In the new season, which debuted on September 18, 2006, a cousin of Baby Bop and BJ joined the series. "Riff" is a musical hadrosaurid dinosaur, who will teach kids about world music and respect for those who display non-traditional gender characteristics. Dismissing any controversy regarding Riff's orientation, Executive Producer Karen Barnes says, ‘‘I think a show that’s been on this long, it’s important that we add new elements.’’
