Blue is back!
Nickelodeon announced Thursday the title of the revived “Blue’s Clues,” as well as its new host. The 20-episode “Blue’s Clues & You” will be hosted by Broadway actor Joshua Dela Cruz, with production beginning this month in Toronto.
“I had the great honor of being a part of the search for the new host, and I give Josh two thumbs up! He can definitely fill my shoes, and the rugby shirt,” said original “Blue’s Clues” host Steve Burns.
“The search for the new host of ‘Blue’s Clues & You’ was no small task, but we knew as soon as we met Josh that he was production perfect choice,” said Shelly Sumpter Gillyard, Executive Vice President, Talent, Music and Events, Nickelodeon Group. “From his genuineness to his comedic timing and range, there was no doubt that he could carry the show on for the next generation of preschoolers.”
“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,” added Cathy Galeota, Senior Vice President, Preschool Content, Nickelodeon Group. “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.”
His role as host marks Dela Cruz’s first series regular television role. He has appeared on Broadway in “Disney’s Aladdin” as a member of the ensemble and as the understudy for Aladdin, as well as in “Here Lies Love” and “Encores!: Merrily We Roll Along.” He has appeared on “Bull” on CBS and “Time After Time” on ABC.
The original “Blue’s Clues” premiered in 1996 and ran for six seasons, and was created by Traci Paige Johnson, Todd Kessler and Angela C. Santomero. Nickelodeon announced the revival in March.