Nickelodeon Names New ‘Blue’s Clues’ Host

Nickelodeon has named Broadway actor Joshua Dela Cruz to host the reboot of its classic pre-school-targeted series Blue’s Clues, the network said Thursday.

Cruz, who most recently appeared in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway, will host Blue’s Clues & You, based on the popular Nickelodeon series that ran from 1996 to 2006. Previous hosts for the series include Steve Burns and Donovan Patton.

“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,” said Shelly Sumpter Gillyard, executive VP, talent, music and events, Nickelodeon Group 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.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.