Blue's Clues is an award-winning preschool children's program that first aired on the Nickelodeon network in September 1996. Developed by producers Angela Santomero, Todd Kessler, and Traci Paige Johnson, the show was aimed at early-childhood education and followed Blue, an animated dog who leads the viewers and host on various treasure hunts. An immediate success, Blue's Clues drew on viewers' involvement in its games and puzzles and featured a narrative story line, colorful cut-out animation, and a home-based setting. During its first six years, the show was hosted by Steve Burns, whose popularity among youthful viewers turned him into a children's celebrity. Burns left in 2002 and was replaced by the equally popular incoming host Donovan Patton, who remained with the show until 2006. A winner of multiple awards including a 2001 Peabody Award and nine Emmy nominations, Blue's Clues inspired a live touring production and a 2004 spin-off called Blue's Room. A 2006 DVD celebrated the program's ten-year anniversary, as did a collection of songs from the show called Blue's Biggest Hits. ~ Timothy Monger