Former Nickelodeon Star on the ‘Weight’ of Being Compared to Mr. Rogers

Steve Burns, beloved host of Blue’s Clues, is launching a new podcast for his now-adult followers. But there’s one very important message he wants everyone to know: he isn’t trying to be the next Mr. Rogers. 

Fred Rogers retired from the legendary children’s series in 2001. He died from stomach cancer in February 2003 at 74 years old.

“I am nothing like Mr. Rogers,” the 51-year-old podcaster told People. “That is a weight I do not wish to carry around, and that is a bar…no one could possibly… live up to.” He spoke highly of Fred Rogers’ legacy, even going so far as to say “that dude should be on our money.”

More than that, the former Blue’s Clues star is stressing how his new show won’t be a re-boot of former Nickelodeon series or anything close to Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.

“I’m just a neurotic bald guy,” he said of the forthcoming podcast. “A fellow traveler on the struggle bus.”

You might remember Blue’s Clues as the kids’ show that tackled shapes and colors with playful puzzles. Burns’ new podcast is meant to be a grown-up version of the comfort and curiosity that made Blue’s Clues a formative part of childhood for millions. 

Alive is geared toward real emotions and everyday challenges;  topics like adult life: aging parents, money stress, and meaning in a digital age. Burns says it feels like a “public access cable show from the late ’90s,” but with the emotional depth needed today.

“He’s such a cool guy,” says one Reddit user. “No controversy, loves meeting the fans and making videos. I’m down for this podcast. It will help a lot of people I feel.”

Alive launches Sept. 17. 

Steve Burns vs. Fred Rogers