His character plays on many Hispanic stereotypes: he has a fiery temper (especially when referred to as a "shrimp"), and thinks of himself as a lothario, often making suggestive remarks.

Pepe appeared in fourteen episodes of Muppets Tonight,[2] proved a hit with audiences and has returned many times since.

In Muppets Now[9] he stars in "Pepe’s Unbelievable Gameshow", a segment in which he hosts a game show and makes up the rules as he goes along, to the annoyance of his co-host, Scooter.

As well as frequent appearances in commercials, Muppet short films and videogames, Pepe was also as an occasional correspondent on Statler and Waldorf: From the Balcony, and hosts "Pepe's Profiles" featurettes produced by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment for the Kermit's 50th Anniversary DVD re-releases of early Muppet movies.

Pepe became an internet sensation in December of 2024, mainly due to influencers on TikTok using his image to depict feelings of embarrassment and disbelief.