Nineteen years following his sudden departure, original “Blue’s Clues” host Steve Burns on Wednesday finally explained why he bid the show goodbye in 2002, his reason something that the show's target generation of viewers then could now easily relate to.
For the Nickelodeon classic's 25th anniversary, a video posted across Nick Jr.’s social media accounts had Burns explaining that it was all because he decided to pursue higher education.
Like most of his toddler and preschooler viewers who are twenty-somethings now, Burns grew up and faced life outside his home and away from his pet Blue.
“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?” Burns said.
“And then one day, I was like, ‘Oh hey, guess what? Big news, I’m leaving. Here’s my brother Joe, he’s your new best friend,’ and then I got on a bus and I left and we didn’t see each other for like a really long time? Can we just talk about that? Because I realize that was kind of abrupt," he said.
"I just kinda got up and went to college," Burns said, dressed in the same striped green shirt he donned in the show for six years.
Speaking directly to the viewer, Burns went on to validate the growing up they had to go through, commending accomplishments and acknowledging adulthood struggles.
“And then look at you, and 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 it has been kind of hard, you know? I know you know," he said.
Burns proceeded to give his thanks to the viewer, whom he said helped him get to where he wanted to be in life. Up until now.
“I wanted to tell you that I really couldn’t have done all of that without your help. And in fact, all the help that you helped me with when we were younger is still helping me today, right now. And that’s super cool,” he said.
“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," Burns said towards the end.
On a heartwarming note, he wrapped up saying: "You look great by the way. Whatever it is you’re doing, is working.”
Upon leaving Blue's Clues, Burns was replaced by Donovan Patton who hosted the show until it ended in 2006. Noted as one of the most successful shows whose growth was deemed critical to Nickolodeon's as a channel, Blue's Clues had a spin-off called Blue's Room in 2004.
In November of 2019, its reboot series, "Blue's Clues & You!", premiered with Filipino-American Josh Dela Cruz as the host.
As of writing, Steve with a pleading face (or puppy-dog eyes) emoji was the top trending topic on Twitter Philippines.
Reportr is now on Quento. Download the app or visit the Quento website for more articles and videos from Reportr and your favorite websites.