When "Sesame Street" premieres its first new season on HBO on Jan. 16, it will do so with a new look and brand new Latina character named Nina.

According to NBC News, actress Suki Lopez has signed on to play the latest addition to the human cast, who live and work on Sesame Street, adding to the show's diversity.

Lopez's casting came after series favorite Sonia Manzano, who played Maria for over 40 years on the show, announced her retirement last year.

Lopez, who has a background in dance and theater, explained that she can relate to Nina because the character is "a millennial and she has a bunch of jobs."

Her role on "Sesame Street" will include caring for Elmo and helping to run the laundromat and bicycle shop.

The Cuban-American actress, who is bilingual and is currently a student at The New School in New York City, described her auditions for the show as a fun experience.

"It was one of the coolest and most fun auditions I have ever experienced," she told NBC. "That day, I remember thinking that even if I didn't get the job, I was happy to go through the process. I just thought it was amazing, I mean, talking to a puppet?"

Lopez will play a crucial role in the new season's bedtime episode, in which Nina will help Elmo and Abby Cadabby learn a calming bedtime routine.

As for her knowledge of the show before landing the role of Nina, Lopez revealed that she has been a longtime fan.

"Of course I watched the show," she said. "Everybody did, I definitely have memories of being home in Miami and watching it."

Fans of the popular series can expect to see other changes along with the addition of Nina and move to HBO. The show will now be a half hour, the set will undergo noticeable changes, and, while all of the popular characters will be present, the focus will shift to highlight different members of the community, reported Entertainment Weekly.

This season will also include a few Latino guest celebrities, including Gina Rodriguez and pop group Fifth Harmony.

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