WHY DID STEVE FROM 'BLUE'S CLUES' LEAVE? ORIGINAL HOST STEVE BURNS SHARES WHY IN EMOTIONAL VIDEO

Since 1996, the "Blue's Clues" franchise has delighted viewers of all ages. The live-action and animated children's television show premiered on Nickelodeon, featuring Blue, an energetic blue dog, and her owner, Steve, played by Steve Burns.

The original series ran until 2006, and its revival "Blue's Clues & You!" aired in 2019 with a new host, Josh, played by Josh Dela Cruz.

However, this was not the first time the franchise had a change in hosts. In 2002, Steve left the program and was replaced by Joe, played by Donovan Patton, for the remainder of the original series.

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For many years, fans wondered by Steve left "Blue's Clues," and after nearly 20 years, Burns addressed his unexpected departure from the show.

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Why did Steve leave 'Blue's Clues'?

On Sept. 7, 2021, a video was put out on Nick Jr.'s official Twitter account with the caption, "So about that time Steve went off to college …" The video was released before the 25th anniversary of "Blue's Clues."

In the video, the then-47-year-old Steve Burns discusses the reason for his departure from the children's television show, stating he — or his character — opted to go to college. Prior to this video, there were rumors as to why Burns had left, such as speculation he joined the military or died in a car crash.

"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 the video. "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.

“I just kinda 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 had hosted the show from its premiere in 1996 to 2002, when he was replaced by Donovan Patton as Steve's younger brother "Joe." During his time as host of "Blue's Clues," Burns was even nominated for a daytime Emmy in 2001.

While Burns' character left the show for academic reasons, the actor himself began pursuing music and growing older. When he left the show in 2002, Burns was nearing 30 and aware his hairline was receding.

“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,” Burns said in a 2006 interview for a Nick Jr. special.

Burns' character became a constant for many young children and active watchers of the program as the show navigated diverse topics through the use of problem solving, positive reinforcement and prosocial messages.

With the same positivity and care as he had on "Blue's Clues," Burns closed his message with one last send-off to viewers: “You look great by the way. Whatever it is you’re doing, is working.”

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Who is the new guy in 'Blue's Clues'?

On Nov. 11, 2019, "Blue's Clues & You!" premiered on Nickelodeon as a spin-off of the original series. Blue, Mailbox, Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper, Magenta and more familiar faces made their way back onto the screen for new releases.

But among these characters was a brand new face, Josh played by Josh Dela Cruz. Dela Cruz's character is the current host of "Blue's Clues & You!" and is the "cousin" of Joe and Steve.

The Filipino actor appeared in Disney's "Aladdin" on Broadway as the understudy for Aladdin and a member of the ensemble. "Blue's Clues & You" was his first appearance as a TV series regular.

In the search for the next "Blue's Clues" host, former executive vice president of talent for Nickelodeon Shelly Sumpter Gillyard called him "the perfect choice."

Is Blue a boy or a girl?

Blue, the titular character of "Blue's Clues," is a girl puppy, according to Noggin.

"Every episode she initiates a game of Blue’s Clues in which she leaves three paw print clues for Steve or Joe and the viewer to find in order to a question," the website states.

Magenta, Blue's best friend from school, is also a girl puppy. She looks just like Blue except she is magenta with magenta-colored spots. "Magenta likes photography and making macaroni picture frames," says Noggin.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why did Steve from 'Blue's Clues' leave? Original host Steve Burns shares why in emotional video

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