When Blue’s Clues aired in 1996, it set the standard in interactive learning for preschool-aged children. Now, after 13 years off the air, Nickelodeon is bringing the show back to life with some major changes, including a new name.
“Blue’s Clues and You,” introduces a new host, a new theme song and an upgrade from 2D animation to CGI, changing the overall look of the dog, Blue, and some of our other favorite characters on the show.
While the host still has his Thinking Chair and Handy Dandy Notebook, the success of the reboot relies heavily on performance. “Josh” Dela Cruz, who has a background in music and theatre, is set to replace fan favorites Steve and Joe on the show. According to Entertainment Weekly, both of the former hosts felt Dela Cruz was the perfect man for the job.
“From the moment we decided to make a new version of the series, we knew that so much of the energy and magic of the show comes from the host’s ability to bring preschoolers into the colorfully animated world of Blue and her friends,” said Cathy Galeota, Nickelodeon Group’s senior vice president of preschool content.
“Josh’s wonderful theater background and his natural charisma checked all the boxes for us, and of course Steve’s stamp of approval only solidified our decision.”
Nickelodeon first announced their plans for a reboot in 2018. While many fans were looking forward to its return, some fans feel as though the changes to the show take away the nostalgia. However, the network believes the new look is befitting for a “new audience.”
“With Blue’s Clues, Nickelodeon launched what became TV’s first generation of interactivity for preschoolers and set the bar for quality, curriculum-driven shows we have made since,” Nickelodeon Group president Cyma Zarghami said of the reboot.
“The new, modern version of Blue’s Clues will capture all the original’s creativity and visual identity for a whole new audience ready for its fun adventures and expertly designed problem-solving curriculum.”
”Blue’s Clues and You” is set to premiere this November.
