{{Short description|American animated sitcom}} {{About|the television series|the character|SpongeBob SquarePants (character)|the media franchise|SpongeBob SquarePants (franchise){{!}}''SpongeBob SquarePants'' (franchise)|other uses|SpongeBob SquarePants (disambiguation)}} {{Good article}} {{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}} {{pp-move}} {{Use American English|date=September 2019}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2026}} {{Unreliable sources|date=April 2026}} {{Infobox television | image = SpongeBob SquarePants Logo (2008).svg | genre = {{Plainlist| * Comedy<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRPep55zMCE |title=Meet the Creator: Stephen Hillenburg |date=July 27, 2015 |medium=Video |publisher=Nick Animation |access-date=April 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/QRPep55zMCE |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> * Surreal comedy<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seitz |first=Matt Zoller |date=November 27, 2018 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants and the Indestructible Faith of Imagination |url=https://www.vulture.com/2018/11/spongebob-squarepants-stephen-hillenburg-legacy.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127232937/https://www.vulture.com/2018/11/spongebob-squarepants-stephen-hillenburg-legacy.html |archive-date=November 27, 2018 |access-date=May 26, 2019 |website=Vulture |quote=Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Why, one of the stars of the most brilliantly imagined and sustained display of surreal humor in pop culture, that's who.}}</ref> * Animated sitcom<ref>{{cite web |last=Gornael |first=J. S. |date=April 17, 2025 |title=A Pineapple Under the Sea! Every Season of 'SpongeBob SquarePants,' Ranked |url=https://collider.com/spongebob-squarepants-seasons-ranked/ |website=Collider |access-date=May 4, 2025 |archive-date=April 22, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250422162610/https://collider.com/spongebob-squarepants-seasons-ranked/ |url-status=live }}</ref> }} | alt_name = ''SpongeBob'' | creator = Stephen Hillenburg | developer = {{Plainlist| * Derek Drymon * Tim Hill * Nicholas R. Jennings }} | creative_director = {{Plainlist| * Derek Drymon{{efn|name=s1-3|Seasons 1–3}} * Vincent Waller{{efn|name=s4-9|Seasons 4–9}} }} | showrunner = {{Plainlist| * Stephen Hillenburg{{efn|name=s1-3}} * Paul Tibbitt{{efn|name=s4-9}} * Marc Ceccarelli{{efn|name=s9|Season 9–present}} * Vincent Waller{{efn|name=s9}} }} | voices = {{show|Various| {{Plainlist|<!--Order from the credits of the 2004 film--> * Tom Kenny * Bill Fagerbakke * Rodger Bumpass * Clancy Brown * Mr. Lawrence * Jill Talley * Carolyn Lawrence * Mary Jo Catlett * Lori Alan * (complete list) }}}} | narrator = Tom Kenny | theme_music_composer = {{Plainlist| * Blaise Smith * Mark Harrison }} | open_theme = "''SpongeBob SquarePants'' Theme Song"{{efn|Performed by Patrick Pinney, Devin Johnson, Sara Paxton, and Camryn Walling}} | end_theme = "''SpongeBob'' Closing Theme"{{efn|Composed by Steve Belfer}} | composer = {{show|Various| {{Plainlist| * Steve Belfer * Nicolas Carr * Gary Stockdale * Sage Guyton * Jeremy Wakefield * Brad Carow * The Blue Hawaiians * Eban Schletter * Barry Anthony Trop }}}} | country = United States | language = English | num_seasons = 16<!-- increment when new season begins --> | num_episodes = 331<!-- increment when new episode airs --> | list_episodes = List of SpongeBob SquarePants episodes | executive_producer = {{Plainlist| * Stephen Hillenburg{{efn|Hillenburg remains posthumously credited as executive producer after his death in 2018.}} * Paul Tibbitt{{efn|Seasons 6–9}} * Marc Ceccarelli{{efn|name=s13|Season 13–present}} * Vincent Waller{{efn|name=s13}} }} | producer = {{Plainlist| * Donna Castricone * Anne Michaud * Helen Kalafatic * Dina Buteyn * Jennie Monica }} | runtime = 22–51 minutes | company = {{Plainlist| * United Plankton Pictures, Inc. * Nickelodeon Animation Studio }} | network = Nickelodeon{{efn|name=Network|Episode 175, "It's a SpongeBob Christmas!", was first broadcast on CBS.<ref>{{cite news |author=Emily Yahr |date=October 18, 2012 |title=CBS sets ''Spongebob Christmas'' for November |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/tv-column/post/cbs-sets-spongebob-christmas-for-november/2012/10/18/38a02724-1966-11e2-aa6f-3b636fecb829_blog.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222173810/https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/tv-column/post/cbs-sets-spongebob-christmas-for-november/2012/10/18/38a02724-1966-11e2-aa6f-3b636fecb829_blog.html |archive-date=December 22, 2018 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref>}} | first_aired = {{Start date|1999|5|1}} | last_aired = present | related = {{unbulleted list|''Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years''|''The Patrick Star Show''}} }}
'''''SpongeBob SquarePants''''', also known simply as '''''SpongeBob''''', is an American animated comedy television series created by marine science educator and animator Stephen Hillenburg for Nickelodeon. It first aired as a sneak peek after the Kids' Choice Awards on May 1, 1999, and officially premiered on July 17, 1999. It showcases the adventures of the character SpongeBob SquarePants and his aquatic friends in the underwater city of Bikini Bottom.
Many of the series' ideas originated in ''The Intertidal Zone'', an unpublished educational comic book Hillenburg created in the 1980s to teach his students about undersea life.<ref name="Origin">{{cite AV media |title=The Origin of ''SpongeBob SquarePants''. ''SpongeBob SquarePants'': The Complete First Season |date=2003 |last1=Hillenburg |first1=Stephen |last2=Murray |first2=Joe |last3=Drymon |first3=Derek |last4=Coleman |first4=Eric |last5=Hecht |first5=Albie |medium=DVD |publisher=Paramount Home Entertainment}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Casetext |url=https://casetext.com/case/walker-v-viacom-international |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327085859/https://casetext.com/case/walker-v-viacom-international |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |access-date=October 11, 2016 |website=casetext.com}}</ref> After spending several years as an artist and director on Nickelodeon's series ''Rocko's Modern Life'',{{Sfn|Neuwirth|2003|page=50}} Hillenburg began developing ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' into a television series, and in 1997, he and his crew pitched a seven-minute pilot to Nickelodeon, whose executives wanted SpongeBob to be a child in school. This conflicted with Hillenburg's idea to have SpongeBob be an adult character; he compromised by creating a boating school so SpongeBob could attend school as an adult.
''SpongeBob'' was an immediate hit and received widespread critical acclaim in its early years. After three seasons, Hillenburg departed the series following production on ''The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie'' (2004), although he later returned. The show received criticism for a perceived decline in quality following Hillenburg's initial departure.
''SpongeBob'' has won a variety of awards, including six Annie Awards, eight Golden Reel Awards, four Emmy Awards, two BAFTA Children's Awards, and a record twenty-two Kids' Choice Awards. The show has been noted as a cultural touchstone for Millennials and Generation Z,<ref>{{Cite web |title=SpongeBob SquarePants: The Most Important Show to Generation Z and their Popular Culture |url=https://www.bcschronicle.com/spongebob-squarepants-the-most-important-show-to-generation-z-and-their-popular-culture |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508224949/https://www.bcschronicle.com/spongebob-squarepants-the-most-important-show-to-generation-z-and-their-popular-culture |archive-date=May 8, 2023 |access-date=May 8, 2023 |website=Bryan-College Station Chronicle |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Fuller |first=Benjamin |date=2019 |title=The SpongeBob Franchise: Pop Culture Fixture, Reboot Culture Artifact |journal=Studies in Popular Culture |volume=42 |issue=1 |pages=77–102 |issn=0888-5753 |jstor=26926333}}</ref> becoming ubiquitous within Internet culture and spawning numerous online memes.<ref name="Romano-2019">{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Aja |date=May 1, 2019 |title=20 years into Spongebob Squarepants, Spongebob memes rule internet culture. |url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/5/1/18525337/spongebob-memes-mocking-caveman-history |access-date=June 1, 2025 |website=Vox |language=en-US |archive-date=May 28, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250528072612/https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/5/1/18525337/spongebob-memes-mocking-caveman-history |url-status=live }}</ref>
The series has run for fifteen seasons, with its sixteenth season premiering on June 27, 2025.<ref>{{cite web |last=Milligan |first=Mercedes |date=June 2, 2025 |title=Nickelodeon Kicks Off "Summer of F.U.N." with New SpongeBob Crossover Special |url=https://animationmagazine.net/2025/06/nickelodeon-kicks-off-summer-of-f-u-n-with-new-spongebob-crossover-special/ |access-date=June 7, 2025 |work=Animation Magazine |archive-date=June 8, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250608002138/https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/06/nickelodeon-kicks-off-summer-of-f-u-n-with-new-spongebob-crossover-special/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''SpongeBob'' is the fourth longest-running American animated series in history, and the longest-running American children's animated series as of 2025.<ref name="Arthur">{{cite news |date=February 22, 2025 |title=SpongeBob Beats Arthur to Become the Longest Running Animated Kids Show |url=https://comicbook.com/anime/news/spongebob-longest-running-animated-shows-kids/ |access-date=February 24, 2025 |newspaper=ComicBook.com |language=en-US |archive-date=February 22, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250222224558/https://comicbook.com/anime/news/spongebob-longest-running-animated-shows-kids/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Its popularity has made it a multimedia franchise and Nickelodeon's most profitable program, generating over $16{{nbsp}}billion in merchandising revenue by 2024.<ref name=":1" /> The franchise now includes four theatrical feature films, two streaming feature films, a Broadway musical, a comic book series, numerous video games and two spin-off series: ''Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years'' (2021–2024) and ''The Patrick Star Show'' (2021–present).<ref>{{Cite book |title=Children's Software & New Media Revue |publisher=Children's Software & New Media Revue |others=Active Learning Associates |year=2004 |pages=31}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gold |first=Michael |date=May 2, 2018 |title=Before the Tonys, SpongeBob Seized the Culture With Memes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/02/arts/spongebob-tony-nominations.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502234851/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/02/arts/spongebob-tony-nominations.html |archive-date=May 2, 2018 |access-date=May 3, 2018 |work=The New York Times}}</ref>
==Premise== ===Characters=== {{Main|List of SpongeBob SquarePants characters|l1 = List of ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' characters}}
[[File:SpongeBob SquarePants main characters.png|thumb|300px|alt=Illustration of the series' ten main characters.|The series' main characters. Top row, from left to right: Pearl, Plankton, and Karen. Bottom row: Sandy, Mr. Krabs, SpongeBob, Squidward, Gary, Patrick, and Mrs. Puff.]]
The series follows SpongeBob SquarePants—an energetic and optimistic sea sponge who lives in a submerged pineapple—and his aquatic friends. SpongeBob has a childlike enthusiasm for life and works as a fry cook at the Krusty Krab, a fast food restaurant. His favorite pastimes include "jellyfishing", which involves catching jellyfish with a net in a manner similar to butterfly catching, and blowing soap bubbles into elaborate shapes. He has a pet sea snail named Gary, who meows like a cat.
SpongeBob's best friend is Patrick Star, a dimwitted yet friendly pink starfish who resides under a rock. Patrick is unaware of his stupidity and considers himself intelligent.<ref>{{cite episode |title=Squidtastic Voyage |series=SpongeBob SquarePants |network=Nickelodeon |airdate=October 6, 2006 |season=4 |number=75a |credits=Writers: Luke Brookshier, Tom King, Dani Michaeli}}</ref> Squidward Tentacles, SpongeBob's neighbor and co-worker at the Krusty Krab, is a grumpy and cynical octopus who lives in an Easter Island moai. He despises his job and is constantly annoyed by the antics of SpongeBob and Patrick. Mr. Krabs, a greedy red crab, is the owner of the Krusty Krab and often serves as a father figure to SpongeBob. He has a teenage daughter, a grey sperm whale named Pearl, who has no interest in taking over the family business.<ref>{{cite web |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'' at NickSplat |url=http://www.nicksplat.com/Tvshows/Characters/Nicktoons/Spongebob_squarepants/pearl.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040812015604/http://www.nicksplat.com/Tvshows/Characters/Nicktoons/Spongebob_squarepants/pearl.html |archive-date=August 12, 2004 |work=Nickelodeon Asia |publisher=Viacom International}}</ref> Another of SpongeBob's friends is Sandy Cheeks, a thrill-seeking squirrel from Texas, who wears a diving suit to breathe underwater.<ref name="meet-the-gang">{{cite web |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'': Meet the Gang! |url=http://www.nickelodeon.com.au/fullynick/tvshows/shows/spongebob-squarepants-show |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080310224329/http://www.nickelodeon.com.au/fullynick/tvshows/shows/spongebob-squarepants-show |archive-date=March 10, 2008 |work=Nickelodeon Australia |publisher=Viacom International}}</ref> She is an expert in karate.
Located across the street from the Krusty Krab is an unsuccessful rival restaurant called the Chum Bucket.<ref>{{cite episode |title=Komputer Overload |series=SpongeBob SquarePants |network=Nickelodeon |airdate=March 19, 2009 |season=6 |number=118b |credits=Writers: Aaron Springer, Richard Pursel}}</ref> It rarely has any customers due to its sale of chum-based food, which is considered cannibalistic by most of the fish population. It is run by a small, green, one-eyed copepod named Plankton and his computer wife, Karen.<ref name="Hillenburg created" /><ref>{{cite web |date=July 22, 2016 |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'' Character Guide Refresh |url=https://issuu.com/dhosford/docs/sb_character_guide |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807141336/https://issuu.com/dhosford/docs/sb_character_guide |archive-date=August 7, 2020 |access-date=February 19, 2019 |work=Nickelodeon Consumer Products |publisher=Viacom International |page=3 |quote=Nowhere else could you expect to find a cast that includes a scuba-diving squirrel, Sandy Cheeks, and a waterproof supercomputer, Karen.}}</ref> Plankton constantly tries to steal the secret recipe for Mr. Krabs's Krabby Patty burgers.{{Citation needed|date=March 2026}} When SpongeBob is not working at the Krusty Krab, he can often be found taking boating lessons from Mrs. Puff, a paranoid but patient pufferfish. SpongeBob wants to obtain a boat-driving license, but he often panics and crashes, causing him to fail the course multiple times.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sichtermann |first=Barbara |date=December 4, 2008 |title=SpongeBob: Das Kind im Schwamme |url=http://www.tagesspiegel.de/medien/spongebob-das-kind-im-schwamme/1209130.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220095452/http://www.tagesspiegel.de/medien/spongebob-das-kind-im-schwamme/1209130.html |archive-date=February 20, 2019 |access-date=November 6, 2016 |work=Der Tagesspiegel |publisher=Dieter von Holtzbrinck}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Mrs. Puff at Nickelodeon Universe |url=http://nickelodeonuniverse.com/character/mrs-puff/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606214926/http://nickelodeonuniverse.com/character/mrs-puff/ |archive-date=June 6, 2017 |work=Mall of America |publisher=Triple Five Group}}</ref>
The French Narrator, or "Frenchy", is an unseen narrator who often introduces episodes and narrates intertitles as if the series were a documentary about the ocean. His role and manner of speaking are references to the oceanographer Jacques Cousteau.<ref name="Square Roots">{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lT7VzFW0acE |title=Square Roots: The Story of ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' |date=July 14, 2009 |time=9:29 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/lT7VzFW0acE |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Beginning in season{{nbsp}}10, the narrator has appeared infrequently in live-action as a diver in a heavy deep sea diving suit.
Recurring guest characters include the retired superheroes Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy, who are idolized by SpongeBob and Patrick; a pirate specter known as the Flying Dutchman; the muscular lifeguard Larry the Lobster; and the merman god of the sea, King Neptune.
Special episodes of the show are hosted by a live-action pirate named Patchy and his pet parrot Potty, whose segments are presented in a dual narrative with the animated stories.<ref>{{cite news |author=Bianco, Robert |date=March 21, 2003 |title=Critic's corner |newspaper=USA Today |page=12E}}</ref> Patchy is depicted as the president of a fictional SpongeBob fan club, and his greatest aspiration is to meet SpongeBob himself.
===Setting=== {{Redirect|Bikini Bottom}} thumb|right|A still image of Bikini Bottom from the series
The series takes place primarily in the fictional underwater city of '''Bikini Bottom''' located in the Pacific Ocean beneath the real-life coral reef known as Bikini Atoll.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web |author=Viacom International |title=Nickelodeon UK & Ireland Press Centre: ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' Programme Information |url=http://www.vimn.com/press/nicktoons/series/spongebob-squarepants-0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315035655/http://www.vimn.com/press/nicktoons/series/spongebob-squarepants-0 |archive-date=March 15, 2017 |access-date=May 4, 2018 |work=Nickelodeon}}</ref><ref name="LADN">{{cite web |date=March 8, 2001 |title=The Hype Soaking it Up' SpongeBob Actor Loves the Attention |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-83498648.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106075350/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-83498648.html |archive-date=November 6, 2013 |access-date=October 30, 2013 |work=Daily News |location=Los Angeles, CA}}</ref><ref name="QSR">{{Cite news |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=June 7, 2001 |title=Burger King ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' |url=http://www.qsrmagazine.com/articles/news/story.phtml?id=3354 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071021075539/http://www.qsrmagazine.com/articles/news/story.phtml?id=3354 |archive-date=October 21, 2007 |work=QSR Magazine}}</ref>}} Its citizens are mostly multicolored fish who live in buildings made from ship funnels, and use "boatmobiles" for transportation. Recurring locations within Bikini Bottom include the neighboring houses of SpongeBob, Patrick, and Squidward; two competing restaurants, the Krusty Krab and the Chum Bucket; Mrs. Puff's Boating School, which includes a driving course and a sunken lighthouse; the Treedome, an oxygenated glass enclosure where Sandy lives; Shady Shoals Rest Home; a seagrass meadow called Jellyfish Fields; and Goo Lagoon, a subaqueous brine pool that is a popular beach hangout.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Grandy |first1=Trevor |title=The Geology of ''SpongeBob SquarePants'': Potential of a Cartoon to Enhance Student Learning in the Geosciences |url=https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2013AM/webprogram/Paper223766.html |access-date=September 5, 2019 |publisher=Geological Society of America |archive-date=June 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606214926/http://nickelodeonuniverse.com/character/mrs-puff/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
When the ''SpongeBob'' crew began production of the series' pilot episode, they were tasked with designing stock locations where many scenes would take place. The idea was "to keep everything nautical", so the crew included objects like ropes, wooden planks, ships' wheels, netting, anchors, boilerplates, and rivets. Transitions between scenes are marked by bubbles filling the screen, accompanied by the sound of rushing water. The settings also feature "sky flowers", which have a similar function to clouds, according to background designer Kenny Pittenger. The sky flowers are also meant to "evoke the look of a flower-print Hawaiian shirt".<ref name="OralHistory">{{cite web |author=Heintjes, Tom |date=September 21, 2012 |title=The Oral History of ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' |url=http://cartoonician.com/the-oral-history-of-spongebob-squarepants/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150831044034/http://cartoonician.com/the-oral-history-of-spongebob-squarepants/ |archive-date=August 31, 2015 |work=Hogan's Alley}}</ref>
In 2015, Tom Kenny, who voices SpongeBob, denied a fan theory claiming that the series' characters are mutants who were exposed to nuclear testing at Bikini Atoll.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |last=Bradley |first=Bill |date=February 7, 2015 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants Answers 7 Big Questions And Debunks 1 Popular Theory |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/07/spongebob-squarepants-theory_n_6627556.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907053320/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/07/spongebob-squarepants-theory_n_6627556.html |archive-date=September 7, 2017 |access-date=July 10, 2016 |work=The Huffington Post}}</ref> In 2024, Plankton voice actor Mr. Lawrence said the theory is true, and that the real-life nuclear testing influenced other aspects of the show as well.<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hlE75E4Yz8 |title=SpongeBob Cast Reunites To Talk 25 Years of Krabby Patties and F-U-N |date=November 27, 2024 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=January 14, 2025 |people=Esquire |archive-date=December 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219164049/https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=5mVbAlyZ56FXlymI&v=5hlE75E4Yz8&feature=youtu.be |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Production== ===Development=== ====Early inspirations==== [[File:Stephen Hillenburg by Carlos Cazurro.jpg|thumb|upright|right| alt=Photograph of Stephen Hillenburg standing holding a book with the title SpongeBob SquarePants looking to his right | Before creating ''SpongeBob'', Stephen Hillenburg (pictured in 2011) taught marine biology to visitors of the Ocean Institute at Dana Point, California.<ref name="Ocean Institute" />]]Series creator Stephen Hillenburg became fascinated with the ocean as a child and began developing his artistic abilities at a young age. Although these interests would not overlap for some time—the idea of drawing fish seemed boring to him—Hillenburg pursued both during college, majoring in marine biology and minoring in art at Humboldt State University. After graduating in 1984, he joined the Ocean Institute, an organization in Dana Point, California, dedicated to educating the public about marine science and maritime history.<ref name="Ocean Institute">{{cite web |title=Welcome to the Ocean Institute |url=http://www.ocean-institute.org/ |access-date=December 24, 2013 |work=ocean-institute.org}}</ref><ref name="Big Pop Fun">{{cite interview |last=Hillenburg |first=Stephen |subject-link=Stephen Hillenburg |interviewer=Thomas F. Wilson |title=Big Pop Fun #28: Stephen Hillenburg, Artist and Animator |medium=Podcast |url=https://archive.nerdist.com/big-pop-fun-28-stephen-hillenburg-artist-and-animator/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260227040505/https://archive.nerdist.com/big-pop-fun-28-stephen-hillenburg-artist-and-animator/ |archive-date=February 27, 2026 |format=mp3 |work=Nerdist Industries |date=May 25, 2012 |access-date=April 10, 2026}}</ref>
While Hillenburg was working at the Ocean Institute, his love of the ocean began to influence his art. He created a comic book precursor to ''SpongeBob'' titled ''The Intertidal Zone'', which was used by the institute to teach visitors about the animal life of tide pools.<ref name="Big Pop Fun"/> The comic featured various anthropomorphic lifeforms, many of which would evolve into ''SpongeBob'' characters.{{sfn |Banks |2004 |page=9}} Hillenburg tried to get the comic published, but none of the companies he sent it to were interested.<ref name="Big Pop Fun"/>
One of Hillenburg's major inspirations was Ween's 1997 album ''The Mollusk'', which had a nautical and underwater theme. Hillenburg contacted the band shortly after the album's release, explaining the baseline ideas for ''SpongeBob''. He also commissioned a song, "Loop de Loop", which was used in the ''SpongeBob'' episode "Your Shoe's Untied".{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref>{{cite web |date=March 7, 2019 |title=Did You Know: Ween's 'The Mollusk' Helped Inspire The Creation Of SpongeBob Squarepants |url=https://liveforlivemusic.com/news/ween-spongebob-squarepants-mollusk/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204024238/https://liveforlivemusic.com/news/ween-spongebob-squarepants-mollusk/ |archive-date=December 4, 2019 |access-date=December 4, 2019|website=Live for Live Music|last=O'Brien|first=Andrew}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ween – Tribute to Stephen Hillenburg |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bj2d3ZpumBM |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826133635/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bj2d3ZpumBM&gl=US&hl=en |archive-date=August 26, 2019 |access-date=December 4, 2019 |website=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=McQuade |first1=Jakob |date=March 7, 2019 |title=A Deep Dive Into Ween, the Band that Birthed Bikini Bottom |url=http://kcpr.org/2019/03/07/a-deep-dive-into-ween-the-band-that-birthed-bikini-bottom/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307144216/http://kcpr.org/2019/03/07/a-deep-dive-into-ween-the-band-that-birthed-bikini-bottom/ |archive-date=March 7, 2019 |access-date=December 4, 2019 |newspaper=KCPR}}</ref>}}
====Concept==== While working as a staff artist at the Ocean Institute, Hillenburg intended to return to college for a master's degree in art. However, after attending an animation festival, he decided to instead study experimental animation at California Institute of the Arts.<ref name="Big Pop Fun" /> His thesis film, ''Wormholes'', is about the theory of relativity.<ref name="Origin"/> It was screened at festivals, and at one of these, Hillenburg met Joe Murray, who was in the process of developing the popular Nickelodeon animated series ''Rocko's Modern Life''. Murray was impressed by the style of Hillenburg's film and offered him a job as a director for the first season, which began airing in 1993.<ref name="Origin" />{{Sfn|Neuwirth|2003|pp=50–51}} Hillenburg worked on the series throughout its entire four-season run, and during the fourth season he took on the roles of producer and creative director.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:{{sfn |Banks |2004 |page=9}}<ref name="Origin"/>{{Sfn|Neuwirth|2003|pp=50–51}}<ref name="TrainorMurray">{{cite interview |interviewer=Lisa Kiczuk Trainor |title=Lisa (Kiczuk) Trainor interviews Joe Murray, creator of Rocko's Modern Life |url=http://www.title14.com/rocko/contributors/murray.html |access-date=November 5, 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150420193919/http://www.title14.com/rocko/contributors/murray.html |archive-date=April 20, 2015 |url-status=live |work=The Rocko's Modern Life FAQ |subject=Joe Murray}}</ref>}}
Martin Olson, one of the writers for ''Rocko's Modern Life'', read ''The Intertidal Zone'' and encouraged Hillenburg to create a television series with a similar concept. At that point, Hillenburg had not considered creating his own series.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="Origin" /><ref name="Big Pop Fun" />{{sfn |Banks |2004 |page=10}}}} He began to develop some of the characters from ''The Intertidal Zone'', including Bob the Sponge. He wanted his series to stand out from other popular cartoons of the time, many of which were buddy comedies like ''The Ren & Stimpy Show''. Hillenburg decided to focus on a single main character: a sea sponge, the "weirdest" sea creature he could think of.<ref name="Big Pop Fun" /> Bob the Sponge resembled a real-life sea sponge, and Hillenburg used this design in the early stages.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="Big Pop Fun" /><ref name="Origin"/>{{Sfn|Neuwirth|2003|pp=50–51}}{{sfn |Banks |2004 |page=31}}}} He decided to model the character after a kitchen sponge after realizing it would perfectly match the character's "square" personality.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="Origin" /><ref name="Big Pop Fun" />{{Sfn|Neuwirth|2003|pp=50–51}}<ref name="BoytoBob">{{cite magazine |date=June 2003 |title=From Boy to Bob |magazine=Nick Mag Presents: SpongeBob SquarePants |publisher=Viacom International}}</ref>}} In determining the character's behavior, Hillenburg was inspired by innocent, childlike figures that he enjoyed, such as Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, Jerry Lewis, and Pee-wee Herman.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="Big Pop Fun" />{{Sfn|Neuwirth|2003|pp=50–51}}{{sfn |Banks |2004 |page=30}}<ref name="OralHistory"/>}}
