thinking rock blues clues think think think

Its research-based approach became what the production team called the 'special sauce' in its recipe for success. The show had its own research department, which was rare for a kids’ program. Simple, recognizable objects and sounds became the clues that eased young viewers into each episode, while the puzzles grew more challenging without becoming frustrating. To keep kids engaged, they enlisted their help by having host Steve Burns pose questions to the camera, then pause to hear their answers. Instead of the varied, nonlinear format popularized by Sesame Street and geared toward short attention spans, the team developed a narrative format. Along with co-creator Santomero, who had a master’s degree in child developmental psychology from Columbia University, the team enlisted the help of educators and consultants to craft a format that reflected the latest research in early childhood development. Todd Kessler, Angela Santomero, and Traci Paige Johnson-the trio that developed Blue’s Clues-wanted the show to be entertaining as well as educational. On the 20th anniversary of the show's premiere episode, we look back at Blue, Steve, Joe, and the show that redefined children’s television. Over the course of 11 years, Blue’s Clues not only became the hit Nickelodeon sought-it exceeded everyone’s wildest expectations. After 30 days holed up in a tiny conference room high above Times Square, the three came up a puzzle-based show starring a little blue dog. In the summer of 1994, Nickelodeon handed three novice producers a monumental task: Create a hit television show for preschoolers, and do it on a shoestring budget.

Thinking rock blues clues think think think