Is Blue's Clues Still Relevant?

Nickelodeon introduced Steve and Blue, along with all their friends, to the world in 1996. It seems so long ago yet few shows are as timeless, not even Sesame Street. Many shows have tried to replicate the way Steve and Joe interact with their audience, including Dora The Explorer, Go, Diego, Go and Ni Hao, Kai-Lan, but it's not the same. Something is missing without live people capable of expressions and kids answering Steve and Joe; Dora looks awkward standing there, expression unchanging, waiting for an answer.

The producers at Blue's Clues, whether they intended to or not, created a show that will never be dated. Without references to pop culture or current events, Steve and Joe seem just as in the present as they did five or ten years ago. The wardrobe and hairstyle choices were also spot on; classic haircuts and khakis with simple shirts will always be in style. By choosing adult stars whose physical appearance will not change like a child actor's would, and having only two characters that actually age (Paprika and her baby brother, Cinnamon, but even their transformations are subtle) also ensures that the first episode is in the same era as the last.

The subject matter will always be relevant. Kids of every era will go to the library, go to preschool, paint and draw, read books, and learn shapes, numbers, colors and letters. These are things any kid can identify with, whether they were 4 in 1996 or in 2009. The lessons will always be relevant as well. Teaching kids about feelings, as well as the numbers, letters, etc, will never change.

The best aspect of the show that has not be replicated anywhere else is the problem solving. While it's simple, it quickly develops a child's ability to figure out a puzzle. Having Steve and Joe think through the puzzle with them ensures a safe environment for the child to take the risk of making a guess. They aren't alone in having to solve the puzzle; they have Steve or Joe there with them. The show also demonstrates that adults make mistakes too, which is a valuable lesson kids sometimes miss. Steve especially struggles with putting the clues together sometimes, just like a child would. But Steve isn't afraid to make a mistake and that shows kids that it's okay to make mistakes too.

Remarkably, despite the large number of episodes, ideas and show themes barely repeated. The expansive repertoire keeps the show fresh despite the fact that the underlying premise is admittedly formulaic. While they episodes are very different, the lessons are repeated often enough for kids to actually learn them unlike other Nickelodeon shows.

Countess children have loved Blue, Steve, Joe and the others, and have learned a great deal from them. Even though the show has been around for thirteen years now, its timelessness and important lessons make it relevant today. It's a shame that Blue has fallen out of favor for Nick's newer characters because the newer ones are nowhere near as good.