Seeking a voice actor for the series' main character, Hillenburg approached Tom Kenny, whose career in animation had started alongside Hillenburg's on ''Rocko's Modern Life''. Elements of Kenny's own personality were employed to develop the character further.<ref name="Radio">{{cite video |url=http://www.thepeoplespeakradio.net/archives/mp3/tps-2006-12-05-kenny.mp3 |title=Tom Kenny: Voice of ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' – Interview |date=December 5, 2006 |medium=Radio production |publisher=The People Speak Radio |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724101824/http://www.thepeoplespeakradio.net/archives/mp3/tps-2006-12-05-kenny.mp3 |archive-date=July 24, 2011 |format=mp3 |people=Farhat, Basima (Interviewer)}}</ref> Initially, Hillenburg wanted to use the name "SpongeBoy"—the character had no last name—and the series would have been named ''SpongeBoy Ahoy!'' {{sfn |Banks |2004 |page=31}}<ref name="Radio" /> However, the Nickelodeon legal department discovered that the name "SpongeBoy" was already in use by a line of pencils.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="OralHistory" /><ref name="Radio" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Daly |first=Meaghan |date=February 24, 2025 |title=The Surprising Origins of SpongeBob SquarePants' Name, Explained |url=https://www.cbr.com/spongebob-squarepants-name-origin-explained/ |access-date=March 23, 2025 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref>}} In choosing a replacement name, Hillenburg felt he still had to use the word "Sponge", so that viewers would not mistake the character for a "cheese man". He settled on the name "SpongeBob". The surname "SquarePants" was chosen after Kenny saw a picture of the character and remarked, "Boy, look at this sponge in square pants, thinking he can get a job in a fast food place." When he heard Kenny say it, Hillenburg loved the phrase and felt it would reinforce the character's nerdiness.{{sfn |Banks |2004 |page=30}}{{sfn |Neuwirth |2003 |page=51}}
====Assembling the crew==== Many of the major contributors to ''SpongeBob'' had previously worked with Hillenburg on ''Rocko's Modern Life'', including creative director Derek Drymon, art director Nick Jennings, supervising director Alan Smart, writer and voice actor Mr. Lawrence, and Tim Hill, who helped develop the series bible. Although Drymon would go on to have a significant influence on ''SpongeBob'', he was not offered a role on the series initially. As a late recruit to ''Rocko's'' ''Modern Life'', he had not established a strong relationship with Hillenburg prior to ''SpongeBob''{{'}}s development. Hillenburg first sought to recruit Drymon's storyboard partner, Mark O'Hare, but he had recently created the soon-to-be syndicated comic strip, ''Citizen Dog'', and lacked the time to get involved with ''SpongeBob'', although he would later join the series as a writer. Drymon begged Hillenburg for a job, and after Hillenburg gave it some thought, he brought Drymon on as creative director. The two began meeting at Hillenburg's house several times a week to develop the series. According to Drymon, this occurred in 1996, shortly after the end of ''Rocko's Modern Life''.<ref name="OralHistory" />
Nick Jennings was also instrumental in ''SpongeBob''{{'}}s genesis, and was described by Kenny as an "early graphics mentor".<ref name="OralHistory"/> On weekends, Kenny joined Hillenburg, Jennings, and Drymon for creative sessions where they recorded ideas on a tape recorder. Kenny performed audio tests as SpongeBob during these sessions, while Hillenburg voiced the other characters.{{sfn |Banks |2004 |page=31}}<ref name="OralHistory"/> Tim Hill contributed scripts for the pilot and several first-season episodes, and was offered the role of story editor. He turned down the offer, and Pete Burns was hired instead.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref>{{cite episode |title=Help Wanted |series=SpongeBob SquarePants |network=Nickelodeon |airdate=May 1, 1999 |season=1 |number=1a |credits=Writers: Stephen Hillenburg, Derek Drymon, Tim Hill}}</ref><ref>{{cite episode |title=Reef Blower |series=SpongeBob SquarePants |network=Nickelodeon |airdate=May 1, 1999 |season=1 |number=1b |credits=Writers: Stephen Hillenburg, Derek Drymon, Tim Hill}}</ref><ref>{{cite episode |title=Bubble Stand |series=SpongeBob SquarePants |network=Nickelodeon |airdate=July 17, 1999 |season=1 |number=2a |credits=Writers: Ennio Torresan, Erik Wiese, Stephen Hillenburg, Derek Drymon, and Tim Hill}}</ref><ref>{{cite episode |title=Jellyfishing |series=SpongeBob SquarePants |network=Nickelodeon |airdate=July 31, 1999 |season=1 |number=3a |credits=Writers: Steve Fonti, Chris Mitchell, Peter Burns, and Tim Hill}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Tim Hill biography |url=https://www.tribute.ca/people/tim-hill/3103/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110412101523/https://www.tribute.ca/people/tim-hill/3103/ |archive-date=April 12, 2011 |access-date=July 2, 2017 |work=tribute.ca |publisher=Tribute}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=About – Our Artists – Tim Hill |url=http://skylighttheatrecompany.com/about-us/our-artists/536-tim-hill-the-owners-closet.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731015838/http://skylighttheatrecompany.com/about-us/our-artists/536-tim-hill-the-owners-closet.html |archive-date=July 31, 2017 |access-date=July 2, 2017 |work=Skylight Theatre Company}}</ref><ref name="OralHistory" />}}
====Pitching==== When pitching the idea for the series to Nickelodeon executives, Drymon said the ''SpongeBob'' crew "went all out" because they thought the pilot would only be accepted if the executives laughed. Hillenburg wore a Hawaiian shirt, brought along a terrarium containing models of the characters, and played Hawaiian music to set the tone. Executive Eric Coleman described the pitch as "pretty amazing"; his colleagues Kevin Kay and Albie Hecht had to step outside because they were exhausted from laughing. Drymon expected the executives to take weeks to make a decision, but they offered to fund the pilot episode immediately. The crew was given two weeks to write the pilot, titled "Help Wanted".<ref name="Origin" />
Before commissioning the full series, Nickelodeon insisted that it would only be popular if SpongeBob was a child who went to school. The studio felt their popular shows, such as ''Hey Arnold!'', demonstrated that this approach was a formula for success.<ref name="tbivision">{{cite web |last=White |first=Peter |date=October 27, 2009 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants' creator Steve Hillenburg |url=https://tbivision.com/2009/10/27/spongebob-squarepants-creator-steve-hillenburg/7414/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511213743/https://tbivision.com/2009/10/27/spongebob-squarepants-creator-steve-hillenburg/7414/ |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |access-date=October 7, 2023 |website=Television Business International |publisher=Informa Telecoms & Media}}</ref> Hillenburg was ready to abandon the series, since he wanted SpongeBob to be an adult, but he compromised by adding a new character, Mrs. Puff, a boat-driving teacher whose school SpongeBob would attend. Hillenburg was satisfied with the compromise and happy that it brought in a new character.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="Big Pop Fun" /><ref>{{Cite book |last= |url=http://archive.org/details/time-sponge-bob-square-pants-the-global-icon-2025 |title=TIME Special Edition - SpongeBob SquarePants: The Global Icon |date=2025 |publisher=Time}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Miller-Zarneke |first=Tracey |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/SpongeBob_SquarePants_The_Art_of_an_Unde/-au7EQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22having+SpongeBob+be+a+student%22&pg=PA46&printsec=frontcover |title=SpongeBob SquarePants: The Art of an Undersea World |date=2026-03-03 |publisher=IDW Publishing |language=en}}</ref>}}
===Executive producers and showrunners=== Hillenburg served as the executive producer of the series from its debut in 1999 until his death in 2018. He was its showrunner from 1999 until 2004. Hillenburg halted production of the show in 2002 to work on the feature film ''The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie'', which he intended to be the series finale. However, the show's massive financial success led to its continuation.<ref name="OralHistory" /> Hillenburg appointed Paul Tibbitt, who had previously served as a writer, director, and storyboard artist, to take over as showrunner.<ref name="Tibbitt">{{cite web |last=Fletcher |first=Alex |date=April 3, 2011 |title=Paul Tibbitt ('SpongeBob SquarePants') |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/interviews/a312387/paul-tibbitt-spongebob-squarepants.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031235346/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/interviews/a312387/paul-tibbitt-spongebob-squarepants.html |archive-date=October 31, 2013 |access-date=May 25, 2013 |work=Digital Spy}}</ref> He considered Tibbitt one of his favorite crew members, and deeply trusted him.<ref name="Hilleburg1">{{cite video |title=The First 100 Episodes — Square Roots: The Story of ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' |date=2009 |medium=DVD |publisher=Paramount Home Entertainment |people=Hillenburg, Stephen}}</ref><ref name="Childhood" /> Although Hillenburg no longer had a direct role in the series' production, he maintained an advisory role and reviewed each episode.<ref name="Huffington">{{cite news |last=Bauder |first=David |date=July 13, 2009 |title=SpongeBob Turns 10 Valued At $8 Billion |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/14/spongebob-turns-10-valued_n_231304.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208163834/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/14/spongebob-turns-10-valued_n_231304.html |archive-date=February 8, 2016 |work=Huffington Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 13, 2009 |title=Nickelodeon's 'SpongeBob SquarePants' Reaches A Milestone: 10 Years |url=http://www.accesshollywood.com/nickelodeons-spongebob-squarepants-reaches-a-milestone-10-years_article_20514 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030154235/http://www.accesshollywood.com/nickelodeons-spongebob-squarepants-reaches-a-milestone-10-years_article_20514 |archive-date=October 30, 2014 |access-date=May 25, 2013 |work=Access Hollywood}}</ref>
In December 2014, it was announced that Hillenburg would return to the series in an unspecified position.<ref>{{cite web |last=Amidi |first=Amid |author-link=Amid Amidi |date=December 13, 2014 |title='SpongeBob' Creator Stephen Hillenburg Returning to His Show |url=http://www.cartoonbrew.com/tv/spongebob-creator-stephen-hillenburg-returning-to-his-show-106935.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214083136/http://www.cartoonbrew.com/tv/spongebob-creator-stephen-hillenburg-returning-to-his-show-106935.html |archive-date=December 14, 2014 |access-date=December 17, 2014 |work=Cartoon Brew}}</ref> In March 2017, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and on November 26, 2018, at the age of 57, he died of complications from the disease.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="Variety">{{cite web |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=November 27, 2018 |title='SpongeBob Squarepants' Creator Stephen Hillenburg Dies at 57 |url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-dead-dies-stephen-hillenburg-1203037362/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201084613/https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-dead-dies-stephen-hillenburg-1203037362/ |archive-date=December 1, 2018 |access-date=November 26, 2018 |work=Variety}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Wallenstein |first=Andrew |date=March 13, 2017 |title='SpongeBob SquarePants' Creator Stephen Hillenburg Reveals ALS Diagnosis |url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-stephen-hillenburg-reveals-als-diagnosis-1202007865/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314030811/http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-stephen-hillenburg-reveals-als-diagnosis-1202007865/ |archive-date=March 14, 2017 |access-date=November 27, 2018 |magazine=Variety}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |number=1067913022822334464 |user=Nickelodeon |title=The show isn't cancelled. Steve Hillenburg's creations will continue to bring joy to kids and families everywhere 💛 |author=Nickelodeon |author-link=Nickelodeon |date=November 28, 2018 |access-date=July 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/X8mWt |archive-date=October 31, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>}} In February 2019, incoming Nickelodeon president Brian Robbins vowed to keep ''SpongeBob'' in production for as long as the network exists.<ref name="brianrobbins">{{cite web |last=Steinberg |first=Brian |date=February 14, 2019 |title='SpongeBob' Spinoffs Planned as Nickelodeon Chief Brian Robbins Tries to Win Back Young Viewers (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/nickelodeon-brian-robbins-spongebob-lego-paddington-john-cena-1203139534/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214214303/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/nickelodeon-brian-robbins-spongebob-lego-paddington-john-cena-1203139534/ |archive-date=February 14, 2019 |access-date=February 20, 2019 |work=Variety}}</ref> As of 2024, former writers and storyboard directors Vincent Waller and Marc Ceccarelli are serving as the series' showrunners.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Victoria |date=July 17, 2024 |title=Vincent Waller and Marc Ceccarelli Talk 25 Years of ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' |url=https://www.awn.com/animationworld/vincent-waller-and-marc-ceccarelli-talk-25-years-spongebob-squarepants |access-date=2026-02-20 |website=Animation World Network |language=en}}</ref>
===Writing=== According to writer and storyboard artist Luke Brookshier, ''SpongeBob'' is written differently from many other television shows—it does not use written scripts.<ref name="Producing">{{cite web |date=September 23, 2009 |title=Interview with Luke Brookshier, ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' Storyboard Director |url=http://www.4mations.tv/2009/09/interview-with-luke-brookshier-spongebob-squarepants-storyboard-director/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323112314/http://www.4mations.tv/2009/09/interview-with-luke-brookshier-spongebob-squarepants-storyboard-director/ |archive-date=March 23, 2012 |access-date=May 23, 2013 |publisher=4Mations}}</ref><ref name="StevenB">{{cite web |last=Zahed |first=Ramin |date=July 24, 2009 |title=Bikini Bottom Confessions |url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/bikini-bottom-confessions/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110315064118/http://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/bikini-bottom-confessions/ |archive-date=March 15, 2011 |access-date=May 28, 2013 |work=Animation Magazine}}</ref> Instead, storylines are developed by a team of five "outline and premise" writers. A two-page outline is then assigned to a team of storyboard directors, who produce a complete rough draft of the storyboard. Most of the dialogue and jokes are added during this stage.<ref name="OralHistory"/><ref name=Producing/> Brookshier has compared this process to how cartoons were made in the early days of animation.<ref name="Producing"/> Almost every episode is divided into two 11-minute segments, due to Hillenburg's belief that ''SpongeBob'' works better in short-form than in long-form.<ref name="Childhood" /> The writing staff often used their personal experiences as inspiration for storylines.<ref name="OralHistory" /><ref name="Childhood">{{cite news |last=Cavna |first=Michael |date=July 14, 2009 |title=The Interview: 'SpongeBob' Creator Stephen Hillenburg |url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2009/07/_tom_kenny_who_voices.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006111645/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2009/07/_tom_kenny_who_voices.html |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |access-date=May 25, 2013 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> For example, the episode "Sailor Mouth", in which SpongeBob and Patrick learn profanity and begin to swear profusely, was inspired by Drymon's childhood experience of getting into trouble for using the word "fuck" in front of his mother.<ref name="OralHistory" /><ref name="Childhood" />
===Voice actors=== {{further|List of SpongeBob SquarePants cast members|l1=List of ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' cast members|List of SpongeBob SquarePants guest stars|l2=List of ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' guest stars}}
==== Main cast ==== {{multiple image | total_width = 370 | direction = horizontal | align = right | footer = Left to right: Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), and Rodger Bumpass (Squidward) | image1 = Tom Kenny by Gage Skidmore 2.jpg | alt1 = A photograph of Tom Kenny | image2 = Bill Fagerbakke by Gage Skidmore.jpg | alt2 = A photograph of Bill Fagerbakke | image3 = Rodger Bumpass by Gage Skidmore.jpg | alt3 = A photograph of Rodger Bumpass }} * Tom Kenny as SpongeBob SquarePants, Gary, French Narrator and Patchy the Pirate * Bill Fagerbakke as Patrick Star<ref name="Star">{{cite web |last=Crump |first=Steve |date=March 19, 2009 |title=COLUMN: Do you remember Bill Fagerbakke? He's a star |url=http://magicvalley.com/news/local/article_77dc5ce6-783d-5532-baf1-b09328b232db.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103191106/http://magicvalley.com/news/local/article_77dc5ce6-783d-5532-baf1-b09328b232db.html |archive-date=January 3, 2013 |access-date=May 22, 2013 |work=Magic Valley}}</ref> * Rodger Bumpass as Squidward Tentacles * Clancy Brown as Mr. Krabs * Mr. Lawrence as Plankton, Potty the Parrot (starting in season 10), Larry the Lobster, Realistic Fish Head and Fred * Jill Talley as Karen * Carolyn Lawrence as Sandy Cheeks * Mary Jo Catlett as Mrs. Puff<ref name="aboutgroup"/> * Lori Alan as Pearl Krabs
Most one-off and background characters are voiced by Dee Bradley Baker, Sirena Irwin, Bob Joles, Mark Fite and Thomas F. Wilson.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/spongebob-squarepants/cast/1000085609/|title=SpongeBob SquarePants – Full Cast and Crew|website=TV Guide|access-date=January 30, 2026}}</ref>
==== Casting ==== As Hillenburg, Drymon and Hill were writing the pilot episode, Hillenburg was also conducting auditions for voice actors.<ref name="OralHistory" /><ref name="Fagerbakkevoice">{{cite web |last=Liu |first=Ed |date=November 11, 2013 |title=Being Patrick Star: Toonzone Interviews Bill Fagerbakke on ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' |url=http://www.toonzone.net/2013/11/patrick-star-toonzone-interviews-bill-fagerbakke-spongebob-squarepants/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219000346/http://www.toonzone.net/2013/11/patrick-star-toonzone-interviews-bill-fagerbakke-spongebob-squarepants/ |archive-date=December 19, 2013 |access-date=March 28, 2014 |work=Toon Zone}}</ref> Tom Kenny had previously worked with Hillenburg on ''Rocko's Modern Life,'' and Hillenburg liked the voice he had used for a minor character.<ref name="Radio" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Orlando |first1=Dana |date=March 17, 2003 |title=SpongeBob: the excitable, absorbent star of Bikini Bottom |url=http://www.sptimes.com/2003/03/17/Xpress/SpongeBob__the_excita.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320075638/http://www.sptimes.com/2003/03/17/Xpress/SpongeBob__the_excita.shtml |archive-date=March 20, 2017 |access-date=August 6, 2019 |work=St. Petersburg Times}}</ref> He approached Kenny about voicing SpongeBob, but Kenny had forgotten how to perform the voice; Hillenburg used a video clip from ''Rocko'' to remind him.<ref name="Radio" /><ref name="OralHistory" /> Nickelodeon insisted on auditioning more actors for the role of SpongeBob, but Hillenburg turned them down.<ref name="OralHistory" /> According to Kenny, Hillenburg described SpongeBob to him as childlike and naive, somewhere between an adult and a child.<ref name="OralHistory" /> The casting crew wanted SpongeBob to have an annoying laugh in the tradition of Popeye and Woody Woodpecker.<ref>{{cite news |date=December 30, 2002 |title=SpongeBob's Alter Ego |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/spongebobs-alter-ego/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921223746/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/12/27/earlyshow/leisure/celebspot/main534521.shtml?source=search_story |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |access-date=November 8, 2008 |work=CBS News|last=Morales|first=Tatiana}}</ref>
{{multiple image | total_width = 280 | direction = horizontal | align = right | footer = Left to right: Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs) and Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy Cheeks) | image1 = Clancy Brown.jpg | alt1 = A photograph of Clancy Brown | image3 = Carolyn Lawrence (cropped).jpg | alt3 = A photograph of Carolyn Lawrence }}
During Bill Fagerbakke's audition for Patrick, Hillenburg played him a portion of Kenny's performance as SpongeBob to serve as a counterpoint.<ref name="Fagerbakkevoice" /> Whenever Patrick is angry, Fagerbakke models his performance on the actress Shelley Winters.{{sfn |Banks |2004 |page=33}}<ref name="FagerbakkeInt">{{cite web |last=Douglas |first=Patrick |date=January 14, 2008 |title="Transformers:Animated"/"Spongebob Squarepants"/"Coach" – Bill Fagerbakke (2008) |url=http://www.thecultureshock.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=802&Itemid=44 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716231329/http://www.thecultureshock.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=802&Itemid=44 |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |access-date=May 22, 2013 |work=The Culture Shock}}</ref> Rodger Bumpass described his character Squidward as "a very nasally, monotone kind of guy." Bumpass found Squidward interesting due to his range of emotions, including frustration, apoplexy and sarcasm.<ref name="Bumpass">{{cite web |last=Reardon |first=Samantha |date=September 8, 2013 |title=Rodger Bumpass is Squidward Tentacles |url=http://georgiastatesignal.com/rodger-bumpass-is-squidward-tentacles/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328111302/http://georgiastatesignal.com/rodger-bumpass-is-squidward-tentacles/ |archive-date=March 28, 2014 |access-date=March 28, 2014 |work=The Signal}}</ref> Hillenburg modeled Mr. Krabs after his former manager at a seafood restaurant, whose strong Maine accent reminded Hillenburg of a pirate.<ref name="minipage">{{cite web |date=July 12, 2015 |title=What a Sponge! |url=http://nieonline.com/coloradonie/downloads/minipage/minipage7.15.15.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415104043/http://nieonline.com/coloradonie/downloads/minipage/minipage7.15.15.pdf |archive-date=April 15, 2017 |work=The Mini Page |publisher=Andrews McMeel Universal}}</ref> Clancy Brown added a slight Scottish accent to the "piratey" voice of the character.{{sfn|Beck|2013|pp=86–88}}
When the series began, Mr. Lawrence voiced a variety of minor characters, including Plankton, who was only meant to appear in one episode.<ref name="MrLawrenceInt">{{cite interview |last=Lawrence |first=Doug |subject-link=Mr. Lawrence |interviewer=Thomas F. Wilson |title=Big Pop Fun #22: Mr. Lawrence |medium=Podcast |url=http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/8/0/b/80ba5601f7d09e93/BPF22_Mr._Lawrence.mp3?c_id=4442198&expiration=1396087344&hwt=77616525493ac25efba1ba04f5cd6efc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227221747/http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/8/0/b/80ba5601f7d09e93/BPF22_Mr._Lawrence.mp3?c_id=4442198&expiration=1396087344&hwt=77616525493ac25efba1ba04f5cd6efc |archive-date=December 27, 2019 |format=mp3 |publisher=Nerdist Industries |date=April 2012}}</ref><ref name="OralHistory" /> According to Lawrence, Nickelodeon executives wanted Hillenburg to stunt-cast a celebrity for Plankton, but he declined.<ref name="MrLawrenceInt" /> Jill Talley, a Chicago native, uses a Midwestern accent for Karen.<ref name="aboutgroup">{{cite web |last=Basile |first=Nancy |date=January 30, 2016 |title='SpongeBob SquarePants' Cast: Who Does What Voice? |url=http://animatedtv.about.com/od/spongebobsquarepants/tp/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Cast.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412230115/http://animatedtv.about.com/od/spongebobsquarepants/tp/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Cast.htm |archive-date=April 12, 2013 |access-date=March 30, 2014 |work=About.com}}</ref> Electronic sound effects are added to create a robotic sound when she speaks.<ref>{{cite video |title=F.U.N. backstage featurette, Nautical Nonsense |date=2002 |medium=DVD |publisher=Paramount Home Entertainment |people=Lawrence, Doug}}</ref> Talley and Mr. Lawrence often improvise the dialogue of Plankton and Karen; Lawrence said improvisation is his favorite part of the job.<ref>{{cite interview |last=Lawrence |first=Doug |subject-link=Mr. Lawrence |interviewer=Andy Goodman |title=Andy interviews Mr Lawrence aka "the Slasher" |url=http://www.nicknz.co.nz/SpongeBob/Backstage/Blog/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100611022322/http://www.nicknz.co.nz/SpongeBob/Backstage/Blog/ |archive-date=June 11, 2010 |work=Nick NZ |date=2009}}</ref>
{{multiple images | total_width = 370 | direction = horizontal | align = right | image1 = Mr. Lawrence by Gage Skidmore.jpg | image2 = 41st Annie Awards, Jill Talley.jpg | footer = Left to right: Mr. Lawrence (Plankton), Jill Talley (Karen) and Lori Alan (Pearl) | alt1 = Photograph of Mr. Lawrence | alt2 = Photograph of Jill Talley | image3 = Lori Alan by Gage Skidmore.jpg | alt3 = Photograph of Lori Alan }}
During her audition for Pearl, Lori Alan was shown an early drawing of the characters and noted that Pearl was much larger than the others. She decided to express the character's size by making her voice deep and full in tone, while also incorporating the low sound of whale vocalizations. At the same time, Alan sought to make the teenage Pearl sound childlike, spoiled and lovable.<ref name="DCPt2">{{citation |last1=Alan |first1=Lori |title=SpongeBob panel discussion at Dragon Con 2016, part 2: Rodger Bumpass and Lori Alan |date=September 3, 2016 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6i83abE9W7k |last2=Bumpass |first2=Rodger |author-link1=Lori Alan |author-link2=Rodger Bumpass}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead YouTube link|date=February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite interview |last=Alan |first=Lori |subject-link=Lori Alan |interviewer=Kaori Takee |title=Lori Alan Interview |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1xqehTUUZw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/v1xqehTUUZw |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live |work=AfterBuzz TV |date=November 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
