in 1996, and it quickly became the TV show of a generation. It was designed for preschool-aged children and focused on educational content and interactive storytelling by employing a unique format that encouraged young viewers to participate actively in solving problems and puzzles.

Each episode of "Blue's Clues" followed a similar structure and began with Burns introducing the audience to the day's theme or problem that needed to be solved. Burns would then embark on a journey with Blue, who can only respond in barks, to search for clues that would help solve the problem.

Burns, who was "Blue's Clues" only human character, was the face of the show at just 23 years old. Naturally, fans got attached to Burns, and so when he left in 2002, fans were equal parts shocked and sad. Because his departure was so sudden and unexpected, "Blue's Clues" fans generated a number of rumors — that he got in a car accident or was an addict. However, he explained that the simple truth was that he went to college.

From then on, Donovan Patton took the helm. But just two years later, the show was canceled, replaced in part by "Blue's Room," a spinoff that aired from 2004 to 2007. Luckily for fans, Nickolodeon rebooted the show under the new title "Blue's Clues & You!" in 2019, starring Joshua Dela Cruz as the show's host. 

Dressed in his classic "Blue's Clues" attire – a green and white rugby shirt – Burns explained In a video released on Sept. 7, 2021, why he had departed the show that had endeared him to millions across the world. 

"I realize that was kind of abrupt. I just kind of got up and went to college. And that was really challenging, by the way, but great because I got to use my mind and take a step at a time, and now I literally am doing many of the things that I wanted to do," Burns said.

Burns also reflected on all the time that has passed since his departure in 2002 and said it was "amazing" what viewers have accomplished. He also addressed the new hardships of adulthood, which the early generation of viewers is likely dealing with.

"We started out with clues, and now, it's what? Student loans and jobs and families?" he said. "And some of it has been kind of hard, you know? I know you know."

Anyone active on Twitter knows that fans of the show love the video, the nostalgic memories that it conjures up and its positive message.

"This video coming out RIGHT when I and a lot of other people my age are moving away for college just like Steve did is so important. It feels like the perfect end to a chapter of our lives we didn't know we needed. And I'm also glad that we are still friends, Steve," @AntonAnybody tweeted in response.

In another video that Nick Jr. posted in celebration of the show's 25th anniversary, Burns, Patton and Dela Cruz reunited to watch all of their first episodes hosting the show. And fans are predictably thrilled.

"This show will always be so very special to me," @aawalters91 wrote. 

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Now, 21 years after leaving "Blue's Clues," the 49-year-old Burns is set to step back in the animated house in an episode of "Blue's Clues & You!" on May 26, 2023. According to Entertainment Tonight, Burns will join Dela Cruz and Blue to play detective and help them solve a mystery in an episode titled "The Case of the Missing Thinking Chair." Burns not only stars in the episode – he also wrote and directed it as well!

To add to the sweet reunion, Burns and Dela Cruz will also be joined by Patton, who will reprise his role as Joe, Burns' brother and Dela Cruz's cousin in the series. The episode will see Blue and Dela Cruz hopping on over to Burns' Blueprints Detective Agency for assistance in tracking down their missing Thinking Chair. 

This is not the first time Burns, Dela Cruz, Patton and Blue have appeared onscreen together. All the stars were featured in the first "Blue's Clues" feature-length film released by streaming giant Paramount+ in November 2022. The film, titled "Blue's Big City Adventure," saw Dela Cruz and Blue heading to New York City to audition for a Broadway musical when they get lost due to Dela Cruz having left his Handy Dandy Notebook at home.

The film marked the 25th anniversary of the "Blue's Clues" franchise and also included surprise appearances by celebrities such as Steven Pasquale, Phillipa Soo, Ali Stroker, Taboo, Alex Winter and BD Wong.

Meanwhile, Burns told Variety he's become more and more appreciative over the years when it comes to his role in the "Blue's Clues" world and said:

"I've never enjoyed being Steve more than I do now. I get to wear a trenchcoat. It's like Grover-meets-Columbo — a clown character. That's really freeing somehow."

Are you hyped for Burns' return to "Blue's Clues" at the weekend? If so, let us know, and pass this along to all the "Blue's Clues" fans you know so they can tune in, too!