Many millennial (and if I’m being honest, Gen X) eyes were blurry this week after Steve Burns, the original host of Nickelodeon’s “Blue’s Clues,” posted a video marking the beloved show’s 25th anniversary. In the video, Burns addressed his abrupt exit after five seasons and vowed, “After all these years, I never forgot you. Ever.” SHUT UP, YOU’RE THE ONE WHO’S CRYING.
So on Thursday’s episode of “The Late Show,” Stephen Colbert took a few minutes to talk about the video and the reactions from people who were kids at the time. And naturally, while playing Burns’ video for “The Late Show” audiences, he became increasingly emotional about it. That’s when a friend came out to comfort him: Burns himself.
First, as Colbert played the clip and commented on it, he pretended he was too old and mature to care about the video. Obviously that wasn’t really the case, and after it ended, the pretense fell apart.
“Uh, nice message and everything, but uh, that show was for my kids, and I am a man, and by definition I feel nothing,” Colbert said while his eyes glistened.
“Are you sure about that, Stephen?” Burns said, after suddenly appearing stage right.
“Steve from ‘Blue’s Clues,’ who I’m not emotionally invested in? What are you doing here?” Colbert replied.
Burns then explained, “I just came by and wanted to see if you were OK. You seem kind of upset, and I just wanted to know if maybe you wanted a hug. I mean, that’s what friends do, right?”
“I mean, if you need one or whatever,” Colbert said. Then they hugged and SHUT UP, THIS WAS AWESOME, NO I AM NOT EMOTIONAL.
Watch the whole gag below.