In addition to the main cast, some episodes feature guest voice performers. Recurring guest performers include Ernest Borgnine as Mermaid Man (1999–2012), Tim Conway as Barnacle Boy (1999–2019), Brian Doyle-Murray as the Flying Dutchman and Marion Ross as Grandma SquarePants.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref>{{cite news |last=Lloyd |first=Robert |date=July 9, 2012 |title=Ernest Borgnine: From Marty to McHale to Mermaid Man |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-xpm-2012-jul-09-la-et-st-ernest-borgnine-from-marty-to-mchale-to-mermaid-man-20120709-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024025247/http://articles.latimes.com/2012/jul/09/entertainment/la-et-st-ernest-borgnine-from-marty-to-mchale-to-mermaid-man-20120709 |archive-date=October 24, 2018 |access-date=May 2, 2013 |work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Tim Conway: Credits |url=https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/tim-conway/credits/176843 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080726180604/https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/tim-conway/credits/176843 |archive-date=July 26, 2008 |access-date=May 22, 2013 |work=TV Guide}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Brian Doyle-Murray: Credits |url=https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/brian-doyle-murray/credits/142746 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327064020/https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/brian-doyle-murray/credits/142746 |archive-date=March 27, 2009 |access-date=May 22, 2013 |work=TV Guide}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Marion Ross: Credits |url=https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/marion-ross/credits/164469 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100304103316/https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/marion-ross/credits/164469 |archive-date=March 4, 2010 |access-date=May 22, 2013 |work=TV Guide}}</ref>}} Notable guests with cameo appearances include David Bowie as Lord Royal Highness,{{efn|In the television film ''Atlantis SquarePantis''}} John Goodman as Santa,{{efn|In the episode "It's a SpongeBob Christmas!"}} Johnny Depp as the surf guru Jack Kahuna Laguna,{{efn|In the episode "SpongeBob SquarePants vs. The Big One"}} and Victoria Beckham as Queen Amphitrite.{{efn|In the episode "The Clash of Triton"}}{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref>{{cite news |date=October 11, 2006 |title=David Bowie goes out to sea for 'SpongeBob' |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2006-10-11-bowie-spongebob_x.htm?csp=27 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191130003017/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2006-10-11-bowie-spongebob_x.htm?csp=27 |archive-date=November 30, 2019 |access-date=May 27, 2013 |work=USA Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=October 11, 2006 |title=Bowie voices SpongeBob character |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6040098.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916103057/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6040098.stm |archive-date=September 16, 2020 |access-date=May 27, 2013 |publisher=BBC}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Moody |first=Annemarie |date=April 1, 2009 |title=Johnny Depp Teaches SpongeBob to Hang Ten in New TV Special |url=http://www.awn.com/news/television/johnny-depp-teaches-spongebob-hang-ten-new-tv-special |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110234542/http://www.awn.com/news/television/johnny-depp-teaches-spongebob-hang-ten-new-tv-special |archive-date=November 10, 2013 |access-date=May 28, 2013 |publisher=Animation World Network}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Thomas |first=Devon |date=June 17, 2010 |title=Victoria Beckham Lends Her Voice to "SpongeBob" |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/victoria-beckham-lends-her-voice-to-spongebob/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112081319/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-20008078-10391698.html |archive-date=November 12, 2013 |work=CBS News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 15, 2010 |title=Victoria Beckham to star in a new episode of ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/victoria-beckham-to-star-in-a-new-episode-228859 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620145930/https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/victoria-beckham-to-star-in-a-new-episode-228859 |archive-date=June 20, 2017 |access-date=May 29, 2013 |work=Daily Mirror}}</ref>}}
Voice recording sessions always include the full cast of actors, which gives ''SpongeBob'' a unique feeling according to Kenny.<ref name="OralHistory"/> For the first three seasons, Hillenburg and Drymon directed the actors. Andrea Romano became the voice director in the fourth season, and Kenny took over during the ninth.<ref name="OralHistory"/>
===Animation=== Until at least 2009, the production of ''SpongeBob'' was overseen at Nickelodeon Animation Studio in Burbank, California, with additional animation services carried out at Rough Draft Korea in Seoul.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="Childhood" /><ref name="Producing" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Richmond |first=Ray |date=January 15, 2004 |title=Special Report: Animation |url=http://www.roughdraftstudios.com/press/press_20040115.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080310222309/http://www.roughdraftstudios.com/press/press_20040115.html |archive-date=March 10, 2008 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref>}} The California crew would create storyboards, which would then be used as templates by the crew at Rough Draft, who would animate each scene by hand, color each cel on computers, and paint backgrounds.<ref name="Childhood" /><ref name="Producing" /> The final stages of production, including editing and adding music, would be completed in California.<ref name=Producing/>
During the first season, the series used cel animation. A shift was made the following year to digital ink and paint animation.<ref name="Tibbitt"/> Starting with the fifth season episode "Pest of the West" (2008), the crew began using drawing tablets, which allowed them to draw on computer screens and make immediate changes or undo mistakes. Background designer Kenny Pittenger noted that many of his colleagues did not like the tablets, preferring the immediacy of drawing on paper.<ref name="OralHistory" />
[[File:SpongeBob SquarePants characters by Screen Novelties.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Illustration of the show's character models with SpongeBob on the left | Screen Novelties created character models based on the works of Rankin/Bass for the show's stop-motion episodes.]] Since 2004, the ''SpongeBob'' crew has periodically collaborated with the Los Angeles-based animation studio Screen Novelties to create stop-motion sequences for special episodes. The studio produced a brief claymation scene for the climax of ''The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie'', followed by an opening sequence for the series' tenth anniversary special in 2009.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="Huff2">{{cite news |last=Hill |first=Jim |date=November 23, 2012 |title=New ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' Song Urges Shoppers Not to Be Jerks This Holiday Season |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-hill/spongebob-christmas-album_b_2175828.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170414081203/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-hill/spongebob-christmas-album_b_2175828.html |archive-date=April 14, 2017 |access-date=April 13, 2017 |work=The Huffington Post}}</ref><ref name="Production">{{cite web |last=Zahed |first=Ramin |date=November 21, 2012 |title=Stop Motion Casts a Spell on SpongeBob |url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/stop-motion-casts-a-spell-on-spongebob/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121212164211/http://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/stop-motion-casts-a-spell-on-spongebob/ |archive-date=December 12, 2012 |access-date=January 17, 2013 |work=Animation Magazine}}</ref>{{sfn |Priebe |2011 |pages=61–66}}}} The abominable snow mollusk, an octopus-like creature who acts as the antagonist of the episode "Frozen Face-Off", was also animated by the company using claymation.<ref name="AWN2012">{{cite web |last=Sarto |first=Dan |date=December 5, 2012 |title=A Stop-Motion SpongeBob Special Means Christmas Comes Early This Year |url=http://www.awn.com/animationworld/stop-motion-spongebob-special-means-christmas-comes-early-year |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102111308/http://www.awn.com/animationworld/stop-motion-spongebob-special-means-christmas-comes-early-year |archive-date=November 2, 2014 |access-date=April 13, 2017 |work=Animation World Network}}</ref>
In 2011, the ''SpongeBob'' team asked Screen Novelties to animate an entire episode—the holiday special "It's a SpongeBob Christmas!"—using stop motion animation. The episode reimagined the show's characters as if they were part of a Rankin/Bass holiday film.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="Goodman">{{cite news |last=Etkin |first=Jaimie |date=June 14, 2012 |title='SpongeBob SquarePants' Christmas Special: Stop-Motion 'It's A SpongeBob Christmas' With John Goodman |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/14/spongebob-squarepants-christmas-special_n_1597975.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024023057/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/14/spongebob-squarepants-christmas-special_n_1597975.html |archive-date=October 24, 2018 |access-date=December 14, 2012 |work=The Huffington Post}}</ref><ref name="DD">{{cite web |date=October 31, 2012 |title=Nickelodeon Debuts First Full-Length Stop-Motion Special, It's A SpongeBob Christmas!, Dec. 9, At 7:30 p.m. (ET/PT) |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nickelodeon-debuts-first-full-length-stop-motion-special-its-a-spongebob-christmas-dec-9-at-730-pm-etpt-176667241.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103175526/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nickelodeon-debuts-first-full-length-stop-motion-special-its-a-spongebob-christmas-dec-9-at-730-pm-etpt-176667241.html |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |access-date=May 8, 2013 |publisher=PR Newswire}}</ref><ref name="Huff2"/>}} Unconventional materials such as baking soda, glitter, wood chips and breakfast cereal were used to create sets for the episode.<ref name="Production2">{{cite web |last=Beck |first=Jerry |date=November 6, 2012 |title=It's A SpongeBob Stop-Mo Christmas |url=http://www.cartoonbrew.com/stop-motion/its-a-spongebob-stop-mo-christmas-72872.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113114929/http://www.cartoonbrew.com/stop-motion/its-a-spongebob-stop-mo-christmas-72872.html |archive-date=November 13, 2012 |access-date=January 17, 2013 |work=Cartoon Brew}}</ref> For their work on the holiday special, Screen Novelties earned one award and two nominations at the 30th Annie Awards, a nomination at the 2013 Golden Reel Awards, and a nomination at the 2013 Annecy International Animated Film Festival.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="Annie40">{{cite web |author=<!--Not stated--> |year=2013 |title=40th Annual Annie Awards Winners |url=http://annieawards.org/40thannieawards/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218133344/http://www.annieawards.org/40thannieawards |archive-date=February 18, 2014 |work=Annie Award |publisher=ASIFA-Hollywood}}</ref><ref name="GRA13a">{{cite web |last=Giardina |first=Carolyn |date=January 17, 2013 |title=Sound Editors Announce Golden Reel Nominees |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/race/golden-reel-nominees-413536 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116035440/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/race/golden-reel-nominees-413536 |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |access-date=April 15, 2013 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=TV series Official Selection |url=http://www.annecy.org/annecy-2013/festival/official-selection:c8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401141556/http://www.annecy.org/annecy-2013/festival/official-selection%3Ac8 |archive-date=April 1, 2013 |publisher=Annecy International Animated Film Festival}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Drew |date=February 5, 2015 |title=Review: Off-The-Wall And Trippy Sequel 'The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out Of Water' |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2015/02/review-off-the-wall-and-trippy-sequel-the-spongebob-movie-sponge-out-of-water-267418/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128162242/https://www.indiewire.com/2015/02/review-off-the-wall-and-trippy-sequel-the-spongebob-movie-sponge-out-of-water-267418/ |archive-date=January 28, 2017 |access-date=April 13, 2017 |work=IndieWire |publisher=Penske Media Corporation}}</ref>}} A second stop-motion special, themed around Halloween and using the same Rankin/Bass-inspired character models, was produced for season 11.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nickelodeon Poland Sitemap |url=http://www.nick.com.pl/sitemap.xml.gz |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413154646/http://www.nick.com.pl/sitemap.xml.gz |archive-date=April 13, 2017 |work=Nickelodeon Poland |publisher=Viacom International, Inc.}}</ref><ref>:{{cite web |last=Prapuolenis |first=Kaz |author-link=Kaz Prapuolenis |date=April 6, 2017 |title=Kaz Prapuolenis on Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BSkU8kLgjOG/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BSkU8kLgjOG |archive-date=December 23, 2021 |access-date=April 13, 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
===Music=== Mark Harrison and Blaise Smith composed the ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' theme song, with lyrics written by Hillenburg and Drymon. The melody was inspired by the sea shanty "Blow the Man Down".{{Sfn|Neuwirth|2003|pp=50–51}} The opening sequence of each episode features "Painty the Pirate", a character in an oil painting who sings the theme song.{{Sfn|Neuwirth|2003|pp=50–51}}<ref name="Radio" /> Patrick Pinney voices Painty, while Hillenburg's lips are superimposed onto the painting and move along with the lyrics.<ref name="Radio" /> Kenny joked that the lips are the closest fans will ever come to seeing Hillenburg, due to his private nature.{{Sfn|Neuwirth|2003|pp=50–51}}
A cover of the theme song by Avril Lavigne can be found on ''The'' ''SpongeBob SquarePants Movie'' soundtrack.<ref name="Bands">{{cite magazine |last=Mar |first=Alex |date=October 1, 2004 |title=Avril Sings "SpongeBob" |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/avril-sings-spongebob-20041001 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923091020/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/avril-sings-spongebob-20041001 |archive-date=September 23, 2013 |access-date=May 22, 2013 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=October 1, 2004 |title=Avril Lavigne on ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' |url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/upcoming_releases/avril_lavigne_on_spongebob_squarepants.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070104005123/http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/upcoming_releases/avril_lavigne_on_spongebob_squarepants.html |archive-date=January 4, 2007 |access-date=May 22, 2013 |publisher=Ultimate-Guitar}}</ref> Another cover by the Violent Femmes aired on Nickelodeon as a promotion when ''SpongeBob'' moved to prime time.<ref>{{cite web |last=Barker |first=Rayanna |date=June 22, 2001 |title=A Conversation With Brian Ritchie |url=http://www.rockzone.com/interviews/femmes.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130815213049/http://www.rockzone.com/interviews/femmes.shtml |archive-date=August 15, 2013 |work=Rock Zone}}</ref> Steve Belfer wrote and performed the music heard during the end credits of each episode.<ref name="OralHistory" />
The series' music editor and main composer is Nicolas Carr. After working with Hillenburg on ''Rocko's Modern Life'', he struggled to find another job in his field. He was considering a career change before Hillenburg offered him the role of composer for ''SpongeBob''. The first season's score primarily featured selections from the Associated Production Music Library (APML), which Carr has said includes "lots of great old corny Hawaiian music and big, full, dramatic orchestral scores." Carr said he tries to make the show's music "as funny and ridiculous as possible."<ref name="OralHistory" />
Hillenburg felt it was important for the series to develop its own music library, consisting of scores that could be reused and re-edited throughout the years. He wanted these scores to be composed by unknowns, and a group of twelve was assembled. They formed "The Sponge Divers Orchestra", which includes Carr, Belfer, and Gary Stockdale.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=Songview Search|url=https://repertoire.bmi.com/|access-date=July 27, 2024|website=BMI}}</ref> The group went on to provide most of the music for later seasons, although Carr still draws from the APML, as well as a library he founded himself—Animation Music Inc.<ref name="OralHistory"/>
==Release==
===Broadcast=== {{Main|List of SpongeBob SquarePants episodes|l1 = List of ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' episodes}}
''SpongeBob'' ''SquarePants'' premiered on May 1, 1999, and is now in its 16th season.{{:List of SpongeBob SquarePants episodes}} ===Home video=== {{Further|List of SpongeBob SquarePants home video releases{{!}}List of ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' home video releases}}
''SpongeBob SquarePants'' DVD releases are distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment under the Nickelodeon label. {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+''SpongeBob SquarePants'' DVD releases ! rowspan="2" scope="col" |Season ! colspan="3" scope="col" |DVD release date |- ! scope="col" |Region 1 ! scope="col" |Region 2 ! scope="col" |Region 4 |- ! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |1 |October 28, 2003<ref>{{Cite web |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'' – Season 1 |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/releases/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Season-1/3068 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725222026/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/releases/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Season-1/3068 |archive-date=July 25, 2013 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |publisher=TV Shows on DVD}}</ref> |November 7, 2005<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 7, 2005 |title=''SpongeBob'' – Season 1 (Animated) (Box Set) (DVD) |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spongebob-Season-Animated-Box-Set/dp/B000B64VJO |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619142531/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spongebob-Season-Animated-Box-Set/dp/B000B64VJO |archive-date=June 19, 2010 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |publisher=Amazon.co.uk}}</ref> |November 30, 2006<ref>{{Cite web |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'': Season 1 |url=http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/dvd/dvd-genres/kids-family/spongebob-squarepants-season-1/264276 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100308154448/http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/dvd/dvd-genres/kids-family/spongebob-squarepants-season-1/264276 |archive-date=March 8, 2010 |access-date=October 29, 2013 |publisher=JB Hi-Fi}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |2 |October 19, 2004<ref>{{Cite web |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'' – Season 2 |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/releases/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Season-2/3829 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022162408/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/releases/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Season-2/3829 |archive-date=October 22, 2012 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |publisher=TV Shows on DVD}}</ref> |October 23, 2006<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 23, 2006 |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'': the Complete Season 2 [DVD] |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000HWYG42 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016064108/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000HWYG42 |archive-date=October 16, 2013 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |publisher=Amazon.co.uk}}</ref> |November 30, 2006<ref>{{Cite web |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'': Season 2 |url=http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/dvd/dvd-genres/kids-family/spongebob-squarepants-season-2/264278 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712083116/http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/dvd/dvd-genres/kids-family/spongebob-squarepants-season-2/264278 |archive-date=July 12, 2012 |access-date=October 29, 2013 |publisher=JB Hi-Fi}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |3 |September 27, 2005<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=David |date=August 5, 2005 |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'' – 3rd Season Set Package: SpongeBob Is Cookin'! |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/SpongeBob-SquarePants/3842 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022153558/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/SpongeBob-SquarePants/3842 |archive-date=October 22, 2012 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |publisher=TV Shows on DVD}}</ref> |December 3, 2007<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 3, 2007 |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'': the Complete Season 3 [DVD] |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spongebob-Squarepants-Complete-Season-DVD/dp/B000VRGCW2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403132805/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spongebob-Squarepants-Complete-Season-DVD/dp/B000VRGCW2 |archive-date=April 3, 2013 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |publisher=Amazon.co.uk}}</ref> | style="padding:0 8px;" |November 8, 2007<ref>{{Cite web |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'': Season 3 |url=http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/dvd/dvd-genres/tv/spongebob-squarepants-season-3/282464 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102174142/http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/dvd/dvd-genres/tv/spongebob-squarepants-season-3/282464 |archive-date=November 2, 2013 |access-date=October 29, 2013 |publisher=JB Hi-Fi}}</ref> |- ! rowspan="2" scope="row" style="text-align:center" |4 |September 12, 2006<ref>{{Cite web |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'' – Season 4, Volume 1 |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/releases/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Season-4-Volume-1/5908 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022172024/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/releases/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Season-4-Volume-1/5908 |archive-date=October 22, 2012 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |publisher=TV Shows on DVD}}</ref> | rowspan="2" |November 3, 2008<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 3, 2008 |title=''SpongeBob'' Complete Season 4 Boxset [DVD] |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/SpongeBob-Complete-Season-Boxset-DVD/dp/B001CT3K2S |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090224221502/https://www.amazon.co.uk/SpongeBob-Complete-Season-Boxset-DVD/dp/B001CT3K2S |archive-date=February 24, 2009 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |publisher=Amazon.co.uk}}</ref> | rowspan="2" |November 7, 2008<ref>{{Cite web |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants''; S4 |url=http://www.sanity.com.au/products/2209683/Spongebob_Squarepants_S4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016062840/http://www.sanity.com.au/products/2209683/Spongebob_Squarepants_S4 |archive-date=October 16, 2013 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |publisher=Sanity}}</ref> |- |January 9, 2007<ref>{{Cite web |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'' – Season 4, Volume 2 |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/releases/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Season-4-Volume-2/6215 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022162422/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/releases/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Season-4-Volume-2/6215 |archive-date=October 22, 2012 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |publisher=TV Shows on DVD}}</ref> |- ! rowspan="2" scope="row" style="text-align:center" |5 |September 4, 2007<ref>{{Cite web |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'' – Season 5, Volume 1 |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/releases/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Season-5-Volume-1/6777 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022171442/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/releases/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Season-5-Volume-1/6777 |archive-date=October 22, 2012 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |publisher=TV Shows on DVD}}</ref> | rowspan="2" |November 16, 2009<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 16, 2009 |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'' – Season 5 [DVD] |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/SpongeBob-Squarepants-Season-5-DVD/dp/B002JPYIZW |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091105024645/https://www.amazon.co.uk/SpongeBob-Squarepants-Season-5-DVD/dp/B002JPYIZW |archive-date=November 5, 2009 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |publisher=Amazon.co.uk}}</ref> | rowspan="2" |December 3, 2009<ref>{{Cite web |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'' – Season 5 (Complete) (DVD) |url=http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/dvd/dvd-genres/tv/spongebob-complete-season-5/466518 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711052336/http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/dvd/dvd-genres/tv/spongebob-complete-season-5/466518 |archive-date=July 11, 2012 |access-date=November 2, 2013 |publisher=JB Hi-Fi}}</ref> |- |November 18, 2008<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=David |date=July 28, 2008 |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'' – Are Ya' Ready to Complete the 5th Season? Nick/Par Announces 'S5, V2' at Last! |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Season-5-Volume-2/10180 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004220015/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Season-5-Volume-2/10180 |archive-date=October 4, 2013 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |publisher=TV Shows on DVD}}</ref> |- ! rowspan="2" scope="row" style="text-align:center" |6 |December 8, 2009<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 9, 2009 |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'' Season 6 and Other Announced Releases |url=https://www.tvguide.com/DVD-News/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Season-1009539.