Steve Burns from the Nick Jr. show Blue’s Clues returned in a now-viral video that’s making millennials emotional online, nearly 20 years after he left the show.
He went to college, he told viewers, and although “some of it has been kind of hard,” he and the kids who watched Blue’s Clues turned out OK.
“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 in a video posted on Nick Jr.’s Twitter account on Tuesday. “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 go ton 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.”
The video, along with other promotional content starring Burns, was produced to celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary.
Burns stepped down from hosting the popular children’s program in 2002 after six years, leaving his young audience in the hands of his “younger brother” and replacement host, Joe. In the three-part special, viewers watched Burns pack for college, teach Joe how to play “Blue’s Clues,” and then leave the beloved animated house where the show was set.
His departure sparked rumors that he had died in a car accident or had a drug addiction, so Burns eventually appeared on Today to explain how parents could handle kids’ questions about him.
Since leaving the show, Burns has had a handful of minor acting roles and released three albums, the last of which is for children.
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?
“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?” Burns continued in the anniversary video. “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.”
His original fans, who are grown adults now, were touched by his reassuring message. Twitter users got emotional responding to the video.
Burns concluded by thanking Blue’s Clues fans, adding that he never forgot about them.
“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,” Burns said. “And that’s super cool. I guess I wanted to say that after all these years, I never forgot you. Ever. And I’m super glad we’re still friends.”
The message ended with a much-needed compliment to all his viewers: “You look great, by the way. Whatever it is you’re doing is working.”
