Steve Burns, best known as the original host of Blue’s Clues, is starting an entirely new chapter. The beloved TV personality revealed that he is launching a podcast called Alive, set to premiere on September 17, 2025.
Burns says he wants the show to feel like a throwback to public access cable TV from the late 1990s. With a mix of curiosity, honesty, and nostalgia, Alive is designed to capture the same spirit that once made Blue’s Clues so special, but now for an adult audience.
Why Steve Burns Still Matters
For many who grew up in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Blue’s Clues was more than just a children’s show. It was one of the first preschool programs to encourage problem-solving, audience participation, and kindness in a way that deeply connected with kids.
With his green striped shirt, soft-spoken voice, and genuine warmth, Burns became a trusted friend to millions of children. Generations of viewers still remember sitting on the carpet and helping Steve find “clues” alongside his animated puppy, Blue.
That deep connection explains why Steve’s return to the spotlight always resonates so strongly. His viral TikTok messages and heartfelt pandemic video proved that he continues to hold a special place in fans’ hearts.
What Steve Said About the New Show
In an interview with People magazine on September 3, Burns shared what inspired him to create Alive:
“I had that viral video during the pandemic [and] I guess since then, I had been kind of thinking I should do something with this access that I did not know I still had with this generation that I have,” he muses. “It seems that there was an opportunity to just continue the conversation — to simply scale it up for adults, which was a revelation to me.”
Burns described Alive as an attempt to bring back the “joy and wonder” that defined Blue’s Clues, only this time in conversations that speak to grown-ups.
Why This Matters for Parents
For parents today, Steve Burns represents more than a nostalgic TV figure. He’s a reminder of the safe, thoughtful programming that shaped their own childhoods.
Hearing that he is creating content again, but this time tailored for adults, bridges a generational gap. Parents who once shouted “A clue! A clue!” at the screen can now rediscover that same sense of connection, while also sharing their memories with their own kids.
This creates an opportunity for families to reflect on the shows that shaped their values, and for parents to pass along the message of curiosity, kindness, and joy that Steve once shared with them.
Steve’s Sudden Departure from Blue’s Clues
Part of what made Steve Burns’ career so fascinating was his abrupt exit from Blue’s Clues in 2002. At the height of the show’s popularity, he left suddenly, passing the hosting duties to Donovan Patton, who played his “brother” Joe.
Fans speculated endlessly about the reasons behind his departure, but Burns later explained that it was simply time to move on. He wanted to explore music, writing, and other creative outlets.
Though he stepped away, his impact never faded. For many, Steve’s goodbye episode remains one of the most emotional TV moments of their childhood.
Looking Ahead
With Alive, Steve Burns is inviting his now-grown audience to reconnect with him in a fresh way. The podcast promises to mix nostalgia with meaningful conversations, bringing back the same thoughtful energy that once made him a household name.
As September 17 approaches, fans and parents themselves can look forward to once again hearing from the man who helped shape their early years, this time in a format that speaks directly to adulthood.