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107151114/http://www.tvguide.com/dvd-news/spongebob-squarepants-season-1009539.aspx/ |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |website=TV Guide}}</ref> | rowspan="2" |November 29, 2010<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 29, 2010 |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'': Complete Season 6 [DVD] |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Complete-Season-DVD/dp/B003Y734D6 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |publisher=Amazon.co.uk |archive-date=May 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525025810/https://www.amazon.co.uk/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Complete-Season-DVD/dp/B003Y734D6 |url-status=live }}</ref> | rowspan="2" |December 2, 2010<ref>{{Cite web |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'' – Season 6: The Complete Collection (3 Disc Set) |url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/spongebob-squarepants-season-6-the-complete-collection-3-disc-set/dp/816489 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016065138/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/spongebob-squarepants-season-6-the-complete-collection-3-disc-set/dp/816489 |archive-date=October 16, 2013 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |publisher=EzyDVD}}</ref> |- |December 7, 2010<ref>{{Cite web |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'' – Season 6 |url=http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/dvd/dvd-genres/kids-family/spongebob-squarepants-season-6/578155 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112083819/http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/dvd/dvd-genres/kids-family/spongebob-squarepants-season-6/578155 |archive-date=November 12, 2013 |access-date=November 2, 2013 |publisher=JB Hi-Fi}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |7 |December 6, 2011<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=David |date=September 12, 2011 |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'' – Nickelodeon/Paramount Announces a 'Complete 7th Season' 4-DVD Set |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Season-7/15919 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020142020/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Season-7/15919 |archive-date=October 20, 2012 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |publisher=TV Shows on DVD}}</ref> |September 17, 2012<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 17, 2012 |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'': The Complete 7th Season DVD |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spongebob-Squarepants-Complete-7th-Season/dp/B008BHVPI0/ |access-date=December 29, 2012 |publisher=Amazon.co.uk |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203070211/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spongebob-Squarepants-Complete-7th-Season/dp/B008BHVPI0/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |September 12, 2012<ref>{{Cite web |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'': Season 7 |url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/spongebob-squarepants-season-7/dp/6117363 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016062345/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/spongebob-squarepants-season-7/dp/6117363 |archive-date=October 16, 2013 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |publisher=EzyDVD}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'': Season 7 |url=http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/dvd/dvd-genres/kids-family/spongebob-squarepants-season-7/670709 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110064401/http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/dvd/dvd-genres/kids-family/spongebob-squarepants-season-7/670709 |archive-date=November 10, 2013 |access-date=October 29, 2013 |publisher=JB Hi-Fi}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |8 |March 12, 2013<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 25, 2007 |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'' DVD news: Announcement for ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' – Season 8 |url=http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Season-8/17849 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121214013249/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Season-8/17849 |archive-date=December 14, 2012 |access-date=December 29, 2012 |publisher=TV Shows On DVD}}</ref> |October 28, 2013<ref>{{Cite web |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'' – Season 8 [DVD] |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spongebob-Squarepants-Season-8-DVD/dp/B00DW679G2/ |access-date=September 12, 2013 |website=Amazon.co.uk |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109032720/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spongebob-Squarepants-Season-8-DVD/dp/B00DW679G2/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |October 30, 2013<ref>{{Cite web |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'' – Season 8 |url=http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/dvd/dvd-genres/kids-family/spongebob-squarepants-season-8/691656 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109021721/http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/dvd/dvd-genres/kids-family/spongebob-squarepants-season-8/691656 |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |access-date=November 8, 2013 |publisher=JB Hi-Fi}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |9 |October 10, 2017<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 24, 2017 |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'' DVD news: Announcement for Season 9 |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Season-9/23492 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170726031454/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Season-9/23492 |archive-date=July 26, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |publisher=TV Shows On DVD}}</ref> | {{N/A|TBA}} |October 7, 2020<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spongebob Squarepants – Season 9 |url=https://www.sanity.com.au/products/2531310/Spongebob-Squarepants---Season-9 |website=Sanity |access-date=July 23, 2020 |archive-date=October 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025023500/https://www.sanity.com.au/products/2531310/Spongebob-Squarepants---Season-9 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |10 |October 15, 2019<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 15, 2019 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants: The Complete Tenth Season |url=https://www.amazon.com/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Complete-Tenth-Season/dp/B07VDMN6V1 |access-date=August 4, 2019 |website=Paramount Home Media Distribution |via=Amazon.com |archive-date=August 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807090253/https://www.amazon.com/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Complete-Tenth-Season/dp/B07VDMN6V1 |url-status=live }}</ref> | {{N/A|TBA}} |October 7, 2020<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spongebob Squarepants – Season 10 |url=https://www.sanity.com.au/products/2531311/Spongebob-Squarepants---Season-10 |website=Sanity |access-date=July 23, 2020 |archive-date=October 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025031017/https://www.sanity.com.au/products/2531311/Spongebob-Squarepants---Season-10 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |11 |March 31, 2020<ref>{{Cite web |title=SpongeBob SquarePants: The Complete Eleventh Season Widescreen, 3 Pack, Dubbed, Amaray Case on DeepDiscount |url=http://www.deepdiscount.com/spongebob-squarepants-the-complete-eleventh-season/032429334718 |website=DeepDiscount |access-date=February 20, 2021 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308140411/https://www.deepdiscount.com/spongebob-squarepants-the-complete-eleventh-season/032429334718 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 5, 2021 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants: The Complete Eleventh Season |url=https://www.amazon.com/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Complete-Eleventh-Season/dp/B083XX43Q2/ref=bmx_gn9rv1cn_1/145-7537396-9599730?pd_rd_w=ib9ra&pf_rd_p=102ddb68-db8b-4386-90ae-25b75caef39e&pf_rd_r=SK4CQQ1TV8N5KEWBE9H4&pd_rd_r=20f7641d-1731-4ac2-bc9b-14952f549067&pd_rd_wg=zQ2BA&pd_rd_i=B083XX43Q2&psc=1 |via=Amazon |access-date=June 17, 2021 |archive-date=March 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312092450/https://www.amazon.com/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Complete-Eleventh-Season/dp/B083XX43Q2/ref=bmx_gn9rv1cn_1/145-7537396-9599730?pd_rd_w=ib9ra&pf_rd_p=102ddb68-db8b-4386-90ae-25b75caef39e&pf_rd_r=SK4CQQ1TV8N5KEWBE9H4&pd_rd_r=20f7641d-1731-4ac2-bc9b-14952f549067&pd_rd_wg=zQ2BA&pd_rd_i=B083XX43Q2&psc=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> | {{N/A|TBA}} |October 7, 2020<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spongebob Squarepants – Season 11 |url=https://www.sanity.com.au/products/2531312/Spongebob-Squarepants---Season-11 |website=Sanity |access-date=July 23, 2020 |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129012244/https://www.sanity.com.au/products/2531312/Spongebob-Squarepants---Season-11 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- ! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |12 |January 12, 2021<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 12, 2021 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants: The Complete Twelfth Season |url=https://www.amazon.com/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Complete-Twelfth-Season/dp/B08M2LSD3D/ref=pd_sbs_1/145-7537396-9599730?pd_rd_w=RlJEp&pf_rd_p=43345e03-9e2a-47c0-9b70-a50aa5ecbd5c&pf_rd_r=WHZHVT1JMMQBDH4EWYQQ&pd_rd_r=7f70c6c9-2b6c-4705-a9f5-a07af7753615&pd_rd_wg=SzlA3&pd_rd_i=B08M2LSD3D&psc=1 |via=Amazon |access-date=June 17, 2021 |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202033430/https://www.amazon.com/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Complete-Twelfth-Season/dp/B08M2LSD3D/ref=pd_sbs_1/145-7537396-9599730?pd_rd_w=RlJEp&pf_rd_p=43345e03-9e2a-47c0-9b70-a50aa5ecbd5c&pf_rd_r=WHZHVT1JMMQBDH4EWYQQ&pd_rd_r=7f70c6c9-2b6c-4705-a9f5-a07af7753615&pd_rd_wg=SzlA3&pd_rd_i=B08M2LSD3D&psc=1 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SpongeBob SquarePants: The Complete Twelfth Season [DVD] |url=https://b2b.dealsareus.ca/spongebob-squarepants-the-complete-twelfth-season-dvd |website=DealsAreUs |access-date=June 17, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195642/https://b2b.dealsareus.ca/spongebob-squarepants-the-complete-twelfth-season-dvd |url-status=live }}</ref> | {{N/A|TBA}} | {{N/A|TBA}} |- ! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |13 |December 5, 2023<ref>{{Cite web |title=SpongeBob SquarePants: The Complete Thirteenth Season |url=https://www.amazon.com/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Complete-Thirteenth-Season/dp/B0CHYTVT7G |access-date=September 21, 2023 |via=Amazon |archive-date=December 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210232946/https://www.amazon.com/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Complete-Thirteenth-Season/dp/B0CHYTVT7G |url-status=live }}</ref> | {{N/A|TBA}} | {{N/A|TBA}} |- ! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |14 |November 19, 2024<ref>{{Cite web |title=SpongeBob SquarePants: The Complete Fourteenth Season |url=https://www.amazon.com/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Complete-Fourteenth-Season/dp/B0DFZGPXQV/ |access-date=September 16, 2024 |via=Amazon |archive-date=September 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916175722/https://www.amazon.com/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Complete-Fourteenth-Season/dp/B0DFZGPXQV/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | {{N/A|TBA}} | {{N/A|TBA}} |- ! scope="row" style="text-align:center" |15 |November 11, 2025<ref>{{Cite web |title=SpongeBob SquarePants: Season 15 (DVD) |url=https://www.target.com/p/spongebob-squarepants-season-15-dvd/-/A-1005032306 |access-date=July 26, 2025 |via=Target |archive-date=September 8, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250908183508/https://www.target.com/p/spongebob-squarepants-season-15-dvd/-/A-1005032306 |url-status=live }}</ref> | {{N/A|TBA}} | {{N/A|TBA}} |}
=== Streaming === In May 2013, a deal between Netflix and Nickelodeon's parent company Viacom expired, which resulted in shows such as ''SpongeBob'' and ''Dora the Explorer'' being removed from Netflix in the United States, although ''SpongeBob'' continues to be available on Netflix in certain other regions.''<ref name="over">{{cite web |last=Poggi |first=Jeanine |date=June 4, 2013 |title=Netflix Deal Over, Viacom Takes ''Dora'' and ''SpongeBob'' to Amazon Prime |url=https://adage.com/article/media/amazon-signs-exclusive-deal-stream-viacom-shows/241846 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610182358/https://adage.com/article/media/amazon-signs-exclusive-deal-stream-viacom-shows/241846 |archive-date=June 10, 2013 |access-date=July 31, 2020 |work=Ad Age}}</ref>''<ref name="NotRenew">{{cite news |last=Wallenstein |first=Andrew |date=April 22, 2013 |title=Viacom and Netflix to Scale Down SVOD Deal |url=https://variety.com/2013/digital/news/viacom-and-netflix-to-scale-down-svod-deal-1200407086/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007110309/https://variety.com/2013/digital/news/viacom-and-netflix-to-scale-down-svod-deal-1200407086/ |archive-date=October 7, 2020 |access-date=May 26, 2013 |newspaper=Variety}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Roettgers |first=Janko |date=May 23, 2013 |title=Adios, Dora: Netflix is starting to take Viacom shows offline |url=http://paidcontent.org/2013/05/23/no-more-dora-spongebob-on-netflix/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607183520/http://paidcontent.org/2013/05/23/no-more-dora-spongebob-on-netflix/ |archive-date=June 7, 2013 |access-date=May 26, 2013 |publisher=paidContent}}</ref><ref name="Flixboss">{{Cite web |title=Is ''SpongeBob SquarePants (1999)'' on Netflix? |url=https://ca.flixboss.com/series/spongebob-squarepants-70155547 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219090848/https://ca.flixboss.com/series/spongebob-squarepants-70155547 |archive-date=December 19, 2018 |access-date=July 31, 2020 |website=Flixboss}}</ref> In June of that year, Viacom announced a $200 million multi-year licensing agreement which would move its programs, including ''SpongeBob'', to Amazon.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 4, 2013 |title=Dora, SpongeBob Swap Sides in Fickle Web-Video World |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324423904578525044270830934 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008171408/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324423904578525044270830934 |archive-date=October 8, 2020 |access-date=June 5, 2013 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Moscariloto |first=Angela |date=June 4, 2013 |title=Amazon Inks Streaming Deal for Viacom Shows Like Dora, SpongeBob |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2419901,00.asp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219090858/https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2419901,00.asp |archive-date=December 19, 2018 |access-date=June 5, 2013 |magazine=PCMag.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Barr |first=Alistair |date=June 4, 2013 |title=Amazon writes biggest streaming video check for Dora, SpongeBob |url=http://www.denverpost.com/technology/ci_23385278/amazon-writes-biggest-streaming-video-check-dora-spongebob |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304082026/http://www.denverpost.com/technology/ci_23385278/amazon-writes-biggest-streaming-video-check-dora-spongebob |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=June 5, 2013 |work=Denver Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=June 4, 2013 |title=Amazon swipes SpongeBob from Netflix in most expensive deal yet |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_23385964/amazon-swipes-spongebob-from-netflix-most-expensive-deal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606165437/http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_23385964/amazon-swipes-spongebob-from-netflix-most-expensive-deal |archive-date=June 6, 2013 |access-date=June 5, 2013 |work=The Mercury News}}</ref> ''SpongeBob'' was available on Hulu from 2012 until 2016, and on Amazon Prime Video after the Netflix deal ended.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Rome |first=Emily |date=October 9, 2012 |title=Nickelodeon shows now available to watch on Hulu Plus |url=https://ew.com/article/2012/10/09/nickelodeon-hulu-plus/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215154106/https://ew.com/article/2012/10/09/nickelodeon-hulu-plus/ |archive-date=February 15, 2015 |access-date=July 31, 2020 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}</ref><ref name="over" /> In 2020, ''SpongeBob'' became available on Paramount+.<ref name="Deadline-KK-CBS">{{cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=July 30, 2020 |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'' Spinoff ''Kamp Koral'' Shifts To CBS All Access As Nickelodeon Library Shows Arrive |url=https://deadline.com/2020/07/spongebob-squarepants-spinoff-kamp-koral-shifts-to-cbs-all-access-as-nickelodeon-library-shows-arrive-1202998734/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730191630/https://deadline.com/2020/07/spongebob-squarepants-spinoff-kamp-koral-shifts-to-cbs-all-access-as-nickelodeon-library-shows-arrive-1202998734/ |archive-date=July 30, 2020 |access-date=July 30, 2020 |work=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref><ref name="TFC-PR-CBS">{{cite press release |title=ViacomCBS Debuts Expanded and Enhanced CBS All Access |date=July 30, 2020 |publisher=CBS |url=http://thefutoncritic.com/news/2020/07/30/viacomcbs-debuts-expanded-and-enhanced-cbs-all-access-370101/20200730cbs01/ |via=The Futon Critic |access-date=July 31, 2020}}</ref> As of June 2025, the first six seasons of the series are available on Amazon, and the first 14 seasons are available on Paramount+.<ref>{{cite web |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'' – Where to Stream and Watch |url=https://decider.com/show/spongebob-squarepants/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013042936/https://decider.com/show/spongebob-squarepants/ |archive-date=October 13, 2014 |access-date=June 12, 2025 |work=Decider}}</ref>
=== Anniversaries === {{quote box | align = right | width = 27em | style = max-width:40% | quote = Ten years. I never imagined working on the show to this date and this long...I really figured we might get a season and a cult following, and that might be it. | source = —Stephen Hillenburg<ref name="Washington Post 10th Anniversary">{{cite news |last=Cavna |first=Michael |date=July 14, 2009 |title=Absorbent And Yellow And Beloved At 10 Is He |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/13/AR2009071303240.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112073445/http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2009-07-14/news/36923802_1_stephen-hillenburg-sponge-character-squidward-tentacles |archive-date=November 12, 2013 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> }}
Nickelodeon began celebrating the series' 10th anniversary on January 18, 2009, with a live cast reading of the episode "SpongeBob vs. The Big One" at the Sundance Film Festival.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="Reuters 10th Anniversary">{{cite news |date=January 19, 2009 |title=Nickelodeon Taps Patrick Creadon and Christine O'Malley to Produce First-Ever SpongeBob... |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2009/01/19/idUS145869+19-Jan-2009+PRN20090119 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140825100641/https://www.reuters.com/article/2009/01/19/idUS145869%2B19-Jan-2009%2BPRN20090119 |archive-date=August 25, 2014 |work=Reuters}}</ref><ref name="IGN 10th Anniversary">{{cite web |last=Goldman |first=Eric |date=January 9, 2009 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants Meets Johnny Depp – TV News at IGN |url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/943/943426p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090217111940/http://tv.ign.com/articles/943/943426p1.html |archive-date=February 17, 2009 |access-date=September 14, 2010 |publisher=Tv.ign.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Moody |first=Annemarie |date=April 1, 2009 |title=Johnny Depp Teaches SpongeBob to Hang Ten in New TV Special |url=http://www.awn.com/news/johnny-depp-teaches-spongebob-hang-ten-new-tv-special |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027160859/http://www.awn.com/news/johnny-depp-teaches-spongebob-hang-ten-new-tv-special |archive-date=October 27, 2014 |access-date=November 2, 2014 |work=Animation World Network}}</ref><ref name="PopMatters 10th Anniversary">{{cite magazine |last=Bubbeo |first=Daniel |date=July 13, 2009 |title='SpongeBob SquarePants' celebrates 10 years of nautical nonsense |url=https://www.popmatters.com/pm/article/108120-spongebob-squarepants-celebrates-10-years-of-nautical-nonsense/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717003015/http://www.popmatters.com/pm/article/108120-spongebob-squarepants-celebrates-10-years-of-nautical-nonsense/ |archive-date=July 17, 2009 |magazine=PopMatters}}</ref>}} In July, the Madame Tussauds wax museum in New York unveiled a wax sculpture of SpongeBob, which made him the first animated character to be sculpted entirely out of wax.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref>{{cite web |last=Snook |first=Raven |date=July 6, 2009 |title=Yellow fever: SpongeBob figure to debut at Madame Tussauds |url=https://www.timeout.com/new-york-kids/tony-kids-blog/yellow-fever-spongebob-figure-to-debut-at-madame-tussauds |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203020651/http://www.timeout.com/new-york-kids/tony-kids-blog/yellow-fever-spongebob-figure-to-debut-at-madame-tussauds |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=May 23, 2013 |work=Timeout}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Singer |first=Bret |date=July 15, 2009 |title=SpongeBob Debuts at Madame Tussauds |url=http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/15/see-spongebob-at-madame-tussauds-for-free/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090719054354/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/15/see-spongebob-at-madame-tussauds-for-free/ |archive-date=July 19, 2009 |access-date=May 23, 2013 |work=Parent Dish}}</ref><ref name="Pendant" /><ref>{{cite web |date=July 11, 2009 |title=Madame Tussauds is Bonkers for SpongeBob |url=http://www.momtrends.com/2009/07/madame-tussauds-is-bonkers-for-spongebob/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728231350/http://www.momtrends.com/2009/07/madame-tussauds-is-bonkers-for-spongebob/ |archive-date=July 28, 2013 |access-date=May 23, 2013 |work=Mom Trends}}</ref>}} A documentary about the series, ''Square Roots: The Story of SpongeBob SquarePants'', premiered on VH1 on July 14.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="Washington Post 10th Anniversary" /><ref name="Reuters 10th Anniversary" /><ref name="IGN 10th Anniversary" /><ref name="PopMatters 10th Anniversary" /><ref name="UPI 10th Anniversary">{{cite web |date=January 19, 2009 |title='SpongeBob' documentary on its way |url=http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2009/01/19/SpongeBob-documentary-on-its-way/UPI-79001232406610/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215111057/http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2009/01/19/SpongeBob-documentary-on-its-way/UPI-79001232406610/ |archive-date=December 15, 2013 |access-date=December 15, 2013 |publisher=United Press International}}</ref><ref name="New York Daily News">{{cite news |last=Hinckley |first=David |date=July 13, 2009 |title='SpongeBob SquarePants' gets closer look on VH1 with 10th anniversary documentary on Nickelodeon hit |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/spongebob-squarepants-closer-vh1-10th-anniversary-documentary-nickelodeon-hit-article-1.426636 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |work=New York Daily News}}</ref>}} Three days later, the network celebrated the series' official anniversary with a 50-hour television marathon titled "The Ultimate SpongeBob SpongeBash Weekend". It began with a new episode, "To SquarePants or Not to SquarePants". The marathon also featured a broadcast of ''The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie,'' a countdown of the top ten episodes as selected by fans, and the premiere of ten new episodes.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="Reuters 10th Anniversary" /><ref>{{cite web |date=June 24, 2009 |title=Nickelodeon Celebrates 10 Years of Pop Culture Icon ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nickelodeon-celebrates-10-years-of-pop-culture-icon-spongebob-squarepants-61867637.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112073723/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nickelodeon-celebrates-10-years-of-pop-culture-icon-spongebob-squarepants-61867637.html |archive-date=November 12, 2013 |access-date=May 19, 2013 |publisher=PR Newswire}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=June 24, 2009 |title=Ultimate SpongeBob SpongeBash Weekend – Raving Toy Maniac – The Latest News and Pictures from the World of Toys |url=http://www.toymania.com/news/messages/11311.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091219214234/http://www.toymania.com/news/messages/11311.shtml |archive-date=December 19, 2009 |access-date=September 14, 2010 |publisher=Toymania.com}}</ref>}} An eight-episode DVD set featuring "To SquarePants or Not to SquarePants" was released shortly after the marathon, and a 14-disc DVD set titled ''The First 100 Episodes'' was released in September.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref>{{cite web |last=Lambert |first=David |date=April 21, 2009 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants — To SquarePants or Not to SquarePants Debuts in July's 100-ep Marathon, Then on DVD |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/SpongeBob-SquarePants-To-SP-or-Not-to-SP/11747 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427162005/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/SpongeBob-SquarePants-To-SP-or-Not-to-SP/11747 |archive-date=April 27, 2015 |work=tvshowsondvd.com}}</ref><ref name="First 100 Episodes article">{{cite web |last=Lambert |first=David |date=April 28, 2009 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants – 'First 100 Episodes' 5-Season DVD Set Arrives with New Extras this Autumn |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/SpongeBob-SquarePants-The-First-100-Episodes/11781 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206075924/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/SpongeBob-SquarePants-The-First-100-Episodes/11781 |archive-date=December 6, 2013 |publisher=TV Shows on DVD}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=SpongeBob SquarePants — The First 100 Episodes (Seasons 1–5) |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/releases/SpongeBob-SquarePants-100-Episodes-Seasons-1-5/9154 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101100209/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/releases/SpongeBob-SquarePants-100-Episodes-Seasons-1-5/9154 |archive-date=November 1, 2013 |publisher=TV Shows on DVD}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Shaffer |first=R.L. |date=September 21, 2009 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants: The First 100 Episodes DVD Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/09/21/spongebob-squarepants-the-first-100-episodes-dvd-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921152827/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/09/21/spongebob-squarepants-the-first-100-episodes-dvd-review |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |website=IGN}}</ref>}} On November 6, an hour-long television film, titled ''Truth or Square'', debuted on Nickelodeon. The film is narrated by Ricky Gervais and features live-action cameo appearances by various celebrities.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref>{{cite web |last=Zahed |first=Ramid |date=July 24, 2009 |title=Soaking in Festivities |url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/soaking-in-the-festivities/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328160647/http://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/soaking-in-the-festivities/ |archive-date=March 28, 2016 |access-date=May 19, 2013 |work=Animation Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 1, 2009 |title=Ricky Gervais, Will Ferrell and Robin Williams pay tribute to ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/ricky-gervais-will-ferrell-and-robin-williams-403690 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024021016/https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/ricky-gervais-will-ferrell-and-robin-williams-403690 |archive-date=October 24, 2012 |access-date=May 23, 2013 |work=Daily Mirror}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Maclntyre |first=April |date=October 14, 2009 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants ''Truth or Square'', Friday Nov. 6 |url=http://www.monstersandcritics.com/smallscreen/news/article_1506939.php/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Truth-or-Square-Friday-Nov-6 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112073718/http://www.monstersandcritics.com/smallscreen/news/article_1506939.php/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Truth-or-Square-Friday-Nov-6 |archive-date=November 12, 2013 |work=Monsters and Critics}}</ref>}} It was released as part of a DVD set in November 2009.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lambert |first=David |date=August 11, 2009 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants — Truth or Square Officially Announced: Package Art, Extras & More! |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Truth-or-Square/12462 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150105133819/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Truth-or-Square/12462 |archive-date=January 5, 2015 |work=tvshowsondvd.com}}</ref>
