Telly Monster often appears as a reporter for "Monster on the Spot," dressed in a hat and necktie (though he sometimes would wear a trenchcoat like another fabled reporter). While Sesame Street News often takes place in a variety of areas, "Monster on the Spot" reports usually cover things that happen either on Sesame Street or other locations.
It is unclear as to which news studio Telly works for. In its earliest appearances (including episodes 1788 and 1848), "Monster on the Spot" had aired on WORM-TV, but in a Sesame Street News Flash sketch it is mentioned that he works for Sesame Street News, though Telly also refers to himself as a "Monster on the Street" reporter during that segment. He is also the "Monster on the Spot" reporter for The Monster Report in the home video "We All Sing Together."
Sketches[]
Picture | Segment / First Appearance | Description | |
---|---|---|---|
School Episode 1850 |
Telly goes to a first grade classroom to give a report on the first day of school, but the classroom is empty. He looks at all the things in the classroom that indicates that it's a classroom, and he mistakes a plumber for the teacher. The plumber informs Telly that the next day is actually the first day of school, but she gives him a story about her experience as a plumber. | ||
Big Sister Episode 1963 |
Telly interviews a big sister, Nicole, asking her about the good and bad points of having a little brother, and then interviews the little brother, Robin (a baby), to get his side of the situation.
| ||
King Kenny of K Episode 2268 |
A "K" film is interrupted by a Monster on the Spot report. Telly is about to interview King Kenny from the kingdom of K. Kenny notices there are no kangaroos, kazoos or kittens to be found, but Telly shows him there's plenty of kids, who gather around him. Telly learns they've run out of time for the interview, so he points them to the K film, which resumes. | ||
Here and There: Airport/Library Episode 2864 |
Telly hosts "Here and There" from the library, where it's quiet. His co-host, Debra Starr, is at the airport, where it's loud. Debra interviews one passenger (David Rudman), but the loud noises of the airport make it hard for Telly to hear her, so he starts raising his voice to talk over the noise. When Telly shouts at a library patron (performed by Jerry Nelson) who wants to catch a flight to Albuquerque, the librarian (Camille Bonora) escorts him out. Meanwhile, Debra asks a Muppet boy (Kevin Clash) what he's reading. He tries to answer Treasure Island, but gets drowned out by the constant noise from the airplanes flying overhead. | ||
Can You Tell Me How to Get to Picabo Street? Episode 3312 |
Telly tries to report on "Peek-a-Boo Street," but can't find it. He discovers he's supposed to report on Olympic skier Picabo Street. | ||
Play of the Day Episode 3580 |
Telly watches Melissa as she asks three kids if she can play with them. |
Other Appearances[]
- Episode 1788: Telly looks for someone who is sad, but interviews Luis, David, and a kid who are all feeling happy.
- Episode 1834: Telly interviews Billy Dee Williams about how to make friends.
- Episode 1848: Telly gives an impromptu report on locating a great sound; it turns out to be him complaining, which is music to Oscar's ears.
- Episode 2000: Telly discusses healthy habits with Herry Monster, specifically about taking naps. This episode is also the debut of the theme music (written by Joe Raposo) that precedes most segments.
- Episode 2062: Telly reports on Maria's "big" breakfast when he was supposed to be covering the "Big Sesame Street Breakfest".
- Episode 2160: Telly interviews Piri and Sally, who try foods from each other's cultural backgrounds.
- Episode 2405: Telly interviews Maria and Luis, who have just fallen in love with each other.
- Episode 2627: Telly showcases baby pictures on Sesame Street. Maria gets carried away showing off pictures of Gabriella, but Telly explains he's actually supposed to show pictures of the baby Honker.
- Big Bird's Birthday or Let Me Eat Cake: Telly asks Count von Count if he supports public broadcasting.
- Episode 2842: Telly interviews two twins about how they are same and different.
- Episode 3055: Telly interviews Little Miss Muffet, who has just gotten married and therefore has to change her nursery rhyme.
- We All Sing Together: Telly appears as a correspondent on "The Monster Report," showing what real kids look like (with assistance from Elmo).
- Episode 3358: Telly reports on the letter Z's departure from the alphabet.
- Episode 3788: Telly covers the world's longest and shortest games of hide-and-seek.
- Episode 4059: Telly covers a story in which it's revealed that Curly Bear doesn't like porridge.
- Episode 4087: Telly interviews Baby Bear, who tells him the story of what The Three Bears did during their walk.
- Episode 4133: Telly covers "National Try a New Food Day" on Sesame Street.
- Episode 4706: Telly reports on the episode's topic of "sharing" during the cold open. Oscar surprises Telly by sharing his favorite toy: a can of spring-loaded snakes.