Did you know “Sesame Street” has its first Filipino muppet?

Meet TJ, a second-generation Filipino-American boy who proudly embraces his heritage.

As a kuya (older brother) to his baby sister, TJ is learning Tagalog with help from his grandparents and eagerly uses it when his extended family visits. He loves making lumpia with his mom, playing basketball, and joining his cousins in lively dance-offs.

TJ was created by Filipino-American animator Bobby Pontillas, who collaborated with Sesame Workshop to bring this character to life.

The Filipino muppet sports brown skin, a side-swept hairstyle, and a yellow-and-orange striped hoodie. Pontillas revealed that TJ was inspired by his lifelong friends’ children, Max and Mateo.

TJ made his debut in 2023 in a “Word of the Day” video alongside Kal Penn, Ji-Young, and Grover. He officially joined the neighborhood in Episode 5428 of “Sesame Street”.

His arrival marks another milestone in the TV show’s ongoing commitment to celebrating diversity and representation.