In 2019, Nickelodeon honored the twentieth anniversary of ''SpongeBob'' with a series of celebrations known as the "Best Year Ever".<ref name="celebrate 20 years">{{cite web |last=Brown |first=Tracy |date=February 11, 2019 |title='SpongeBob Squarepants' to celebrate 20 years with the 'Best Year Ever' and a new movie |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/herocomplex/la-et-hc-spongebob-20th-best-year-ever-20190211-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212121031/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/herocomplex/la-et-hc-spongebob-20th-best-year-ever-20190211-story.html |archive-date=February 12, 2019 |access-date=August 20, 2019 |work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 12, 2019 |title=Nickelodeon Marks 20 Years of SpongeBob SquarePants with the "Best Year Ever" |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190211005682/en/Nickelodeon-Marks-20-Years-of-SpongeBob-SquarePants-with-the-%E2%80%9CBest-Year-Ever%E2%80%9D |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120114255/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190211005682/en/Nickelodeon-Marks-20-Years-of-SpongeBob-SquarePants-with-the-%E2%80%9CBest-Year-Ever%E2%80%9D |archive-date=January 20, 2021 |access-date=December 7, 2020 |website=www.businesswire.com}}</ref> Pantone created color shades known as "SpongeBob SquarePants Yellow" and "Patrick Star Pink" to be used by Nickelodeon's licensing partners.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="gets artsy">{{cite web |last=Foster |first=Elizabeth |date=May 30, 2019 |title=SpongeBob gets artsy for 20th anniversary |url=http://kidscreen.com/2019/05/30/spongebob-gets-artsy-for-20th-anniversary/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531103943/http://kidscreen.com/2019/05/30/spongebob-gets-artsy-for-20th-anniversary/ |archive-date=May 31, 2019 |access-date=August 21, 2019 |work=Kidscreen}}</ref><ref name="Pantone">{{cite web |date=May 30, 2019 |title=Nickelodeon and The Pantone Color Institute Launch SpongeBob Yellow and Patrick Star Pink in Commemoration of SpongeBob's 20th Anniversary |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190530005850/en/Nickelodeon-Pantone-Color-Institute-Launch-SpongeBob-Yellow |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605050947/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190530005850/en/Nickelodeon-Pantone-Color-Institute-Launch-SpongeBob-Yellow |archive-date=June 5, 2019 |access-date=August 21, 2019 |work=Business Wire}}</ref><ref name="Behind the Business">{{cite web |last=Owen |first=Rob |date=July 10, 2019 |title=Behind the Business of 'SpongeBob's Big Birthday Blowout' |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/features/spongebob-squarepants-big-birthday-bash-20-festivities-nickelodeon-slime-sdcc-live-action-1203260059/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714064146/https://variety.com/2019/tv/features/spongebob-squarepants-big-birthday-bash-20-festivities-nickelodeon-slime-sdcc-live-action-1203260059/ |archive-date=July 14, 2019 |access-date=August 21, 2019 |work=Variety}}</ref>}} SpongeBob-themed garments were presented during New York Fashion Week and Amsterdam Fashion Week, and Nike released a SpongeBob series of shoes, accessories, and apparel.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="Celebrates 20 Years">{{cite web |last=Milligan |first=Mercedes |date=February 12, 2019 |title=Nickelodeon Celebrates 20 Years of 'SpongeBob SquarePants' with "Best Year Ever" |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/events/nickelodeon-celebrates-20-years-of-spongebob-squarepants-with-best-year-ever/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213052454/https://www.animationmagazine.net/events/nickelodeon-celebrates-20-years-of-spongebob-squarepants-with-best-year-ever/ |archive-date=February 13, 2019 |access-date=August 20, 2019 |work=Animation Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Taylor |first=Anna |date=February 15, 2019 |title=Cynthia Rowley Creates SpongeBob SquarePants Birthday Wetsuit |url=https://www.danspapers.com/2019/02/cynthia-rowley-spongebob-squarepants/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216064205/https://www.danspapers.com/2019/02/cynthia-rowley-spongebob-squarepants/ |archive-date=February 16, 2019 |access-date=August 21, 2019 |work=Dan's Papers}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=August 10, 2019 |title=How Kanye West changed sneaker culture: Nike, Adidas don't need athletes to sell sports shoes now they've got celebrities |url=https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3021142/nike-vans-moschino-how-spongebob-squarepants-became |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803211300/https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3021142/nike-vans-moschino-how-spongebob-squarepants-became |archive-date=August 3, 2019 |access-date=August 21, 2019 |work=South China Morning Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Stubblebine |first=Allison |date=March 12, 2019 |title=SpongeBob Got A Haute Couture Makeover At Amsterdam Fashion Week |url=https://nylon.com/marlou-breuls-spongebob-squarepants |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403041014/https://nylon.com/marlou-breuls-spongebob-squarepants |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |access-date=August 21, 2019 |work=Nylon}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Crenshaw |first=Madeleine |date=March 14, 2019 |title=This Edgy Fashion Collection Is Inspired by SpongeBob SquarePants |url=https://footwearnews.com/2019/runway/womens/spongebob-squarepants-marlou-breuls-amsterdam-fashion-week-1202760501/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821180302/https://footwearnews.com/2019/runway/womens/spongebob-squarepants-marlou-breuls-amsterdam-fashion-week-1202760501/ |archive-date=August 21, 2019 |access-date=August 21, 2019 |work=footwearnews.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 24, 2019 |title=Kyrie Irving, Nike Go Under the Sea with SpongeBob |url=https://www.licenseglobal.com/apparel-accessories/kyrie-irving-nike-go-under-sea-spongebob |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726121730/https://www.licenseglobal.com/apparel-accessories/kyrie-irving-nike-go-under-sea-spongebob |archive-date=July 26, 2019 |access-date=August 21, 2019 |work=licenseglobal.com}}</ref>}} The "Best Year Ever" also included the launch of a SpongeBob-themed cosmetics line, an official SpongeBob YouTube channel and a mobile game based on the series.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="Behind the Business" /><ref name="Celebrates 20 Years" /><ref>{{cite web |author=Jacqueline Laurean Yates |date=July 18, 2019 |title=HipDot launches 'SpongeBob Squarepants' cosmetics collection |url=https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Style/hipdot-launches-spongebob-squarepants-cosmetics-collection/story?id=64413092 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719031807/https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Style/hipdot-launches-spongebob-squarepants-cosmetics-collection/story?id=64413092 |archive-date=July 19, 2019 |access-date=August 22, 2019 |work=ABC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Fasanella |first=Kaleigh |date=July 17, 2019 |title=A SpongeBob SquarePants Makeup Collection Is Here – and It's Surprisingly Wearable |url=https://www.allure.com/story/spongebob-squarepants-makeup-collection-hipdot-studios-eye-shadow-palettes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614170716/https://www.allure.com/story/spongebob-squarepants-makeup-collection-hipdot-studios-eye-shadow-palettes |archive-date=June 14, 2019 |access-date=August 22, 2019 |work=Allure}}</ref>}} On July 12, a television special titled ''SpongeBob's Big Birthday Blowout'' premiered.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="celebrate 20 years" /><ref name="Spin-off" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Keveney |first=Bill |date=February 11, 2019 |title='SpongeBob' goes live-action to celebrate 'Best Year Ever' 20th anniversary |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2019/02/11/spongebob-squarepants-adds-live-action-20th-anniversary/2843374002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212033527/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2019/02/11/spongebob-squarepants-adds-live-action-20th-anniversary/2843374002/ |archive-date=February 12, 2019 |access-date=August 20, 2019 |work=USA Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=June 18, 2019 |title='SpongeBob SquarePants' 20th Anniversary To Pop Confetti At San Diego Comic-Con |url=https://deadline.com/2019/06/spongebob-squarepants-san-diego-comic-con-20th-anniversary-1202634218/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630092536/https://deadline.com/2019/06/spongebob-squarepants-san-diego-comic-con-20th-anniversary-1202634218/ |archive-date=June 30, 2019 |access-date=August 21, 2019 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref>}} On July 15, Amazon celebrated ''SpongeBob'' on Amazon Prime Day with the early release of a 30-disc DVD set, ''SpongeBob SquarePants: The Best 200 Episodes Ever!'' <ref>{{cite web |last=Millgan |first=Mercedes |date=July 10, 2019 |title=Celebrate SpongeBob with Nick's 'Best 200 Episodes Ever' 30-Disc Set |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/home-entertainment/celebrate-spongebob-with-nicks-best-200-episodes-ever-30-disc-set/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711143102/https://www.animationmagazine.net/home-entertainment/celebrate-spongebob-with-nicks-best-200-episodes-ever-30-disc-set/ |archive-date=July 11, 2019 |access-date=August 22, 2019 |work=Animation Magazine}}</ref> The 20th anniversary celebrations culminated with the August 14 release of ''The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run''.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="celebrate 20 years" /><ref name="Spin-off" /><ref name="On the run August">{{cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=April 14, 2020 |title=''The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge On the Run'' Takes Over ''Infinite''s Early August Slot |url=https://deadline.com/2020/04/the-spongebob-movie-sponge-on-the-run-new-release-date-1202908177/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424193113/https://deadline.com/2020/04/the-spongebob-movie-sponge-on-the-run-new-release-date-1202908177/ |archive-date=April 24, 2020 |access-date=April 14, 2020 |work=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref>}}
A celebration of the series' 25th anniversary, known as "SpongeBob 25", began on July 13, 2024, with SpongeBob and Patrick hosting the Kids' Choice Awards. The following week, Nickelodeon released a series of ''SpongeBob'' episodes with Easter eggs and nods to previous episodes.{{cn|date=April 2026}} A collaboration with Wendy's and other restaurants called the ''Krabby Patty Kollab'' began in October, in which the restaurants created real-life Krabby Patties.<ref name="krabby patty kollab">{{Cite web |last=Buenahora |first=Andrés |date=October 2, 2024 |title=Krabby Patties Enter the Real World: 'SpongeBob SquarePants'-Themed Dishes Coming to Wendy's and Over 250 Other Restaurants |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/spongebob-squarepants-themed-burgers-wendys-restaurants-collaboration-1236162353/ |access-date=October 10, 2024 |website=Variety |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009054459/https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/spongebob-squarepants-themed-burgers-wendys-restaurants-collaboration-1236162353/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A one-hour television special, ''Kreepaway Kamp'', premiered on October 10.<ref name="krabby patty kollab" /> A 44-disc DVD compilation of three box sets, titled ''SpongeBob SquarePants: The Best 300 Episodes Ever'', was released on October 15.<ref name="300 episodes">{{Cite web |last=Alexa |first=Laurén |date=October 11, 2024 |title=2 New 'SpongeBob SquarePants' Collections Coming to DVD |url=https://www.awn.com/news/2-new-spongebob-squarepants-collections-coming-dvd |access-date=October 14, 2024 |website=Animation World Network |archive-date=December 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202205152/https://www.awn.com/news/2-new-spongebob-squarepants-collections-coming-dvd |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Reception==
=== Critical response === Laura Fries of ''Variety'' described ''SpongeBob'' as thoughtful, inventive, charming, whimsical, and "clever enough" to appeal to teenagers and young adults as well as children.<ref>{{cite news |last=Fries |first=Laura |date=July 14, 1999 |title=Review: 'SpongeBob SquarePants' |url=https://variety.com/1999/tv/reviews/spongebob-squarepants-1200458428/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012043436/https://variety.com/1999/tv/reviews/spongebob-squarepants-1200458428/ |archive-date=October 12, 2020 |access-date=December 27, 2013 |work=Variety}}</ref> James Poniewozik of ''Time'' magazine and Joyce Millman of ''The New York Times'' also praised ''SpongeBob'' for appealing to both children and adults.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Poniewozik |first=James |date=December 9, 2011 |title=Soaking Up Attention |url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,187600,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131229004630/http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C187600%2C00.html |archive-date=December 29, 2013 |access-date=December 27, 2013 |magazine=Time}}</ref> In her 2001 review, Millman called ''SpongeBob'' "the most charming toon on television", describing SpongeBob himself as "darned lovable" and referring to his world as "excellently strange". She said that like ''Pee-wee's Playhouse'', ''SpongeBob'' "joyfully dances on the fine line between childhood and adulthood, guilelessness and camp, the warped and the sweet."<ref>{{cite news |last=Millman |first=Joyce |date=July 8, 2001 |title=Television/Radio; The Gentle World Of a Joyful Sponge |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/08/arts/television-radio-the-gentle-world-of-a-joyful-sponge.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140115064047/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/08/arts/television-radio-the-gentle-world-of-a-joyful-sponge.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm |archive-date=January 15, 2014 |access-date=December 27, 2013 |work=The New York Times|url-access=subscription}}</ref> Robert Thompson, a professor of communications and director of the Center for the Study of Popular Television at Syracuse University, described the series as "a refreshing breath from the pre-irony era". He felt the show is subversive because it is deliberately naive, and since it is not trying to be hip or cool, "hipness can be grafted onto it".<ref>{{cite news |author=Zeller, Tom Jr. |author-link=Tom Zeller Jr. |date=July 21, 2002 |title=How to Succeed Without Attitude |url=https://www.nytimes.com/learning/students/pop/20020722snapmonday.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160831024626/http://www.nytimes.com/learning/students/pop/20020722snapmonday.html |archive-date=August 31, 2016 |access-date=December 27, 2013 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> Bettijane Levine of the ''Los Angeles Times'' also acknowledged the series' appeal for adults, describing it as a "brain balm for stressed-out grown-ups".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Levine |first1=Bettijane |date=April 7, 2002 |title=Adults Find Their Inner Sponge |url=https://www.latimes.com/features/lifestyle/la-040702spongebob.story |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030302082942/http://www.latimes.com/features/lifestyle/la-040702spongebob.story |archive-date=March 2, 2003 |access-date=December 6, 2016 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url-access=subscription}}</ref> === Ratings and run-length achievements === Within its first month on the air, ''SpongeBob'' overtook ''Pokémon'' as the highest rated Saturday-morning children's series on television.<ref>{{cite web |last=Montgomery |first=Ashley |date=May 1, 2024 |title=The iconic SpongeBob SquarePants made his TV debut 25 years ago |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/05/01/1247526187/spongebob-squarepants-anniversary-25-years |access-date=October 2, 2024 |work=NPR |archive-date=September 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930213508/https://www.npr.org/2024/05/01/1247526187/spongebob-squarepants-anniversary-25-years |url-status=live }}</ref> It held an average national Nielsen rating of 4.9 among children aged two through eleven, denoting 1.9 million viewers.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 23, 1999 |title=Nickelodeon.(rating of Nickelodeon's cartoon ''SpongeBob SquarePants'')(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included) |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-55581463.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610081516/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-55581463.html |archive-date=June 10, 2014 |work=Multichannel News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Number 101 |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/demystifying-the-s/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329031934/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/demystifying-the-s/ |archive-date=March 29, 2015 |work=TV by the Numbers}}</ref> Two years later, the series had firmly established itself as Nickelodeon's second highest-rated children's program, after ''Rugrats''. ''SpongeBob'' was credited with helping Nickelodeon take the "Saturday-morning ratings crown" for the third straight season in 2001.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 18, 2001 |title=Nick Retains Saturday Crown |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-75761403.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106075359/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-75761403.html |archive-date=November 6, 2013 |work=Broadcasting & Cable}}</ref> The series had gained a significant adult audience by that point—nearly 40 percent of its 2.2 million viewers were aged 18 to 34.<ref name="The Stretch">{{cite web |date=September 15, 2001 |title=The Stretch |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-78370194.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106075355/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-78370194.html |archive-date=November 6, 2013 |work=Rocky Mountain News |location=Denver, CO}}</ref> In response to its weekend success, Nickelodeon gave ''SpongeBob'' time slots at 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, to increase the series' exposure.<ref name="The Stretch" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Moore |first=Frazier |date=July 9, 2001 |title=Sponge Soaks Up Laughs On TV.(Living) |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-76426074.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924163424/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-76426074.html |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |work=The Cincinnati Post}}</ref> By the end of 2001, the show had the highest ratings for any children's series, on all of television.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="Hillenburg created">{{cite news |last1=Wilson |first1=Amy |date=February 17, 2002 |title=Stephen Hillenburg created the undersea world of SpongeBob |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122463401/stephen-hillenburg-created-the-undersea/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407211647/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122463401/stephen-hillenburg-created-the-undersea/ |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |access-date=April 7, 2023 |work=The Herald-Sun |page=58}}</ref><ref name="Stauffer">{{cite web |last=Stauffer |first=Cindy |date=May 17, 2002 |title=Grown-ups embrace a wacky, square sponge; There's just something about this sweet kids' cartoon that's attracting an adult audience. Local fans can't get enough of SpongeBob |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-9138807.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131108172353/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-9138807.html |archive-date=November 8, 2013 |work=Lancaster New Era}}</ref><ref name="peak of ratings">{{cite web |last=Moore |first=Frazier |date=October 21, 2002 |title='SpongeBob' rises from sea to peak of ratings: Nickelodeon show top-rated among kids aged 2 to 11 |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-9876189.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610081521/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-9876189.html |archive-date=June 10, 2014 |work=Charleston Daily Mail}}</ref>}} Weekly viewership of the series had reached around fifteen million, at least five million of whom were adults.<ref name="Hillenburg created" />
In October 2002, the Nickelodeon children's series ''The Fairly OddParents'' briefly surpassed ''SpongeBob''{{'}}s 2.4 million child viewers aged two to eleven.<ref name="FOP">{{cite web |last=Ryan |first=Suzanne C. |date=August 14, 2003 |title='Oddparents is Soaking Up Popularity of 'Spongebob' |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-7796026.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610081527/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-7796026.html |archive-date=June 10, 2014 |work=The Boston Globe}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Oei |first=Lily |date=October 28, 2002 |title='Fairly Odd' number puts 'SpongeBob' in second |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-94666940.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610081525/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-94666940.html |archive-date=June 10, 2014 |work=Daily Variety}}</ref> Due to the climbing ratings of ''The Fairly OddParents'', Nickelodeon installed it in an 8:00 PM time slot previously occupied by ''SpongeBob''.<ref name="FOP" /> In 2012, ''SpongeBob''{{'}}s viewership among children began to decline. Nielsen reported a 29% drop in viewership in the first quarter of 2012 compared with the previous year. John Jannarone of ''The Wall Street Journal'' suggested that the decline in viewership could be due to the age of the series, or to overexposure; with Nickelodeon frequently airing ''SpongeBob'' reruns, ''SpongeBob'' programming accounted for between 31–40% of the network's total programming in 2011.<ref name="WSJ">{{cite news |last=Jannarone |first=John |date=May 2, 2012 |title=Viacom's SpongeBob Crisis |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303990604577370510139597158 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009014533/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303990604577370510139597158 |archive-date=October 9, 2020 |access-date=May 26, 2013 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref> Media analyst Todd Juenger attributed the decline in network viewers to the availability of Nickelodeon content on streaming services such as Netflix.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="THRGardner">{{cite news |last=Gardner |first=Eriq |date=June 12, 2012 |title=Analyst: Nickelodeon Might Be in Danger of Being Dropped by Some TV Distributors |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/nickelodeon-viacom-336290 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007085444/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/nickelodeon-viacom-336290 |archive-date=October 7, 2020 |access-date=December 5, 2013 |work=HollywoodReporter.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Szalai |first=Georg |date=May 3, 2013 |title=Viacom CEO Defends Nickelodeon's Netflix Deal Again |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/viacom-ceo-philippe-dauman-defends-nickelodeons-netflix-ratings-319904 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008160308/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/viacom-ceo-philippe-dauman-defends-nickelodeons-netflix-ratings-319904 |archive-date=October 8, 2020 |access-date=May 26, 2013 |newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref><ref name="Szalai-2013">{{cite news |last=Szalai |first=Georg |date=February 2, 2013 |title=Viacom CEO: Netflix Content Is Not Hurting Nickelodeon Ratings |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/viacom-ceo-netflix-content-not-hurting-nickelodeon-ratings-philippe-dauman-286605 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828192726/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/viacom-ceo-netflix-content-not-hurting-nickelodeon-ratings-philippe-dauman-286605 |archive-date=August 28, 2020 |access-date=May 26, 2013 |newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref>}} A Nickelodeon spokesman denied that ''SpongeBob''{{'}}s decline was related to the channel's overall ratings.<ref name="WSJ" /><ref name="Szalai-2013" />
''SpongeBob'' is one of the longest-running series on Nickelodeon, and one of the longest-running American animated series on television.<ref name="Pendant">{{cite news |last=Huff |first=Richard |date=December 14, 2009 |title='SpongeBob SquarePants' one of Nickelodeon's longest-running shows after nearly a decade |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/spongebob-squarepants-nickelodeon-longest-running-shows-decade-article-1.435311 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130121072606/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/spongebob-squarepants-nickelodeon-longest-running-shows-decade-article-1.435311 |archive-date=January 21, 2013 |access-date=May 23, 2013 |work=New York Daily News}}</ref> It became the Nickelodeon series with the most episodes during its eighth season, surpassing the 172 episodes of ''Rugrats'',<ref>{{cite web |date=January 15, 2011 |title=5 of the best |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-277305615.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610050540/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-277305615.html |archive-date=June 10, 2014 |work=Sunday Tribune}}</ref> and in 2025 became the longest-running American children's animated series.<ref name="Arthur"/> According to CNN, ''SpongeBob'' has become a fixture in pop culture, especially among millennials.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trammell |first=Kendall |date=May 5, 2019 |title=SpongeBob and the 7 life lessons he taught a generation |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/05/entertainment/spongebob-anniversary-trnd/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508223836/https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/05/entertainment/spongebob-anniversary-trnd/index.html |archive-date=May 8, 2023 |access-date=May 8, 2023 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>
=== Perceived decline in quality === In the mid-to-late 2000s, the tone and emphasis of the show began to change.<ref name="AV">{{cite web |last=Nellan |first=Dan |date=January 17, 2018 |title=Let's trace the rise, fall, and much later rebirth of Spongebob Squarepants |url=https://www.avclub.com/lets-trace-the-rise-fall-and-much-later-rebirth-of-sp-1822156489 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523095341/https://www.avclub.com/lets-trace-the-rise-fall-and-much-later-rebirth-of-sp-1822156489 |archive-date=May 23, 2018 |access-date=May 23, 2018 |work=The A.V. Club}}</ref> Some media outlets including MSN, ''The A.V. Club'', and ''Vulture'' commented on the show's perceived decline in quality, after Hillenburg's departure as showrunner following ''The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie'' in 2004.<ref name="MSN">{{cite web |last=Berr |first=Jonathan |date=May 4, 2012 |title=Viacom should pull the plug on SpongeBob |url=http://money.msn.com/top-stocks/post.aspx?post=942b02c6-e5b2-405d-bba8-277797fa7839 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505002658/http://money.msn.com/top-stocks/post.aspx?post=942b02c6-e5b2-405d-bba8-277797fa7839 |archive-date=May 5, 2012 |access-date=February 3, 2013 |work=MSN}}</ref><ref name="AV" /><ref name="Vulture">{{cite web |last=Jackson |first=Laurel Michelle |date=May 11, 2018 |title=How Did SpongeBob SquarePants Become the Most Meme-able TV Show? |url=https://www.vulture.com/2018/05/spongebob-squarepants-is-the-most-meme-able-tv-show.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511174238/https://www.vulture.com/2018/05/spongebob-squarepants-is-the-most-meme-able-tv-show.html |archive-date=May 11, 2018 |access-date=May 23, 2018 |work=Vulture}}</ref> In 2012, MSN cited a post on ''Encyclopedia SpongeBobia'', a Fandom-hosted wiki, which said that many fans felt the series had "jumped the shark" following the release of the film and that online fansites were becoming "deserted".<ref name="MSN" /> In 2018, ''Vulture'' noted the most popular online memes of the series typically originated in episodes from the first three seasons.<ref name="Vulture" /> That same year, ''The A.V. Club'' wrote that as the series went on, "[it] leaned hard into kid-friendly physical humor and gross-out moments that appealed to no one in particular."<ref name="AV" />
=== Social and political issues === ''SpongeBob'' has occasionally provoked public debates about social and political issues. In 2002, after ''The Wall Street Journal'' reported that ''SpongeBob'' was popular with gay men, Hillenburg stated that the character SpongeBob is not gay, but rather "somewhat asexual".<ref name="Camp Cartoon Star">{{cite news |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=October 9, 2002 |title=Camp cartoon star 'is not gay' |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2313221.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107044940/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/2313221.stm |archive-date=November 7, 2015 |access-date=June 11, 2007 |work=BBC News}}</ref>
In 2005, an online video that included clips from ''SpongeBob'' and other children's shows set to the Sister Sledge song "We Are Family" was attacked by Focus on the Family, an American evangelical group.<ref name="US right attacks">{{cite news |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=January 20, 2005 |title=US right attacks SpongeBob video |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4190699.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090315035331/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4190699.stm |archive-date=March 15, 2009 |access-date=June 11, 2007 |work=BBC News}}</ref><ref name="accuse">{{Cite news |date=January 22, 2005 |title=SpongeBob, Muppets and the Sister Sledge writer suffer criticism |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/television/2005-01-22-kids-video_x.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204112303/http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/2005-01-22-kids-video_x.htm |archive-date=February 4, 2012 |access-date=June 11, 2007 |work=USA Today |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> The group's founder, James Dobson, accused the video of promoting homosexuality because it was created by the We Are Family Foundation, a pro-tolerance group.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="accuse" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Silverman |first=Stephen M. |date=January 28, 2005 |title=SpongeBob Asexual, Not Gay: Creator |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,1021976,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080320034827/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,1021976,00.html |archive-date=March 20, 2008 |access-date=August 26, 2009 |work=People}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=January 29, 2005 |title=SpongeBob isn't gay or straight, creator says |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/world/spongebob-isnt-gay-or-straight-creator-says-232667 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308151628/https://www.iol.co.za/news/world/spongebob-isnt-gay-or-straight-creator-says-232667 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2008 |agency=Reuters}}</ref><ref name="Radio" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Chang |first=Pauline J. |date=January 28, 2005 |title=Dobson clarifies Pro-Gay SpongeBob Video Controversy |url=http://www.christianpost.com/article/20050128/20875.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070831200610/http://www.christianpost.com/article/20050128/20875.htm |archive-date=August 31, 2007 |access-date=June 11, 2007 |newspaper=The Christian Post}}</ref>}} Following Dobson's accusation, John H. Thomas, the general minister and president of the United Church of Christ, stated that his ministry would welcome SpongeBob. He said, "Jesus didn't turn people away. Neither do we."<ref>{{cite web |last=Till |first=Francis |date=February 4, 2005 |title=Ministry celebrates SpongeBob: Gay, happy, yellow, orange, whatever, he's welcome |url=http://www.nbr.co.nz/home/column_article.asp?id=11260&cid=1&cname=Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070627121737/http://www.nbr.co.nz/home/column_article.asp?id=11260&cid=1&cname=Media |archive-date=June 27, 2007 |access-date=June 11, 2007 |work=National Business Review}}</ref>
