It’s official: Blue’s Clues is returning to Nickelodeon to delight a whole new generation of viewers. The original series will return as Blue’s Clues and You, and will be hosted by Broadway actor Joshua Dela Cruz.
Fans of the original take heart: Blue’s Clues host Steve Burns helped guide the audition process during the search for the new host. “I had the great honor of being a part of the search for the new host, and I give Josh two thumbs up,” said Burns. “He can definitely fill my shoes, and the rugby shirt.”
In Blue’s Clues & You, beloved puppy Blue invites viewers to join her and the live action host on an adventure to solve a daily puzzle. With each signature paw print, Blue identifies clues in her animated world that propel the story and inspires viewers to interact with the action.
“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, senior vice president of preschool content at 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.”
This will be Dela Cruz’s debut as a television series regular. Dela Cruz recently appeared in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway as the understudy for Aladdin and a member of the ensemble. Other notable theater credits include David Byrne’s Here Lies Love and Encores!: Merrily We Roll Along. He has also appeared in CBS’ Bull and ABC’s Time After Time.
Production on the 20-episode series will begin in Toronto this month. An air date has yet to be announced.
