Steve Burns of “Blue’s Clues” Fame Returns To The Spotlight, Makes Late Night Appearance

Steve Burns, the actor and television host best known for his tenure on the hit Nick Jr. children’s show “Blue’s Clues,” has reemerged into the public spotlight to thank his fans for their continued support. In a video posted to the verified Nick Jr. Twitter account celebrating the show’s twenty-fifth anniversary, Burns once again adorned the famous green-striped shirt to explain his departure from the show.

“…I realize that was kind of abrupt. I just kinda got up and went to college.” Burns explained, speaking as his fictionalized self. Of course, Burns did not actually leave the show to go off to college. The truth of the matter is that he left in 2002 after a six-year run to pursue a music career, and because he was beginning to go bald. He had previously expressed, “I knew I wasn’t going to be doing children’s television all my life, mostly because I refused to lose my hair on a kid’s TV show.” So, no, he did not die of a drug overdose or in a fiery car crash as many had theorized online.

Burns finished the video off with the following message: “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.” The video quickly trended online thanks to Burns’ wholesome message to the millennial generation, who consumed much of his content while hosting “Blue’s Clues.” Incidentally, this resulted in hundreds jokingly claiming that his return helped them deal with the abandonment issues he had caused when he left the show in the first place.

All of this resulted in a hysterical segment on Stephen Colbert’s late-night show “The Late Show.” Colbert continually got more and more emotional while commenting on the now-viral video, all while claiming he had no emotional connection. To Burns or “Blue’s Clues.” Luckily for Colbert, Burns showed up at the right moment to give him a much-needed hug.

The original “Blue’s Clues” show ended in 2006, just four years after Burns left the show (actor Donovan Patton became host for the remainder of the show, playing Steve’s fictional brother Joe). However, the legacy of the famous blue animated dog lives on through the sequel show “Blue’s Clues & You!” which has been aired on Nick Jr. since 2019. Actor Josh Dela Cruz is now the host of the famed show, portraying a fictionalized version of himself.

It is too soon to say whether the “Blue’s Clues” franchise or any of its current or former hosts will maintain their newfound popularity. However, what is certain is that many online needed the serotonin and general sense of wholesomeness that Steve Burns has brought.