In his article "Queertoons", queer theorist Jeffery P. Dennis argues that SpongeBob and Patrick "are paired with arguably erotic intensity".{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref>{{cite journal |last=Dennis |first=Jeffery P. |date=June 2003 |title=Queertoons |url=http://www.icce.rug.nl/~soundscapes/VOLUME06/Queertoons.shtml |journal=Soundscapes |volume=6 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925124217/http://www.icce.rug.nl/~soundscapes/VOLUME06/Queertoons.shtml |archive-date=September 25, 2020 |access-date=December 17, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=Dennis |first=Jeffery P. |date=Fall 2003 |title=The Same Thing We Do Every Night: Signifying Same-Sex Desire in Television Cartoons |journal=Journal of Popular Film & Television |volume=31 |issue=3 |pages=132–140 |doi=10.1080/01956050309603674 |s2cid=192238843}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Goodman |first=Martin |date=March 10, 2004 |title=Deconstruction Zone – Part 2 |url=https://www.awn.com/animationworld/deconstruction-zone-part-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222053656/https://www.awn.com/animationworld/deconstruction-zone-part-2 |archive-date=February 22, 2014 |access-date=October 28, 2009 |work=Animation World Network}}</ref>}} The Ukrainian organization Family Under the Protection of the Holy Virgin, which was described as a "fringe Catholic" group by ''The Wall Street Journal'', tried to have ''SpongeBob'' banned for its alleged "promotion of homosexuality".<ref name="Ukraine">{{cite news |last=Marson |first=James |date=August 15, 2012 |title=Ukraine's Morality Police Probe 'Gay' SpongeBob |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/emergingeurope/2012/08/15/gay-spongebob-offends-ukraine-morality-commission/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823165928/https://blogs.wsj.com/emergingeurope/2012/08/15/gay-spongebob-offends-ukraine-morality-commission/ |archive-date=August 23, 2020 |access-date=February 2, 2014 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref> Questions about SpongeBob's sexuality resurfaced in 2020 after Nickelodeon posted an image on Twitter of the character in rainbow colors and with text celebrating the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ali |first=Rasha |date=June 13, 2020 |title=Nickelodeon's Pride Tweet Reignites Debate On SpongeBob's Sexual Orientation |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2020/06/13/nickelodeons-pride-tweet-reignites-debate-spongebobs-sexuality/3184582001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614000523/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2020/06/13/nickelodeons-pride-tweet-reignites-debate-spongebobs-sexuality/3184582001/ |archive-date=June 14, 2020 |access-date=June 19, 2020 |work=USA Today}}</ref>
The season 9 episode "SpongeBob, You're Fired" (2013) was the subject of a debate in the media about government services.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="firing">{{cite web |last=Bond |first=Paul |date=November 4, 2013 |title=SpongeBob's Firing Sparks Political Debate (Exclusive Video) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/spongebobs-firing-sparks-political-debate-652727 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423113122/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/spongebobs-firing-sparks-political-debate-652727 |archive-date=April 23, 2019 |access-date=May 1, 2017 |work=The Hollywood Reporter }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Weisman |first=Aly |title=SpongeBob Gets Fired From His Job Amid 'Harsh Underwater Economy' And Sparks A Real-Life Political Debate |url=https://www.chron.com/technology/businessinsider/article/SpongeBob-Gets-Fired-From-His-Job-Amid-Harsh-4954779.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209023651/https://www.chron.com/technology/businessinsider/article/SpongeBob-Gets-Fired-From-His-Job-Amid-Harsh-4954779.php |archive-date=December 9, 2013 |access-date=May 1, 2017 |website=Chron}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=October 31, 2013 |title=PoliticsNation: SpongeBob and the poor? |url=https://www.msnbc.com/politicsnation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203072138/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/45755884/vp/53429223/#53429223 |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=November 6, 2013 |publisher=MSNBC}}</ref>}} In 2019, University of Washington professor Holly M. Barker wrote an article titled "Unsettling SpongeBob and the legacies of violence on Bikini Bottom". She argued that because Bikini Bottom is named after Bikini Atoll, where indigenous people were displaced by the U.S. government for nuclear testing'', SpongeBob'' promotes "violent and racist" colonialism.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref>{{cite news |author=Roisin O'Connor |date=October 13, 2019 |title=Spongebob Squarepants promotes 'violent and racist' colonialism, university professor claims |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/spongebob-squarepants-violent-racist-colonialism-professor-holly-m-barker-a9153976.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220524/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/spongebob-squarepants-violent-racist-colonialism-professor-holly-m-barker-a9153976.html |archive-date=May 24, 2022 |access-date=December 25, 2021 |work=The Independent}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=No, SpongeBob SquarePants is not a violent colonialist |url=https://www.spiked-online.com/2019/10/30/no-spongebob-squarepants-is-not-a-violent-colonialist/ |access-date=April 19, 2025 |website=Spiked |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bailey |first=Brandon |date=October 12, 2019 |title=College professor says 'SpongeBob SquarePants' is violent and racist |url=https://cbsaustin.com/news/offbeat/college-professor-says-spongebob-squarepants-is-violent-and-racist |access-date=April 19, 2025 |website=KEYE |language=en}}</ref>}}
In 2021, the season 3 episode "Mid-Life Crustacean" was removed from circulation. Popular speculation is that the removal is due to its ending in which SpongeBob, Patrick, and Mr. Krabs partake in a panty raid. The release of a season 12 episode, "Kwarantined Krab", was delayed for two years because its themes were reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite web |last=Oneto |first=Petey |date=March 26, 2021 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants Episodes Pulled Over Storyline Concerns |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/spongebob-squarepants-episodes-pulled-over-storyline-concerns |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929132839/https://www.ign.com/articles/spongebob-squarepants-episodes-pulled-over-storyline-concerns |archive-date=September 29, 2023 |access-date=March 26, 2021 |work=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 27, 2022 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants: Kwarantined Krab (S13EP12 Nickelodeon Fri April 29, 2022) |url=https://www.memorabletv.com/episodes/spongebob-squarepants-kwarantined-krab-s13ep12-nickelodeon-fri-april-29-2022/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025095100/https://www.memorabletv.com/episodes/spongebob-squarepants-kwarantined-krab-s13ep12-nickelodeon-fri-april-29-2022/ |archive-date=October 25, 2022 |access-date=January 8, 2023}}</ref>
=== Effect on children === In 2006, the watchdog group Parents Television Council accused ''SpongeBob'' of promoting the use of profanity among children through the season 2 episode "Sailor Mouth".<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.parentstv.org/ptc/publications/reports/childrensstudy/childrensstudy.pdf |title=Wolves in Sheep's Clothing: A Content Analysis of Children's Television |last=Fyfe |first=Kristen |date=March 2, 2006 |publisher=Parents Television Council |access-date=August 5, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070809080108/http://www.parentstv.org/PTC/publications/reports/childrensstudy/childrensstudy.pdf |archive-date=August 9, 2007}}</ref>
A 2011 University of Virginia study published in the journal ''Pediatrics'' suggested that allowing preschool-aged children to watch ''SpongeBob'' caused short-term disruptions in mental function and attention span because of frequent shot changes, compared to control groups watching ''Caillou'' and drawing pictures.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Lillard |first1=Angeline |last2=Peterson |first2=Jennifer |date=2011 |title=The Immediate Impact of Different Types of Television on Young Children's Executive Function |journal=Pediatrics |volume=128 |issue=4 |pages=644–649 |doi=10.1542/peds.2010-1919 |pmc=9923845 |pmid=21911349 |doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Rochman |first=Bonnie |date=September 12, 2011 |title=Study: Fast-Moving Cartoons Like SpongeBob May Impair Kids' Focus |url=https://healthland.time.com/2011/09/12/do-your-kids-find-it-hard-to-focus-after-watching-spongebob-research-bears-that-out/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420202450/http://healthland.time.com/2011/09/12/do-your-kids-find-it-hard-to-focus-after-watching-spongebob-research-bears-that-out/ |archive-date=April 20, 2013 |access-date=May 22, 2013 |magazine=Time}}</ref> A Nickelodeon executive responded in an interview the series was not intended for an audience of that age and that the study used "questionable methodology and could not possibly provide the basis for any valid findings that parents could trust."<ref>{{cite news |date=September 12, 2011 |title=Study: Some cartoons are bad for children's brains |url=http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/09/12/study-some-cartoons-are-bad-for-childrens-brains/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525053636/http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/09/12/study-some-cartoons-are-bad-for-childrens-brains/ |archive-date=May 25, 2013 |access-date=May 22, 2013 |publisher=CNN}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Eryn |date=September 12, 2011 |title=SpongeBob impairs little kids' thinking, study finds |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2011-sep-12-la-heb-spongebob-squarepants-children-brain-20110912-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024030053/http://articles.latimes.com/2011/sep/12/news/la-heb-spongebob-squarepants-children-brain-20110912 |archive-date=October 24, 2018 |access-date=May 22, 2013 |work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Rabin |first=Roni Caryn |date=September 12, 2011 |title=Is ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' Bad for Children? |url=http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/12/is-spongebob-squarepants-bad-for-children/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112003752/https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/12/is-spongebob-squarepants-bad-for-children/ |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |access-date=May 22, 2013 |work=The New York Times}}</ref>
In 2014, Zabira Orazalieva, chairwoman of the Committee for the Protection of Children's Rights in Kazakhstan, deemed the series too violent for children, calling SpongeBob a "self-absorbed hooligan" who enjoys inflicting violence on others.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="Hartley-Parkinson-2014">{{cite news |last=Hartley-Parkinson |first=Richard |date=September 28, 2014 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants is a 'self-absorbed, violent hooligan', says Kazakhstan |url=https://metro.co.uk/2014/09/28/spongebob-squarepants-is-a-self-absorbed-violent-hooligan-says-kazakhstan-4884788/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807113011/https://metro.co.uk/2014/09/28/spongebob-squarepants-is-a-self-absorbed-violent-hooligan-says-kazakhstan-4884788/ |archive-date=August 7, 2020 |access-date=May 26, 2019 |work=Metro}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Chasmar |first=Jessica |date=September 28, 2014 |title=SpongeBob Squarepants promotes hooligan behavior, says Kazakhstan |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/sep/28/spongebob-squarepants-promotes-hooligan-behavior-s/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918152458/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/sep/28/spongebob-squarepants-promotes-hooligan-behavior-s/ |archive-date=September 18, 2020 |access-date=May 26, 2019 |work=The Washington Times}}</ref>}}
== Accolades == {{main|List of awards and nominations received by SpongeBob SquarePants|l1 = List of awards and nominations received by ''SpongeBob SquarePants''}}
''SpongeBob'' has received four Emmy Awards,{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="DEA10">{{cite web |title=The 37th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy® Award Nominations |url=http://www.emmyonline.org/mediacenter/_pdf/day_0910_nominations_v03.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112073407/http://www.emmyonline.org/mediacenter/_pdf/day_0910_nominations_v03.pdf |archive-date=November 12, 2013 |publisher=Academy of Television Arts & Sciences}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Winners of the 41st Annual Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy® Awards |url=http://cdn.emmyonline.org/day_41st_creative_arts_winners.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705034232/http://cdn.emmyonline.org/day_41st_creative_arts_winners.pdf |archive-date=July 5, 2014 |access-date=June 21, 2014 |publisher=Academy of Television Arts & Sciences}}</ref><ref name="2018emmy">{{cite web |last=Montgomery |first=Daniel |date=April 28, 2018 |title=2018 Daytime Emmy winners: Full list of Creative Arts Awards winners and nominees |url=http://www.goldderby.com/article/2018/2018-daytime-emmy-winners-full-list-creative-arts-awards-news-264817359/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428234904/http://www.goldderby.com/article/2018/2018-daytime-emmy-winners-full-list-creative-arts-awards-news-264817359/ |archive-date=April 28, 2018 |access-date=April 28, 2018 |work=GoldDerby}}</ref>}} six Annie Awards,{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="Annie32">{{cite web |title=32nd Annual Annie Award Nominees and Winners (2004) |url=http://annieawards.org/32ndwinners.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509064634/http://annieawards.org/32ndwinners.html |archive-date=May 9, 2008 |publisher=Annie Award}}</ref><ref name="Annie371">{{cite web |title=37th Annual Annie Nominations |url=http://www.annieawards.org/consideration.html#20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100124032256/http://www.annieawards.org/consideration.html |archive-date=January 24, 2010 |publisher=Annie Award}}</ref><ref name="Annie38">{{cite web |title=38th Annual Annie Nominations |url=http://www.annieawards.org/consideration.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110906082547/http://www.annieawards.org/consideration.html |archive-date=September 6, 2011 |access-date=May 21, 2013 |publisher=Annie Award}}</ref><ref name="Annie401">{{cite web |date=December 4, 2012 |title=Annie Award Nominations — A Real Race For Once |url=http://thefilmexperience.net/blog/2012/12/4/annie-award-nominations-a-real-race-for-once.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323062852/http://thefilmexperience.net/blog/2012/12/4/annie-award-nominations-a-real-race-for-once.html |archive-date=March 23, 2013 |access-date=April 13, 2013 |publisher=TheFilmExperience.net}}</ref><ref name="Annie402">{{cite news |date=February 2, 2013 |title=40th Annie Award nominees and winners list |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-xpm-2013-feb-02-la-et-mn-40th-annie-award-nominations-winners-list-20130202-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115171020/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/feb/02/entertainment/la-et-mn-40th-annie-award-nominations-winners-list-20130202 |archive-date=January 15, 2018 |access-date=May 23, 2013 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>}} and two BAFTA Children's Awards.<ref>{{cite web |title=Children's in 2007 |url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/2007/childrens |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305074253/http://awards.bafta.org/award/2007/childrens |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |access-date=April 1, 2014 |work=British Academy Children's Awards |publisher=British Academy of Film and Television Arts}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Children's in 2012 |url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/2012/childrens |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305082901/http://awards.bafta.org/award/2012/childrens/ |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |access-date=April 1, 2014 |work=British Academy Children's Awards |publisher=British Academy of Film and Television Arts}}</ref> In 2006, ''IGN'' ranked ''SpongeBob'' the 15th best animated series of all time, and in 2013 it ranked the series 12th on its list of the Top 25 Animated Series for Adults.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref>{{cite web |date=September 28, 2006 |title=15. ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/29/top-25-primetime-animated-series-of-all-time?page=3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923030609/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/29/top-25-primetime-animated-series-of-all-time?page=3 |archive-date=September 23, 2012 |access-date=December 31, 2013 |website=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 15, 2013 |title=The Top 25 Animated Shows for Adults |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/07/15/top-25-animated-shows-for-adults?page=3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723190001/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/07/15/top-25-animated-shows-for-adults?page=3 |archive-date=July 23, 2013 |access-date=December 4, 2013 |website=IGN}}</ref><ref name="IGN">{{cite web |title=Nickelodeon: ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' |url=http://uk.tv.ign.com/top-100-animated-tv-series/15.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620010829/http://uk.tv.ign.com/top-100-animated-tv-series/15.html |archive-date=June 20, 2012 |access-date=December 29, 2012 |website=IGN}}</ref>}}
In 2007, ''Time'' television critic James Poniewozik ranked ''SpongeBob'' among the best 100 television series of all time.<ref name="alltime100">{{cite magazine |author=Poniewozik, James |date=August 14, 2007 |title=All-TIME 100 TV shows: ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' |url=http://entertainment.time.com/2007/09/06/the-100-best-tv-shows-of-all-time/slide/spongebob-squarepants-2/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111022130006/http://entertainment.time.com/2007/09/06/the-100-best-tv-shows-of-all-time/slide/spongebob-squarepants-2/ |archive-date=October 22, 2011 |access-date=May 11, 2013 |magazine=Time}}</ref> Viewers of UK television network Channel 4 voted ''SpongeBob'' the 28th Greatest Cartoon in a 2004 poll.<ref>{{cite web |title=The 100 Greatest Cartoons – Results |url=http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/G/greatest/cartoons/results.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090520014452/http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/G/greatest/cartoons/results.html |archive-date=May 20, 2009 |publisher=Channel 4.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The 100 Greatest Cartoons – The Show |url=http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/G/greatest/cartoons/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090422100525/http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/G/greatest/cartoons/index.html |archive-date=April 22, 2009 |publisher=Channel 4.com}}</ref> In 2013, the publication ranked ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' eighth on its list of the Greatest TV Cartoons of All Time.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 24, 2013 |title=TV Guide Magazine's 60 Greatest Cartoons of All Time |url=https://www.tvguide.com/News/Greatest-Cartoons-TV-Guide-Magazine-1071203.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710095501/https://www.tvguide.com/news/greatest-cartoons-tv-guide-magazine-1071203/ |archive-date=July 10, 2018 |access-date=December 4, 2013 |work=TV Guide}}</ref> Critics Alan Sepinwall and Matt Zoller Seitz ranked ''SpongeBob'' as the 22nd greatest American television series of all time in their 2016 book ''TV (The Book)''.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref>{{cite news |last1=Champagne |first1=Christine |date=August 31, 2016 |title=Two Critics Pick The All-Time Best TV Shows. And They Know You Already Hate Their List |url=https://www.fastcocreate.com/3063291/two-critics-pick-the-all-time-best-tv-shows-and-they-know-you-already-hate-their-list |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915081700/https://www.fastcocreate.com/3063291/two-critics-pick-the-all-time-best-tv-shows-and-they-know-you-already-hate-their-list |archive-date=September 15, 2016 |access-date=March 9, 2026 |website=Co.Create |publisher=Mansueto Ventures, LLC}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=July 14, 2009 |title=From Bikini Bottom to pop icon; SpongeBob turns 10 |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/television-spongebob-idINN1319626220090713 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226125203/http://in.reuters.com/article/television-spongebob-idINN1319626220090713 |archive-date=December 26, 2015 |access-date=April 28, 2013 |work=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Seitz |first1=Matt Zoller |author-link=Matt Zoller Seitz |last2=Sepinwall |first2=Alan |author2-link=Alan Sepinwall |date=September 1, 2016 |title=Why 'Deadwood' Is a Top-10 TV Show of All Time |url=https://theringer.com/deadwood-hbo-tv-the-book-dadb4007790e#.5f7cc3yte |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902021203/https://theringer.com/deadwood-hbo-tv-the-book-dadb4007790e#.5f7cc3yte |archive-date=September 2, 2016 |access-date=September 2, 2016 |website=The Ringer |publisher=Perfect Privacy, LLC}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Ashbrook |first1=Tom |date=September 9, 2016 |title=The Greatest American Television Shows, Ranked |url=http://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2016/09/09/the-greatest-american-television-shows-ranked |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910141154/http://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2016/09/09/the-greatest-american-television-shows-ranked |archive-date=September 10, 2016 |access-date=September 10, 2016 |website=WBUR |publisher=WBUR}}</ref>}}
==Franchise== {{main|SpongeBob SquarePants (franchise)|l1 = ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' (franchise)}}
===Spin-offs=== ====''Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years''==== {{Main|Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years|l1 = ''Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years''}}
In June 2019, production began on a ''SpongeBob'' spin-off series titled ''Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years.''<ref name="Spin-off">{{cite web |last=Zachary |first=Brandon |date=February 14, 2019 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants Spinoffs in the Works From Nickelodeon |url=https://www.cbr.com/spongebob-squarepants-spinoff-nickelodeon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215102741/https://www.cbr.com/spongebob-squarepants-spinoff-nickelodeon/ |archive-date=February 15, 2019 |access-date=February 14, 2019 |work=Comic Book Resources}}</ref><ref name="The Futon Critic Kamp Koral" /> The plot focuses on the adventures of a 10-year-old SpongeBob and his friends at a camp in the Kelp Forest, where they spend the summer catching jellyfish, building campfires, and swimming in Lake Yuckymuck.<ref name="The Futon Critic Kamp Koral">{{cite press release |title=Nickelodeon Greenlights ''Kamp Koral'', Original Animated Spinoff of Hit Series ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' |date=June 4, 2019 |publisher=Nickelodeon |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2019/06/04/nickelodeon-greenlights-kamp-koral-original-animated-spinoff-of-hit-series-spongebob-squarepants-104415/20190604nickelodeon02/ |via=The Futon Critic |access-date=July 31, 2020}}</ref><ref name="announcement">{{cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=June 4, 2019 |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'' CG-Animated Prequel Series ''Kamp Koral'' Greenlighted by Nickelodeon |url=https://deadline.com/2019/06/spongebob-squarepants-cg-animated-prequel-series-kamp-koral-greenlighted-nickelodeon-1202626441/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927065041/https://deadline.com/2019/06/spongebob-squarepants-cg-animated-prequel-series-kamp-koral-greenlighted-nickelodeon-1202626441/ |archive-date=September 27, 2019 |access-date=July 31, 2020 |work=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> The series served as a tie-in to the animated film ''The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run'' (2020), and had the same executive producers as ''SpongeBob:'' Marc Ceccarelli, Jennie Monica, and Vincent Waller. ''Kamp Koral'' is produced using computer-generated animation (CGI) rather than the digital ink and paint animation used for ''SpongeBob''.<ref name="announcement" /><ref>{{cite press release |title=Nickelodeon Announces Voice Cast for ''Kamp Koral: Spongebob's Under Years'', First-Ever ''Spongebob Squarepants'' Spinoff |date=February 19, 2020 |publisher=Nickelodeon |url=http://thefutoncritic.com/news/2020/02/19/nickelodeon-announces-voice-cast-for-kamp-koral-spongebobs-under-years-first-ever-spongebob-squarepants-spinoff-575101/20200219nickelodeon06/ |via=The Futon Critic |access-date=July 31, 2020}}</ref> The series premiered on March 4, 2021, and a second season debuted on July 10, 2024.<ref name="Sponge on Run Kamp Koral debut">{{cite web |last=Welk |first=Brian |date=January 28, 2021 |title=''SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run'' to Debut on Paramount+ at March Launch |url=https://www.thewrap.com/spongebob-movie-sponge-on-the-run-release-paramount-plus-march-launch/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712184829/https://www.thewrap.com/spongebob-movie-sponge-on-the-run-release-paramount-plus-march-launch/ |archive-date=July 12, 2022 |access-date=January 30, 2021 |work=TheWrap}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Danoff |first=Owen |date=June 20, 2024 |title=Kamp Koral: Spongebob's Under Years Season 2 Gets A Premiere Date & Series Art [EXCLUSIVE] |url=https://screenrant.com/kamp-koral-spongebobs-under-years-season-2-premiere-date-poster/ |access-date=March 10, 2025 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Deadline-KK-CBS" /><ref name="TFC-PR-CBS" />
====''The Patrick Star Show''==== {{Main|The Patrick Star Show|l1 = ''The Patrick Star Show''}}
On August 10, 2020, it was reported that a Patrick Star talk show titled ''The Patrick Star Show'' was in development with a 13-episode order. Additionally, it was reported that the show would be similar to other talk shows such as ''The Larry Sanders Show'' and ''Comedy Bang! Bang!''<ref>{{cite web |author=Nellie Andreeva |date=August 10, 2020 |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'' Spinoff Series ''The Patrick Star Show'' Set At Nickelodeon |url=https://deadline.com/2020/08/spongebob-squarepants-spinoff-series-the-patrick-star-show-set-nickelodeon-bill-fagerbakke-1203006633/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811013253/https://deadline.com/2020/08/spongebob-squarepants-spinoff-series-the-patrick-star-show-set-nickelodeon-bill-fagerbakke-1203006633/ |archive-date=August 11, 2020 |access-date=August 10, 2020 |work=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Will Thorne |date=August 10, 2020 |title=''SpongeBob Squarepants'' Spinoff ''The Patrick Star Show'' in the Works to Nickelodeon |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/spongebob-squarepants-spinoff-the-patrick-star-show-in-the-works-nickelodeon-1234730755/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821053629/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/spongebob-squarepants-spinoff-the-patrick-star-show-in-the-works-nickelodeon-1234730755/ |archive-date=August 21, 2020 |access-date=August 10, 2020 |work=Variety}}</ref> The series premiered on Nickelodeon on July 9, 2021,<ref>{{cite web |author=Denise Petski |date=June 17, 2021 |title=Nickelodeon Unveils Trailers For ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' Spinoff ''The Patrick Star Show'' & ''Middlemost Post'', Sets Premiere Date |url=https://deadline.com/video/nickelodeon-trailers-spongebob-squarepants-spinoff-the-patrick-star-show-middleman-post-premiere-date/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815234606/https://deadline.com/video/nickelodeon-trailers-spongebob-squarepants-spinoff-the-patrick-star-show-middleman-post-premiere-date/ |archive-date=August 15, 2021 |access-date=July 9, 2021 |work=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> with the series set to be available on Paramount+ sometime in the future.<ref>{{cite web |author=Brian Steinberg |date=March 4, 2021 |title=Nickelodeon Set to Expand ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' With ''Patrick Star'' Series |url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/spongebob-squarepants-patrick-star-nickelodeon-paramount-plus-1234921485/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304153703/https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/spongebob-squarepants-patrick-star-nickelodeon-paramount-plus-1234921485/ |archive-date=March 4, 2021 |access-date=March 4, 2021 |work=Variety}}</ref>
