The host of Blue’s Clues, Steve Burns (Netherbeast Incorporated, Young Sheldon), is reportedly offering his opinion on the documentary series Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV. In it, Drake Bell (Drake & Josh, The Amanda Show) disclosed that he was subjected to alleged sexual abuse by former dialogue coach Brian Peck of Nickelodeon, according to Deadline. Burns hosted Blue’s Clues for a total of four seasons before his college departure on the show.
Burns discussed his feelings regarding the ID documentary in a recent interview. He told Today: “I don’t have any particular insight into any of that, I’m coming to it much the same as anyone else, with horror and heartbreak. It’s just terrible to watch it unfold. I don’t know what else to say, other than that it’s heartbreaking.”
Burns adds on to his statement: “It’s got to be so unfathomably painful. The fact that this is now what everyone’s talking about at the watercooler, it just breaks my heart.”
As per Deadline, shortly after the premiere of the ID docuseries, Burns posted one of his frequent “check-in” videos on TikTok, which went viral. From the show’s 1996 debut until his departure in 2002, the actor hosted Blue’s Clues as its original host.
@hioutthereitsmesteve♬ Untitled #6 (2022 Remaster) – Sigur Rós
One commenter wrote: “After the nickelodeon documentary Steve all I need is my blues clues to save whatever is left of this childhood I once had….”
Another commenter added: “Thank you for being one of the GOOD parts of Nickelodeon, Steve.”
In the same Deadline interview, Burns mentioned that Nick Jr. and Nickelodeon ran independently.
“Nick Jr. and Nickelodeon [programming] were so different,” Burns told Deadline. “We’re in New York, they’re in L.A. There’s no overlap whatsoever between any of those shows and what we were doing.”
After the documentary, Nickelodeon issued a statement in which it said: “Though we cannot corroborate or negate allegations of behaviors from productions decades ago, Nickelodeon as a matter of policy investigates all formal complaints as part of our commitment to fostering a safe and professional workplace environment free of harassment or other kinds of inappropriate conduct.”