The Complete List: All 3 Blue's Clues Hosts In Order And What They're Doing Now

Few children's television shows have the enduring cultural impact of Blue's Clues, a series that has spanned three decades, two generations of viewers, and three beloved hosts. As of December 2025, the franchise continues its legacy with the latest iteration, Blue's Clues & You!, but the conversation always circles back to the original question: Who were the hosts, and in what order did they appear? This deep dive provides the definitive, chronological list of every host from the iconic show, detailing their tenure, their unforgettable style, and the surprising, fresh updates on their current careers today.

The transition between hosts was a landmark event for millions of millennial and Gen Z viewers, especially the viral 2021 return of the original host, which brought a flood of nostalgia and emotional closure. The show’s innovative format—breaking the fourth wall to encourage problem-solving with the help of the animated puppy Blue—required an engaging, warm, and highly energetic human lead. Here is the definitive, chronological breakdown of the three main hosts who have worn the iconic green, striped, and blue shirts, from the original 1996 run to the current reboot.

The Definitive Blue's Clues Host Timeline and Biography

The *Blue's Clues* universe has featured three primary hosts, each serving as the viewer's guide in the quest to find Blue's Clues. They are all "cousins" in the show's narrative, creating a seamless, family-like transition for the young audience. This list is in chronological order of their debut.

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• Host #1: Steve (Steve Burns)
• Host #2: Joe (Donovan Patton)
• Host #3: Josh (Joshua Dela Cruz)

1. Steve (Steve Burns): The Original Icon (1996–2002)

Steve Burns is the host who launched the global phenomenon. His tenure ran from the show's debut in 1996 until 2002. Steve was known for his signature green-striped polo shirt and his enthusiastic, slightly quirky energy.

• Full Name: Steven Michael Burns
• Tenure: 1996–2002 (Original Series)
• Iconic Item: The Green-Striped Shirt and the Handy Dandy Notebook.
• Departure: Steve famously left the show to go to "college," a storyline created to offer a gentle explanation to children.
• Current Activities: Burns is now an actor, writer, director, and musician. He recently launched a podcast aimed at the adults who grew up watching him and has returned to the franchise to write and direct an episode of Blue's Clues & You!

2. Joe (Donovan Patton): The Younger Brother (2002–2006)

Donovan Patton took over the hosting duties from his "older brother" Steve in 2002. Joe's character was introduced as Steve's younger brother, who was also going off to college. Joe’s personality was a little more goofy and excitable than Steve’s, and he traded the iconic green stripes for a variety of colorful, patterned shirts, most notably a blue or green block-patterned polo.

• Full Name: Donovan Patton
• Tenure: 2002–2006 (Original Series)
• Iconic Item: The Blue/Green Block-Patterned Shirt.
• Other Roles: Patton has also done extensive voice work, including the character of Bot in the Nick Jr. show Team Umizoomi.
• Current Activities: Joe has made frequent guest appearances in the reboot, Blue's Clues & You!, often alongside Steve and Josh.

3. Josh (Joshua Dela Cruz): The Current Guide (2019–Present)

Joshua Dela Cruz became the third and most recent host, leading the revival series, Blue's Clues & You!, which premiered in 2019. Josh is introduced as Steve and Joe's cousin, maintaining the familial continuity.

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• Full Name: Joshua Dela Cruz
• Tenure: 2019–Present (*Blue's Clues & You!*)
• Iconic Item: The Blue-Striped Shirt (a nod to Blue) and the new Handy Dandy Smartphone Notebook.
• Significance: Dela Cruz is an Asian American actor (Filipino-American), making history in children's television and bringing a new level of representation to the franchise.
• Background: Before hosting, Josh was a Broadway performer, having appeared in Disney's *Aladdin* on Broadway.

The Viral Return of Steve and the Power of Nostalgia

One of the most significant and recent updates to the *Blue's Clues* host narrative occurred in 2021 when Steve Burns (Steve) made a surprise, heartfelt video for the show's 25th anniversary. The video went instantly viral, resonating deeply with the millennial generation who grew up watching him.

In the video, Steve addressed his sudden departure nearly two decades earlier, explaining that he "never forgot" the viewers. He offered a message of reassurance and pride for the adults they had become, acknowledging the challenges of growing up. This moment was a powerful piece of emotional closure for millions of fans, cementing Steve's status as a cultural icon.

This viral success led to more involvement. Steve has since returned to the franchise, not just for cameos but to take on a creative role. He is actively involved with Blue's Clues & You!, writing and directing an episode, showing his continued dedication to the show's legacy.

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The Unbreakable Bond: How All Three Hosts Work Together Now

Unlike many reboots, Blue's Clues & You! has actively embraced the history of the show by integrating all three hosts into the new narrative. Steve and Joe are not just relics of the past; they are recurring characters who help their cousin Josh and Blue solve clues.

This collaborative approach is a key part of the show's current success and provides topical authority by bridging the gap between the original audience and the new one. The three hosts—Steve, Joe, and Josh—have appeared together in numerous episodes, a feature film (*Blue's Big City Adventure*), and public events like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The continuity ensures that the show's core entities, such as the Mailbox, Sidetable Drawer, Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper, and Blue's best friend Magenta, remain relevant across all generations. The hosts’ collective presence celebrates the show's entire history, from the original *Blue's Clues* to the modern *Blue's Clues & You!*

What Are the Blue's Clues Hosts Doing in 2025?

The careers of all three hosts are thriving, both within and outside the Nickelodeon universe, offering fresh updates for long-time fans.

Steve Burns' New Chapter: The Adult Podcast

Beyond his directorial work on *Blue's Clues & You!*, Steve Burns has pivoted his focus to his original audience—now adults. He recently launched an inspirational podcast specifically for the grown-ups who watched him as children. This project allows him to continue his connection with fans in a format that speaks to their current life experiences, moving beyond the children's television space.

Josh Dela Cruz: Broadway to Beloved Host

As the current lead of Blue's Clues & You!, Josh Dela Cruz remains busy filming new episodes and taking the franchise to new heights, including the recent movie. His background as a Broadway performer brings a dynamic, musical quality to the show that is unique to his era. His role is celebrated for its representation and for successfully modernizing the beloved format for a new generation.

Donovan Patton: Voice Acting and Cameos

Donovan Patton (Joe) continues to be an active part of the extended *Blue's Clues* family, making frequent and popular cameo appearances. His main career focus has been in voice acting, a field where his expressive and versatile voice is a perfect fit. He regularly participates in reunion events, maintaining his strong connection with the show and its fanbase.

The story of the *Blue's Clues* hosts—Steve, Joe, and Josh—is a rare example of a franchise successfully evolving while honoring its past. By keeping all three hosts involved, Nickelodeon has created a multi-generational legacy that continues to find the clues and solve the puzzles for both children and the adults who remember the original green-striped shirt.