Fans and former ''SpongeBob'' showrunner Paul Tibbitt criticized Nickelodeon when it greenlit spin-offs after the death of Hillenburg in 2018. In a tweet, Tibbit said Hillenburg would have hated the spin-offs, and he angrily admonished his former colleagues for working on them.<ref name="spinoffs">{{cite web |last=McKay |first=Karelle |date=March 7, 2021 |title='SpongeBob' Fans Are Not Excited For Patrick Star Spinoff, Feel It Dishonors Creator's Memory |url=https://www.thethings.com/spongebob-fans-are-not-excited-for-patrick-star-spinoff-feel-it-dishonors-creators-memory/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417212526/https://www.thethings.com/spongebob-fans-are-not-excited-for-patrick-star-spinoff-feel-it-dishonors-creators-memory/ |archive-date=April 17, 2021 |access-date=March 31, 2021 |work=The Things}}</ref> In a 2009 interview, Hillenburg had been skeptical about the viability of spin-offs focusing on characters other than SpongeBob, and in 2017 Hillenburg's colleague Vincent Waller had stated that Hillenburg was against the creation of spin-offs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=White |first=Peter |date=October 27, 2009 |title=Spongebob Squarepants' creator Steve Hillenburg |url=https://www.lightreading.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503080224/https://tbivision.com/2009/10/27/spongebob-squarepants-creator-steve-hillenburg/ |archive-date=May 3, 2021 |access-date=2026-02-27 |website=Television Business International |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/spongebob-creator-totally-opposed-spinoffs-172951877.html|title=Spongebob Is About to Become Nickelodeon's Marvel Universe Whether We Like it Or Not|work=Yahoo! News|author=LeBlanc|date=November 21, 2019|access-date=November 3, 2022|archive-date=November 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103051633/https://news.yahoo.com/spongebob-creator-totally-opposed-spinoffs-172951877.html|url-status=dead|first=Cameron}}</ref><ref name="ocean">{{Cite news |last=King|first=Darryn|date=August 13, 2019|title=The Young Man and the Sea Sponge|work=Longreads|url=https://longreads.com/2019/08/13/the-young-man-and-the-sea-sponge/|access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref>
===Super Bowl=== ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' first appeared in the Super Bowl during the Super Bowl LIII halftime show, making a cameo appearance in the form of a short animation featuring Squidward, Mr. Krabs, Mrs. Puff, SpongeBob, and Patrick Star, which included footage of the Bikini Bottom band from the episode Band Geeks, before segueing into Travis Scott's section of the performance.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dill |first=Jason |date=December 21, 2018 |title=This is how a SpongeBob song would sound at this year's Super Bowl |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/article223421025.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211001657/https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/article223421025.html |archive-date=February 11, 2021 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |newspaper=The Miami Herald}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Donaghey |first1=River |last2=Schwartz |first2=Drew |date=November 30, 2018 |title=Over 50,000 Fans Want the Super Bowl to Play This 'SpongeBob' Song at Halftime |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/petition-spongebob-song-superbowl-halftime-50000-signatures-sweet-victory-vgtrn/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805194855/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/nepddk/petition-spongebob-song-superbowl-halftime-50000-signatures-sweet-victory-vgtrn |archive-date=August 5, 2019 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |magazine=Vice}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hughes |first=William |date=November 30, 2018 |title=100,000 fans demand SpongeBob be allowed to play the half-time show at next year's Super Bowl |url=https://www.avclub.com/100-000-fans-demand-spongebob-be-allowed-to-play-the-ha-1830786621 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423090614/https://news.avclub.com/100-000-fans-demand-spongebob-be-allowed-to-play-the-ha-1830786621 |archive-date=April 23, 2021 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |website=TheAVClub.com}}</ref><ref name="sb">{{Cite news |last=Radulovic |first=Petrana |date=February 3, 2019 |title=The Super Bowl halftime show just made tribute to Spongebob's creator |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/2/3/18200897/spongebob-tribute-super-bowl-2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202133016/https://www.polygon.com/2019/2/3/18200897/spongebob-tribute-super-bowl-2019 |archive-date=February 2, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |website=Polygon}}</ref> This led to fan outrage, as fans requested "Sweet Victory", the song featured in the episode, be played during the show, which ultimately did not occur.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garrand |first=Danielle |date=February 4, 2019 |title=SpongeBob Squarepants: Fans have mixed reactions to Super Bowl 2019 halftime show appearance Sunday in Atlanta |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/spongebob-squarepants-fans-have-mixed-reactions-to-super-bowl-halftime-show-appearance-2019-02-03-atlanta/ |access-date=January 22, 2025 |website=CBS News |language=en-US}}</ref> According to animator Nico Colaleo, the animation was completed in a few days.<ref>{{cite tweet |number=1092577409113632769 |user=NicoColaleo |title=Also in the short clip itself, the animation is different cuz this was literally done a week ago with only a few days to create … |first=Nico |last=Colaleo |date=February 4, 2019 |access-date=February 13, 2024}}</ref>
On August{{nbsp}}1, 2023, CBS Sports announced that it would carry a youth-oriented alternate broadcast of Super Bowl LVIII on Nickelodeon, the first such broadcast for a Super Bowl.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 1, 2023 |title=SpongeBob, slime to highlight Nickelodeon Super Bowl telecast |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38113170/spongebob-slime-highlight-nickelodeon-super-bowl-telecast |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801225944/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38113170/spongebob-slime-highlight-nickelodeon-super-bowl-telecast |archive-date=August 1, 2023 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Billed as ''Super Bowl{{nbsp}}LVIII: Live from Bikini Bottom'', the broadcast incorporated ''SpongeBob''-themed augmented reality effects and features (in addition to those seen on previous games aired by the network), and appearances by characters from the series (SpongeBob and Patrick acted as "analysts" alongside announcers Noah Eagle and Nate Burleson, with Sandy Cheeks taking on "sideline reporter" duties).<ref>{{cite web |date=February 2024 |title=Nickelodeon and CBS Sports reveal details for slime-filed Super Bowl LVIII alternate telecast |url=https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/cbs-sports/shows/nfl-on-cbs/releases/?view=109170-nickelodeon-and-cbs-sports-reveal-details-for-slime-filled-super-bowl-lviii-alternate-telecast |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203000720/https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/cbs-sports/shows/nfl-on-cbs/releases/?view=109170-nickelodeon-and-cbs-sports-reveal-details-for-slime-filled-super-bowl-lviii-alternate-telecast |archive-date=February 3, 2024 |access-date=February 12, 2024 |website=ParamountPress.com}}</ref>
===Comic books=== {{Main|SpongeBob Comics|l1 = ''SpongeBob Comics''}}
The 32-page bimonthly comic book series, ''SpongeBob Comics'', was announced in November 2010<ref name="Cartoon Phenom">{{cite web |date=November 11, 2010 |title='SpongeBob Comics': Cartoon Phenom Makes Comic Book Debut |url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/18770.html |access-date=April 8, 2014 |publisher=ICv2}}</ref> and debuted the following February.<ref name="comics on the way">{{cite web |last=Langshaw |first=Mark |date=November 11, 2010 |title='SpongeBob' comics on the way |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/comics/news/a287379/spongebob-comics-on-the-way.html#~oAM7JL2CzYw6EB |access-date=April 8, 2014 |website=Digital Spy}}</ref> Before this, ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' comics had been published in ''Nickelodeon Magazine'',<ref name="Cartoon Phenom" /><ref name="Comics1">{{cite web |date=January 25, 2011 |title="SpongeBob SquarePants" Comic Debuts in February |url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=30502 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110201210954/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=30502 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 1, 2011 |access-date=December 6, 2013 |website=Comic Book Resources}}</ref><ref name="Comics2">{{cite web |last=Boom |first=Richard |date=January 25, 2011 |title=SpongeBob Comics #1 debuts from United Plankton Pictures |url=http://www.brokenfrontier.com/headlines/p/detail/spongebob-comics-1-debuts-from-united-plankton-pictures |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110128020705/http://www.brokenfrontier.com/headlines/p/detail/spongebob-comics-1-debuts-from-united-plankton-pictures |archive-date=January 28, 2011 |access-date=December 6, 2013 |publisher=Broken Frontier}}</ref> and episodes of the television series had been adapted by ''Cine-Manga'',<ref name="Cartoon Phenom" /><ref>{{cite web |date=June 2, 2003 |title=Tokyopop Does Nickelodeon |url=https://icv2.com/articles/comics/view/2822/tokyopop-does-nickelodeon |access-date=August 25, 2019 |work=ICv2}}</ref> but ''SpongeBob Comics'' was the first American comic book series devoted solely to ''SpongeBob SquarePants''.<ref name="Cartoon Phenom" /><ref name="Comics1" /><ref name="Comics2" /> It also served as ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' creator Stephen Hillenburg's debut as a comic book author.<ref name="comics on the way" /><ref name="Comics1" /><ref name="Comics2" /> The series was published by Hillenburg's production company, United Plankton Pictures, and distributed by Bongo Comics Group.<ref name="Cartoon Phenom" /><ref name="Comics1" /><ref name="Comics2" /> Hillenburg described the stories from the comic books as "original and always true to the humor, characters, and universe of the SpongeBob SquarePants series." Leading up to the release of the series, Hillenburg said, "I'm hoping that fans will enjoy finally having a ''SpongeBob'' comic book from me."<ref name="Comics1" /><ref name="Comics2" />
Chris Duffy, the former senior editor of ''Nickelodeon Magazine'', serves as managing editor of ''SpongeBob Comics''.<ref name="Comics1" /><ref name="Comics2" /> Hillenburg and Duffy met with various cartoonists—including James Kochalka, Hilary Barta, Graham Annable, Gregg Schigiel, and Jacob Chabot—to contribute to each issues.<ref name="Comics1" /><ref name="Comics2" /> Retired horror comics writer and artist Stephen R. Bissette returned to write a special Halloween issue in 2012, with Tony Millionaire and Al Jaffee.<ref>{{cite web |author=Johnston, Rich |author-link=Rich Johnston |date=July 18, 2012 |title=Steve Bissette Returns To Comics With ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' |url=http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/07/18/steve-bissette-returns-to-comics-with-spongebob-squarepants/ |access-date=December 6, 2013 |publisher=Bleeding Cool}}</ref> In an interview with Tom Spurgeon, Bissette said, "I've even broken my retirement to do one work-for-hire gig [for ''SpongeBob Comics''] so I could share everything about that kind of current job."<ref>{{cite web |author=Spurgeon, Tom |author-link=Tom Spurgeon |date=January 3, 2012 |title=CR Holiday Interview #14 – Steve Bissette |url=http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/cr_holiday_interview_11_steve_bissette/ |access-date=December 6, 2013 |work=The Comics Reporter}}</ref>
In the United Kingdom, Titan Magazines published comics based on ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' every four weeks from February 3, 2005,<ref>{{cite web |date=August 19, 2011 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants Magazine 100th Issue |url=http://titanmagazines.com/news/announcements/spongebob-squarepants-magazine-100th-issue/ |access-date=May 22, 2013 |publisher=Titan Magazines}}</ref> through November 28, 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SpongeBob SquarePants Magazine @ Titan Magazines |url=https://titanmagazines.com/t/spongebob-squarepants/?locale=uk |website=titanmagazines.com}}</ref> Titan Magazines also teamed up with Lego to release a limited edition ''SpongeBob''-themed comic.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hutchins |first=Rob |date=March 22, 2013 |title=SpongeBob LEGO limited edition magazine launches |url=http://www.licensing.biz/news/10992/SpongeBob-Magazine-unites-with-LEGO |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707123937/http://www.licensing.biz/news/read/spongebob-lego-limited-edition-magazine-launches/027694 |archive-date=July 7, 2017 |access-date=May 22, 2013 |publisher=Licensing}}</ref>
===Films=== {{Main|SpongeBob SquarePants (film series)|l1 = ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' (film series)}}
There have been five ''SpongeBob'' films that have been released theatrically or via streaming services: ''The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie'' (2004), ''The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water'' (2015), ''The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run'' (2020), ''Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie'' (2024), and ''Plankton: The Movie'' (2025). The series' regulars have reprised their roles for each film. The films have had an overall positive reception.{{cn|date=January 2026}}
''The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants'' was released in theatres in 2025, while another unnamed character spin-off project remains to be released on Netflix in the foreseeable future, according to ViacomCBS' revision in February 2022.<ref>{{cite web |author=Anthony D'Alessandro |date=February 15, 2022 |title=''SpongeBob'' Universe Expands With Three Paramount+ Spinoff Movies, New Theatrical Film |url=https://deadline.com/2022/02/spongebob-squarepants-paramount-plus-movies-theatrical-1234933589/ |access-date=February 15, 2022 |work=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref>
====Main series==== The first ''SpongeBob'' film, ''The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie'', an animated film adaptation of the series, was released on November 19, 2004.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 10, 2004 |title='The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie' Opens Nationwide on Friday, November 19 |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-spongebob-squarepants-movie-opens-nationwide-on-friday-november-19-75337557.html |access-date=August 21, 2013 |publisher=PR Newswire}}</ref> The film was directed by Hillenburg and written by long-time series writers Derek Drymon, Tim Hill, Kent Osborne, Aaron Springer, Paul Tibbitt, and Hillenburg. He and Julia Pistor produced the film, while Gregor Narholz composed the film's score.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 9, 2005 |title=APM Film and Television Composer Gregor Narholz Signs on to Score Activision's X-Men(TM) Legends Sequel |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/apm-film-and-television-composer-gregor-narholz-signs-on-to-score-activisions-x-mentm-legends-sequel-54194902.html |access-date=August 18, 2013 |publisher=PR Newswire}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=March 9, 2005 |title=APM Film and Television Composer Gregor Narholz Signs on to Score Activision's X-Men(TM) Legends Sequel |url=http://investor.activision.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=157576 |access-date=August 18, 2013 |publisher=Activision}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=March 10, 2005 |title=Gregor Narholz Scores X-Men |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/03/10/gregor-narholz-scores-x-men |access-date=August 18, 2013 |website=IGN}}</ref> Its plot concerns Plankton's evil plan to steal King Neptune's crown and send it to Shell City. SpongeBob and Patrick must retrieve it and save Mr. Krabs' life from Neptune's raft and their home, Bikini Bottom, from Plankton's plan. It features guest appearances by Jeffrey Tambor as King Neptune, Scarlett Johansson as the King's daughter Mindy, Alec Baldwin as Dennis, and David Hasselhoff as himself.<ref name="Johansson">{{cite video |title=The Absorbing Tale Behind The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie. The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie |date=2005 |medium=DVD |publisher=Paramount Home Entertainment |people=Johansson, Scarlett}}</ref> The film received a positive critical reception<ref name="tomatoes">{{cite web |title=The Spongebob Squarepants Movie (2004) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/spongebob_squarepants_movie/ |access-date=July 9, 2010 |work=Rotten Tomatoes |publisher=Flixster}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, The |url=https://www.metacritic.com/video/titles/spongebobsquarepantsmovie |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050306091923/https://www.metacritic.com/video/titles/spongebobsquarepantsmovie |archive-date=March 6, 2005 |access-date=July 9, 2010 |work=Metacritic |publisher=CBS}}</ref> and was a box office success, grossing over $140 million worldwide.<ref name="BOM">{{cite web |title=The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004) |url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=spongebob.htm |access-date=July 20, 2009 |website=Box Office Mojo}}</ref>
A sequel to the 2004 film, ''The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water'', was released in theaters on February 6, 2015.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sneider |first1=Jeff |date=June 5, 2014 |title=Paramount Avoids ''Fifty Shades'' by Moving Up ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' Sequel |url=https://www.thewrap.com/paramount-avoids-fifty-shades-by-moving-up-spongebob-squarepants-sequel/ |access-date=June 7, 2014 |website=The Wrap}}</ref> The series' main cast members reprised their roles.<ref name="WN">{{cite web |date=March 4, 2013 |title='SpongeBob SquarePants' Film Planned for 2014 |url=http://article.wn.com/view/2012/03/04/SpongeBob_SquarePants_Film_Planned_for_2014/#/related_news |access-date=March 8, 2013 |publisher=WN.com}}</ref> The underwater parts are animated traditionally in the manner of the series—the live-action parts use CGI animation for the SpongeBob characters.<ref>{{cite web |last=Webb |first=Charles |date=August 20, 2012 |title=Is Paramount Prepping an Animated 'Legend of Korra' Movie? |url=http://geek-news.mtv.com/2012/08/20/legend-of-korra-movie |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512062513/http://geek-news.mtv.com/2012/08/20/legend-of-korra-movie |archive-date=May 12, 2013 |access-date=March 8, 2013 |publisher=MTV}}</ref><ref name="Tradition">{{cite web |last=Desowitz |first=Bill |date=February 29, 2012 |title=SpongeBob kicks off new Paramount Ani division |url=http://billdesowitz.com/spongebob-kicks-off-new-paramount-ani-division/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022015510/http://billdesowitz.com/spongebob-kicks-off-new-paramount-ani-division/ |archive-date=October 22, 2013 |access-date=March 31, 2013 |publisher=Bill Desowitz}}</ref> The film had a budget similar to the previous film, costing less than $100 million to produce.<ref name="Hundred">{{cite news |last=Chozik |first=Amy |date=March 4, 2012 |title=Return to Big Screen for SpongeBob |url=http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/04/return-to-big-screen-for-spongebob/ |access-date=April 25, 2013 |work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Goodwin |first=Liam |date=February 28, 2012 |title=New SpongeBob SquarePants movie will be released in 2014 |url=http://filmonic.com/spongebob-squarepants-movie-2014-release-date |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302143834/http://filmonic.com/spongebob-squarepants-movie-2014-release-date |archive-date=March 2, 2012 |access-date=April 25, 2013 |publisher=Filmonic.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Wolfe |first=Jennifer |date=February 29, 2012 |title=Paramount to Release 'SpongeBob' Movie in 2014 |url=http://www.awn.com/news/people/paramount-release-spongebob-movie-2014 |access-date=April 25, 2013 |publisher=Animation World Network}}</ref> It was met with positive reviews,<ref>{{Cite web |title=The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water {{!}} Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_spongebob_movie_sponge_out_of_water |access-date=March 10, 2025 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |language=en}}</ref> and was also a financial success, grossing over $325.2 million worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl158565889/ |access-date=March 10, 2025 |website=Box Office Mojo}}</ref>
A third film, ''The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run'', was initially scheduled for a May 2020 release date. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the film faced multiple delays.<ref>{{cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=April 2, 2020 |title=''Top Gun Maverick'' Flies To Christmas Corridor, ''SpongeBob'' Eyes Late Summer, ''Quiet Place II'' To Debut Labor Day |url=https://deadline.com/2020/04/top-gun-maverick-flies-to-christmas-corridor-spongebob-eyes-late-summer-quiet-place-ii-to-debut-labor-day-1202898738/ |access-date=April 2, 2020 |work=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref><ref name="On the run August" /> Eventually in June 2020, it's worldwide theatrical release was canceled, opting Paramount to eventually release the film as a launch-day exclusive for its premium video on demand service Paramount+ in the US on March 4, 2021.<ref name="Sponge on Run Kamp Koral debut" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Rubin |first=Rebecca |date=June 22, 2020 |title=''SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run'' Skipping Theaters to Launch On Demand and CBS All Access (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/spongebob-movie-skipping-theaters-cbs-all-access-1203539493/ |access-date=June 23, 2020 |work=Variety}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |number=1288988083514482688 |user=ParamountCanada |title=The happiest place on earth is a pineapple under the sea! Paramount Pictures Canada is excited to announce that THE #SPONGEBOBMOVIE: SPONGE ON THE RUN will open exclusively in Canadian theatres on August 14th. |author=Paramount Canada |date=July 30, 2020 |access-date=July 30, 2020}}</ref> Internationally, Canada received a theatrical release on August 14, 2020, while Netflix received the streaming rights in foreign regions excluding the US, China, and Canada on November 5, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Amidi |first=Amid |author-link=Amid Amidi |date=July 31, 2020 |title='Sponge on the Run' Will Open Theatrically – But Only in Canada |url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/feature-film/sponge-on-the-run-will-open-theatrically-but-only-in-canada-195019.html |access-date=March 10, 2025 |website=Cartoon Brew |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=d'Alessandro |first1=Anthony |date=July 17, 2020 |title=Viacom Unloads Foreign Rights For 'SpongeBob: Sponge On The Run' To Netflix – Deadline |url=https://deadline.com/2020/07/spongebob-sponge-on-the-run-foreign-rights-sold-to-netflix-1202986875/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717082607/https://deadline.com/2020/07/spongebob-sponge-on-the-run-foreign-rights-sold-to-netflix-1202986875/ |archive-date=July 17, 2020 |access-date=March 10, 2025 |work=Deadline}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=West |first=Amy |date=October 26, 2020 |title=New SpongeBob movie that skipped cinemas is coming to Netflix in November |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a34484315/spongebob-sponge-on-the-run-netflix-premiere-date/ |access-date=March 10, 2025 |website=Digital Spy |language=en-GB}}</ref> Unlike the other two ''SpongeBob'' films, the film mainly uses stylized-CGI animation. The film received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics, with audiences being less favorable.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run {{!}} Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_spongebob_movie_sponge_on_the_run |access-date=March 10, 2025 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |language=en}}</ref> Due to the pandemic, the film was not financially successful, grossing $4.8 million from its limited theatrical run.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl2558297601/ |access-date=March 10, 2025 |website=Box Office Mojo}}</ref>
In August 2021, Brian Robbins, CEO of Nickelodeon, stated that a new theatrical ''SpongeBob'' film was "in the works."<ref name="viacom-robbins">{{cite news |date=August 24, 2021 |title=Streaming On: Kids and Family with Brian Robbins |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oq82gIgy4l4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/Oq82gIgy4l4 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |access-date=August 26, 2021 |work=YouTube |publisher=Google Inc.}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The film was initially set for release on May 23, 2025,<ref>{{cite web |author=Brian Welk |date=April 27, 2023 |title=Paramount Gets Animated with CinemaCon Presentation |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2023/04/spongebob-squarepants-4-transformers-one-animated-cast-1234833032/ |access-date=April 28, 2023 |work=IndieWire}}</ref> but was later delayed to December 19; ''Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning'' took its previous date due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.<ref>{{cite web |author=Anthony D'Alessandro |date=October 23, 2023 |title=''Mission: Impossible 8'' Jumps To 2025; ''A Quiet Place: Day One'' Goes To Summer In 2024 Theatrical Shake-Up Due To Actors Strike |url=https://deadline.com/2023/10/mission-impossible-dead-reckoning-part-2-quiet-place-day-one-actors-strike-1235580981/ |access-date=October 23, 2023 |work=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> It will be the fourth main ''SpongeBob'' film as well as the franchise's sixth film overall, titled ''The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants''.{{cn|date=January 2026}}
====Spin-off films==== ''Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie'' is an animated adventure comedy film released on Netflix on August 2, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |author=Carolyn Giardina |date=April 25, 2023 |title=Netflix Animation Reveals ''In Your Dreams'', a New SpongeBob Adventure and Additional ''Nimona'' Voice Casting |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/netflix-animation-in-your-dreams-spongebob-nimona-chicken-run-1235398448/ |access-date=April 28, 2023 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> It is the first character-focused spin-off film, as well as the franchise's fourth film overall. It centers around Sandy and SpongeBob going on a mission to save Bikini Bottom, while a subplot centers on the latter's family's exploits in the Circus. Prior to its release, the entire film was leaked on January 21, 2024, as a video upload on X (the website formerly known as Twitter).<ref>{{cite web |author=Abdul Azim Naushad |date=January 22, 2024 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants Saving Bikini Bottom: Has the New Sandy Cheeks Movie Leaked? |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/guides/news/1499120-spongebob-squarepants-saving-bikini-bottom-has-the-new-sandy-cheeks-movie-leaked |access-date=January 22, 2024 |work=Comingsoon.net}}</ref> The film received mixed reviews from critics.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie {{!}} Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/saving_bikini_bottom_the_sandy_cheeks_movie |access-date=March 10, 2025 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |language=en}}</ref>
''Plankton: The Movie'' is an animated musical comedy film which was released on Netflix on March 7, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warner |first=Sam |date=March 7, 2025 |title=A new SpongeBob SquarePants movie has just arrived on Netflix |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a64083994/spongebob-squarepants-plankton-movie-netflix/ |access-date=March 10, 2025 |website=Digital Spy |language=en-GB}}</ref> It is the second character-focused spin-off film, and the fifth film in the franchise overall. As with the ''Sandy Cheeks Movie'', the entire film was leaked onto X (Twitter) in August 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Amidi |first=Amid |author-link=Amid Amidi |date=August 9, 2024 |title=Major Netflix Animation Leak Traced Back To Burbank Post-Production Company |url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/business/major-netflix-animation-leak-traced-back-to-burbank-post-production-company-242321.html |access-date=March 10, 2025 |website=Cartoon Brew |language=en-US}}</ref>
