"I had the great honor of being a part of the search for the new host, and I give Josh two thumbs up," Burns said in a statement. "He can definitely fill my shoes, and the rugby shirt."
“Blue’s Clues” first aired on Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr. programming block in September 1996 and ran for six seasons, drawing critical acclaim along the way. It is one of the most popular children’s shows from the network. It’s available on NOGGIN, the network’s video subscription service for preschoolers.
Like the original series, “Blue’s Clues & You” will follow animated puppy Blue and a live action host solving a daily puzzle based on clues marked by a paw print.
Dela Cruz isn't completely new to TV. Variety reported that in addition to appearing in "Disney's Aladdin," on Broadway, he's had scenes on the CBS series "Bull" and the ABC series "Time After Time."
Credit: Nickelodeon
Credit: Nickelodeon
"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 the perfect choice," Shelly Sumpter Gillyard, executive vice president, Talent, Music and Events, Nickelodeon Group, said in a statement. "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," Cathy Galeota, senior vice president, Preschool Content, Nickelodeon Group said. "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."
“Blue’s Clues & You” will have 20 episodes. A premiere date has not been set.
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