Three television films were also released: ''SpongeBob's Atlantis SquarePantis'' (2007), ''SpongeBob's Truth or Square'' (2009), and ''SpongeBob's Big Birthday Blowout'' (2019).{{cn|date=April 2026}}
===Music=== Collections of original music featured in the series have been released on the albums ''SpongeBob SquarePants: Original Theme Highlights'' (2001), ''SpongeBob's Greatest Hits'' (2009), and ''The Yellow Album'' (2005). The first two charted on the US ''Billboard'' 200, reaching number 171 and 122, respectively.<ref>{{cite web |title=SpongeBob SquarePants: Original Theme Highlights |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/spongebob-squarepants-original-theme-highlights-mw0000012957/awards |access-date=December 7, 2013 |website=AllMusic}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=SpongeBob's Greatest Hits |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/spongebobs-greatest-hits-mw0000810167/awards |access-date=December 7, 2013 |website=AllMusic}}</ref>
Several songs have been recorded for the purpose of a single or album release and have not been featured on the show. The song "My Tighty Whiteys" written by Tom Kenny and Andy Paley was released only on the album ''The Best Day Ever'' (2006). Kenny's inspiration for the song was "underwear humor,"<ref name="Newsday">{{cite web |last=Bubbeo |first=Daniel |date=November 5, 2006 |title=FAST CHAT TOM KENNY |url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/ny-fffast4956134nov05,0,4012699.story?coll=ny-entertainment-promo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080217024149/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/ny-fffast4956134nov05%2C0%2C4012699.story?coll=ny-entertainment-promo |archive-date=February 17, 2008 |access-date=August 2, 2013 |work=Newsday}}</ref> saying: "Underwear humor is always a surefire laugh-getter with kids ... Just seeing a character that odd wearing really prosaic, normal, Kmart, three-to-a-pack underwear is a funny drawing ... We thought it was funny to make a really lush, beautiful love song to his underwear."<ref name="Newsday" />
A soundtrack album, ''The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie – Music from the Movie and More'', featuring the film's score, was released along with the feature-length film in November 2004. Various artists including the Flaming Lips,<ref name="TFL1">{{cite magazine |title=Lips, Shins Kick Back With 'SpongeBob' |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/65812/lips-shins-kick-back-with-spongebob |access-date=August 18, 2013 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> Wilco,<ref name="WilcoLips">{{cite web |date=October 13, 2004 |title=Flaming Lips and Wilco Featured on New SpongeBob Soundtrack |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2004/10/flaming-lips-and-wilco-featured-on-new-spongebob-s.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091226234145/https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2004/10/flaming-lips-and-wilco-featured-on-new-spongebob-s.html |archive-date=December 26, 2009 |access-date=August 18, 2013 |work=Paste}}</ref> Ween,<ref name="MTV">{{cite web |last=Stock |first=Rosina |date=June 24, 2009 |title=Nickelodeon Celebrates Pop Culture Icon ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' decade |url=http://mnilive.com/2009/06/nickelodeon-celebrates-pop-culture-icon-spongebob-squarepants-decade/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090626060310/http://mnilive.com/2009/06/nickelodeon-celebrates-pop-culture-icon-spongebob-squarepants-decade/ |archive-date=June 26, 2009 |access-date=July 14, 2009 |work=Media News International}}</ref> Motörhead,<ref name="MTV2">{{cite web |last=D'Angelo |first=Joe |title=Flaming Lips, Wilco, 'Commercial Weirdo' Avril Lavigne Head Up 'SpongeBob' LP |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1491510/avril-lavigne-flaming-lips-on-spongebob-lp.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025195508/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1491510/avril-lavigne-flaming-lips-on-spongebob-lp.jhtml |archive-date=October 25, 2011 |access-date=August 18, 2013 |publisher=MTV}}</ref> the Shins,<ref name="Wierdo">{{cite web |last=Dufour |first=Matt |title=SpongeBob Soundtrack Boasts Shins, Wilco, And Flaming Lips Songs |url=http://www.thefader.com/2004/10/04/spongebob-soundtrack-boasts-shins-wilco-and-flaming-lips-songs/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207145020/http://www.thefader.com/2004/10/04/spongebob-soundtrack-boasts-shins-wilco-and-flaming-lips-songs/ |archive-date=December 7, 2013 |access-date=August 18, 2013 |work=The Fader}}</ref> and Avril Lavigne<ref name="Bands" /> contributed to the soundtrack that reached number 76 on the US ''Billboard'' 200.<ref>{{cite web |title=The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie: Music From the Movie and More |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-spongebob-squarepants-movie-music-from-the-movie-and-more-mw0000674021/awards |access-date=December 7, 2013 |website=AllMusic}}</ref>
===Theme park rides=== [[File:EF-Mall of America.jpg|thumb|alt=Photograph of the entrance and lift hill of the SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge ride at the Mall of America. | Entrance and lift hill of the SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge ride at the Mall of America]] A SpongeBob SquarePants 4-D film and ride opened at several locations, including Six Flags Over Texas, Flamingo Land Resort, and the Shedd Aquarium.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chicago | Plan a Visit | Now Playing in 4-D |url=http://www.sheddaquarium.org/4dtheater.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129122646/http://sheddaquarium.org/4dtheater.html |archive-date=November 29, 2010 |access-date=September 14, 2010 |publisher=Shedd Aquarium}}</ref> The ride features water squirts, real bubbles, and other sensory features. In 2012, Nickelodeon teamed up again with SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment and Super 78 to produce ''SpongeBob SquarePants 4-D: The Great Jelly Rescue''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Arrant |first=Chris |date=September 25, 2012 |title="SpongeBob SquarePants" 4-D Attraction Coming Soon |url=http://www.cartoonbrew.com/biz/spongebob-squarepants-4-d-attraction-coming-soon-70391.html |access-date=May 21, 2013}}</ref> The attraction opened in early 2013 at the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration.<ref name="4DPlot">{{cite web |date=May 17, 2013 |title=SpongeBob goes 4-D at the aquarium |url=http://www.thewesterlysun.com/mysticriverpress/news/spongebob-goes--d-at-the-aquarium/article_3705ab20-bce3-11e2-8678-0019bb2963f4.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211231455/http://www.thewesterlysun.com/mysticriverpress/news/spongebob-goes--d-at-the-aquarium/article_3705ab20-bce3-11e2-8678-0019bb2963f4.html |archive-date=December 11, 2013 |access-date=May 21, 2013 |publisher=Mystic River Press}}</ref> It was also installed at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort Orlando in Orlando, Florida.<ref>{{cite web |title=SpongeBob SquarePants 4-D: The Great Jelly Rescue |url=http://eyeonorlando.com/2013/04/spongebob-squarepants-4-d-the-great-jelly-rescue-2/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503111622/http://eyeonorlando.com/2013/04/spongebob-squarepants-4-d-the-great-jelly-rescue-2/ |archive-date=May 3, 2013 |access-date=May 21, 2013 |work=Eye on Orlando}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Brigante |first=Ricky |date=April 23, 2013 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants makes a splash at Nick Hotel with new 4D movie, Bikini Bottom Breakfast, and more entertainment |url=http://www.insidethemagic.net/2013/04/spongebob-squarepants-makes-a-splash-at-nick-hotel-with-new-4d-movie-bikini-bottom-breakfast-and-more-entertainment/ |access-date=May 21, 2013 |publisher=Inside the Magic}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Roseboom |first=Matt |title=Nick Hotel debuts new SpongeBob 4D movie and Bikini Bottom character breakfast |url=http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/04/22/nick-hotel-debuts-new-spongebob-4d-movie-and-bikini-bottom-character-breakfast/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130423114753/http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/04/22/nick-hotel-debuts-new-spongebob-4d-movie-and-bikini-bottom-character-breakfast/ |archive-date=April 23, 2013 |access-date=May 21, 2013 |work=Orlando Attractions Magazine}}</ref> The seven-minute film follows SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy rescuing the jellyfish of Jellyfish Fields from Plankton's evil clutches.<ref name="4DPlot" /> On May 23, 2015, an interactive 3D show titled ''SpongeBob SubPants Adventure'' opened in Texas at Moody Gardens.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Moody Gardens Announces Launch of New One-of-a-Kind SpongeBob SubPants Interactive Experience |publisher=PR Newswire |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/moody-gardens-announces-launch-of-new-one-of-a-kind-spongebob-subpants-interactive-experience-300043050.html |quote=Visitors will be able to interact with the Nickelodeon characters on a digital stage as they have never been able to do before. |last1=Moody Gardens |access-date=March 9, 2015}}</ref> The show was replaced with a generic "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" re-theme in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MOODY GARDENS NEWEST INTERACTIVE ADVENTURE GOES 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA – Moody Gardens |url=http://blog.moodygardens.com/moody-gardens-newest-interactive-adventure-goes-20000-leagues-under-the-sea/ |access-date=November 27, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> A dark ride shooter attraction titled ''SpongeBob's Crazy Carnival Ride'' opened at the Circus Circus Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2023 |title=Sally Dark Rides unveils animatronic at IAAPA Expo in Orlando for SpongeBob's Crazy Carnival Ride |url=https://www.gottagoorlando.com/post/sally-dark-rides-unveils-animatronic-at-iaapa-expo-in-orlando-for-spongebob-s-crazy-carnival-ride |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=www.gottagoorlando.com}}</ref>
A variety of ''SpongeBob SquarePants''-related attractions are currently located within Nickelodeon themed-areas at Movie Park Germany, Pleasure Beach Blackpool, Sea World, American Dream Meadowlands, and Mall of America, which includes the SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge euro-fighter roller coaster.{{cn|date=January 2026}}
In 2026, Universal Kids Resort will open a themed land based on the franchise.<ref>{{cite web |last=Taylor |first=Blake |date=February 21, 2025 |title=Universal Kids theme park in Texas: All lands revealed |url=https://attractionsmagazine.com/universal-kids-resort-theme-park-frisco-dallas-texas-2026/ |access-date=February 21, 2025 |website=Attractions Magazine}}</ref>
===Video games=== {{main|SpongeBob SquarePants video games|l1 = ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' video games}}
Numerous video games based on the series have been produced. Some of the early games include: ''Legend of the Lost Spatula'' (2001)<ref>{{cite web |last=Antonucci |first=Mike |date=March 20, 2001 |title=Triple Play Baseball has some annoying errors |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-71934675.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610075840/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-71934675.html |archive-date=June 10, 2014 |access-date=December 6, 2013 |work=Knight Ridder}}</ref> and ''SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom'' (2003). In 2013, Nickelodeon published and distributed ''SpongeBob Moves In!'', a freemium city-building game app developed by Kung Fu Factory for iOS and Android.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Stecker |first=Erin |date=June 5, 2013 |title='SpongeBob SquarePants' debuts new app – EXCLUSIVE VIDEO |url=http://family-room.ew.com/2013/06/05/spongebob-squarepants-spongebob-moves-in-app/ |access-date=July 13, 2013 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Milligan |first=Mercedes |date=June 6, 2013 |title=Nick Launches Building 'SpongeBob' App |url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/gaming/nick-launches-city-building-spongebob-app/ |access-date=July 13, 2013 |work=Animation}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=June 6, 2013 |title=Nickelodeon Announces ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' 'City Building' App |url=http://tv.broadwayworld.com/article/Nickelodeon-Announces-SPONGEBOB-SQUAREPANTS-City-Building-App-20130606 |access-date=July 13, 2013 |website=BroadwayWorld}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=June 6, 2013 |title=Build Your Very Own Bikini Bottom Through Nickelodeon's Worldwide Release Of Brand-New Mobile Game, SpongeBob Moves In |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/build-your-very-own-bikini-bottom-through-nickelodeons-worldwide-release-of-brand-new-mobile-game-spongebob-moves-in-210383441.html |access-date=July 13, 2013 |publisher=PR Newswire}}</ref> On June 5, 2019, THQ Nordic announced ''SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated'', a full remake of the console versions of the original 2003 game.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lanier |first=Liz |date=June 5, 2019 |title=Classic Spongebob Squarepants Game Getting Remake, Multiplayer Mode |url=https://variety.com/2019/gaming/news/spongebob-rehydrated-announce-1203233815/ |access-date=April 20, 2020 |website=Variety}}</ref><ref name="Destruct">{{cite web |last=Moyce |first=Chris |date=June 5, 2019 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom getting remastered for PC and consoles |url=https://www.destructoid.com/spongebob-squarepants-battle-for-bikini-bottom-getting-remastered-for-pc-and-consoles-556026.phtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806200006/https://www.destructoid.com/spongebob-squarepants-battle-for-bikini-bottom-getting-remastered-for-pc-and-consoles-556026.phtml |archive-date=August 6, 2020 |access-date=June 5, 2019 |website=Destructoid}}</ref><ref name="Push">{{cite web |last=Tailby |first=Stephen |date=June 5, 2019 |title=Are You Ready, Kids? SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated Announced |url=http://www.pushsquare.com/news/2019/06/are_you_ready_kids_spongebob_squarepants_battle_for_bikini_bottom_-_rehydrated_announced |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605143730/http://www.pushsquare.com/news/2019/06/are_you_ready_kids_spongebob_squarepants_battle_for_bikini_bottom_-_rehydrated_announced |archive-date=June 5, 2019 |access-date=June 5, 2019 |website=Push Square}}</ref> The game was released one year later on June 23, 2020<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bailey |first=Dustin |date=April 16, 2020 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom hits Steam in June |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/spongebob-squarepants-battle-for-bikini-bottom-rehydrated/steam-release-date |access-date=April 21, 2020 |website=PCGamesN |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=April 16, 2020 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated launches June 23 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/04/spongebob-squarepants-battle-for-bikini-bottom-rehydrated-launches-june-23 |access-date=April 16, 2020 |website=Gematsu}}</ref> and includes cut content from the original game.<ref>{{cite web |title=SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle For Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated Release Date Announced |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/spongebob-squarepants-battle-for-bikini-bottom-reh/1100-6476124/ |access-date=April 19, 2020}}</ref> On May 28, 2020, Apple Arcade released a game called ''SpongeBob SquarePants: Patty Pursuit''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Brown |first=Shelby |date=May 28, 2020 |title=SpongeBob: Patty Pursuit is the ultimate new Apple Arcade game for fans |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/spongebob-patty-pursuit-is-the-ultimate-new-apple-arcade-game-for-fans/ |access-date=May 13, 2021 |work=CNET}}</ref> In 2021, EA Sports introduced a SpongeBob-themed level to the Yard section of its ''Madden NFL 21'' video game.<ref>{{cite web |last=Peters |first=Jay |date=January 8, 2021 |title=Madden 21 now has a SpongeBob SquarePants field |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/1/8/22220669/madden-spongebob-squarepants-field-reef-top-the-yard |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=The Verge}}</ref>
On September 17, 2021, THQ Nordic announced ''SpongeBob Squarepants: The Cosmic Shake'', a new original game based on the franchise, which was released on January 31, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Borthwick |first=Ben |date=September 20, 2021 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake is an all new 3D platformer coming to consoles and PC |url=https://www.videogamer.com/news/spongebob-squarepants-the-cosmic-shake-is-an-all-new-3d-platformer-coming-to-consoles-and-pc/ |access-date=January 6, 2022 |website=VideoGamer.com |language=en-US}}</ref> It was followed by a sequel, ''SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide'', released on November 18, 2025.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hesse |first1=Brendan |last2=Bitner |first2=Jon |date=6 August 2025 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide Preorders Include Cheeky Bonus Costumes |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/spongebob-squarepants-titans-of-the-tide-preorder-guide/1100-6533664 |access-date=17 August 2025 |website=GameSpot}}</ref>
===SpongeBob SquareShorts=== Nickelodeon launched the first global ''SpongeBob SquarePants''-themed short film competition, '''SpongeBob SquareShorts: Original Fan Tributes''', in 2013.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wolfe |first=Jennifer |date=January 23, 2013 |title=Nick Launches 2013 Short Film Contest |url=http://www.awn.com/news/call-entries/nick-launches-2013-short-film-contest |access-date=May 23, 2013 |newspaper=Animation World Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Milligan |first=Mercedes |date=May 7, 2013 |title=Nick Launches SpongeBob SquareShorts Contest |url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/events/nick-launches-spongebob-squareshorts-contest/ |access-date=May 23, 2013 |work=Animation}}</ref> The contest encouraged fans and filmmakers around the world to create original short films inspired by SpongeBob for a chance to win a prize and a trip for four people to a screening event in Hollywood. The contest opened on May 6 and ran through June 28, 2013.<ref>{{cite web |title=SpongeBob Square Shorts Competition – $2,500 + Trip |url=http://www.filmthenext.com/2013/06/spongebob-square-shorts-competition-2500-trip/ |access-date=May 23, 2013 |website=FilmTheNext.com}}</ref><ref name="Contest">{{cite web |last=Kondolojy |first=Amanda |date=May 7, 2013 |title=Nickelodeon Announces First-Ever ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' Global Film Competition, 'SpongeBob SquareShorts: Original Fan Tributes' |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/05/07/nickelodeon-announces-first-ever-spongebob-squarepants-global-film-competition-spongebob-squareshorts-original-fan-tributes/181318/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511005553/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/05/07/nickelodeon-announces-first-ever-spongebob-squarepants-global-film-competition-spongebob-squareshorts-original-fan-tributes/181318/ |archive-date=May 11, 2013 |access-date=May 23, 2013 |publisher=TV by the Numbers}}</ref> On July 19, 2013, Nickelodeon announced the competition's finalists.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hutchins |first=Rob |date=July 22, 2013 |title=Nickelodeon reveals finalists in SpongeBob Squareshorts film comp |url=http://www.licensing.biz/news/11767/Nickelodeon-reveals-finalists-in-SpongeBob-Squareshorts-film-competition |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024040444/http://www.licensing.biz/news/read/nickelodeon-reveals-finalists-in-spongebob-squareshorts-film-comp/026966 |archive-date=October 24, 2013 |access-date=July 22, 2013 |publisher=Licensing.biz}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 19, 2013 |title=Nickelodeon Announces Finalists For First-Ever SpongeBob SquareShorts Global Short Film Competition |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2013/07/19/nickelodeon-announces-finalists-for-first-ever-spongebob-squareshorts-global-short-film-competition-92000/20130719nickelodeon01/ |access-date=July 22, 2013 |work=The Futon Critic}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Liu |first=Ed |date=July 19, 2013 |title=PR: Nickelodeon Announces Finalists for First-Ever "SpongeBob SquareShorts: Original Fan Tributes" |url=http://www.toonzone.net/2013/07/nickelodeon-announces-finalists-for-first-ever-spongebob-squareshorts-original-fan-tributes/#.Ue0FftIwe5I |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218233942/http://www.toonzone.net/2013/07/nickelodeon-announces-finalists-for-first-ever-spongebob-squareshorts-original-fan-tributes/#.Ue0FftIwe5I |archive-date=December 18, 2013 |access-date=July 22, 2013 |work=Toonzone}}</ref> On August 13, 2013, the under-18 category was won by David of the United States for his ''The Krabby Commercial'', while the ''Finally Home'' short by Nicole of South Africa won the 18 and over category.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 9, 2013 |title=Nickelodeon Announces Winners for First-Ever 'SpongeBob SquarePants' Global Short Film Competition |url=https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/network-press-releases/nickelodeon-announces-winners-for-first-ever-spongebob-squarepants-global-short-film-competition/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307212451/https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/network-press-releases/nickelodeon-announces-winners-for-first-ever-spongebob-squarepants-global-short-film-competition/ |archive-date=March 7, 2021 |access-date=September 8, 2019 |publisher=TV by the Numbers}}</ref>
===Theater=== {{main|SpongeBob SquarePants (musical)|l1 = ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' (musical)}}
''SpongeBob'' was adapted as a stage musical, ''SpongeBob SquarePants, The Broadway Musical'', by director Tina Landau. It premiered in Chicago in 2016 and opened on Broadway at the Palace Theatre on December 4, 2017.<ref>{{cite news |last=Deb |first=Sopan |date=November 22, 2017 |title=With a Singing SpongeBob, Nickelodeon Aims for a Broadway Splash – The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/22/theater/spongebob-squarepants-the-broadway-musical-nickelodeon.html |access-date=January 11, 2018 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> It received twelve award nominations at the 72nd Tony Awards in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 1, 2018 |title=2018 Tony Award Nominations: SpongeBob SquarePants and Mean Girls Lead the Pack |url=http://www.playbill.com/article/2018-tony-award-nominations-spongebob-squarepants-and-mean-girls-lead-the-pack |work=Playbill}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Chen |first=Wei-Huan |date=February 16, 2018 |title='SpongeBob' musical underscores nautical nonsense of art vs. entertainment |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/entertainment/arts-theater/article/Spongebob-musical-underscores-nautical-nonsense-12620152.php |work=Houston Chronicle}}</ref>
==Merchandise== {{further|List of SpongeBob SquarePants merchandise|l1=List of ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' merchandise}} right|thumb|320px|alt=Photograph of a SpongeBob SquarePants figure set on a beach|A set of ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' figures modeled after the main characters By the time the ''SpongeBob'' franchise celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024, it had generated $16 billion in retail sales.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Olson |first=Cathy Applefeld |date=October 18, 2024 |title=At 25, SpongeBob Franchise Continues To Be Money For Nickelodeon |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/cathyolson/2024/10/18/at-25-spongebob-franchise-continues-to-be-money-for-nickelodeon/ |website=Forbes}}</ref> In 2002, SpongeBob dolls sold at a rate of 75,000 per week—faster than the popular Tickle Me Elmo dolls were selling at the time.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Strauss |first=Gary |date=May 17, 2002 |title=Life's good for SpongeBob |url=https://www.usatoday.com/money/covers/2002-05-17-spongebob.htm |archive-url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/covers/2002-05-17-sponge-bob.htm |archive-date=May 21, 2013 |access-date=November 8, 2008 |work=USA Today}}</ref> By 2007, ''SpongeBob'' merchandise was gaining popularity in Japan, thanks to a carefully orchestrated marketing campaign targeting young women.<ref name="SFGate">{{cite news |last=Kageyama |first=Yuri |date=January 24, 2007 |title=SpongeBob Goes Trendy to Win Japan Fans |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/01/24/entertainment/e091755S47.DTL |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090405192838/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fn%2Fa%2F2007%2F01%2F24%2Fentertainment%2Fe091755S47.DTL |archive-date=April 5, 2009 |access-date=November 8, 2008 |work=The San Francisco Chronicle}}</ref> Popular board games such as ''Monopoly'',<ref>{{cite web |title=MTV Networks' Nickelodeon Kids and Family Group Puts a Digital Spin on Classic Hasbro Games Featuring Dora The Explorer and ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mtv-networks-nickelodeon-kids-and-family-group-puts-a-digital-spin-on-classic-hasbro-games-featuring-dora-the-explorer-and-spongebob-squarepants-58463892.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215064748/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mtv-networks-nickelodeon-kids-and-family-group-puts-a-digital-spin-on-classic-hasbro-games-featuring-dora-the-explorer-and-spongebob-squarepants-58463892.html |archive-date=December 15, 2013 |access-date=May 22, 2013 |publisher=PR Newswire}}</ref> ''Life'',<ref>{{cite web |last=Onyett |first=Charles |date=September 10, 2008 |title=The Game of Life -SpongeBob SquarePants Edition Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/09/10/the-game-of-life-spongebob-squarepants-edition-review |access-date=May 22, 2013 |website=IGN}}</ref> ''Operation'',<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Ward |first=Kate |date=November 28, 2009 |title=Hasbro lets us operate on SpongeBob. Which TV character would you like to get inside? |url=http://popwatch.ew.com/2009/11/28/operation-spongebob-tv-characters/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091204035456/http://popwatch.ew.com/2009/11/28/operation-spongebob-tv-characters/ |archive-date=December 4, 2009 |access-date=May 23, 2013 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}</ref> ''Ants in the Pants'',<ref>{{cite web |title=ANTS IN THE SquarePants |url=http://www.hasbro.com/shop/details.cfm?R=927727BC-6D40-1014-8BF0-9EFBF894F9D4:en_US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622093031/http://www.hasbro.com/shop/details.cfm?R=927727BC-6D40-1014-8BF0-9EFBF894F9D4:en_US |archive-date=June 22, 2012 |access-date=May 23, 2013 |publisher=Hasbro}}</ref> and ''Yahtzee'' have been given ''SpongeBob''-themed editions.<ref>{{cite web |title=YAHTZEE Jr. ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' Edition Card Game |url=http://www.hasbro.com/games/en_US/shop/details.cfm?R=8F8A0CA2-5056-900B-1002-5FC898DDBE91:en_US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620001213/http://www.hasbro.com/games/en_US/shop/details.cfm?R=8F8A0CA2-5056-900B-1002-5FC898DDBE91:en_US |archive-date=June 20, 2012 |access-date=May 23, 2013 |publisher=Hasbro}}</ref> SpongeBob toys have been included with children's meals at fast food restaurants around the world.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 17, 2007 |title=Spongebob con l'Happy Meal McDonald's |url=http://www.megamodo.com/200711368-spongebob-con-lhappy-meal-mcdonalds/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109234852/http://www.megamodo.com/200711368-spongebob-con-lhappy-meal-mcdonalds/ |archive-date=January 9, 2014 |access-date=January 10, 2014 |work=Megamodo |language=it}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Stark |first=Jill |date=October 5, 2007 |title=Maccas takes out 'pester power' prize |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/maccas-takes-out-pester-power-prize/2007/10/04/1191091281190.html |access-date=May 23, 2013 |work=The Age |location=Melbourne}}</ref> SpongeBob-themed snacks,<ref>{{cite web |date=April 30, 2013 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants Pirates Booty $1 at Target |url=http://www.totallytarget.com/2012/04/30/spongebob-squarepants-pirates-booty-1-at-target/ |access-date=May 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501235155/http://www.totallytarget.com/2012/04/30/spongebob-squarepants-pirates-booty-1-at-target/|archive-date=May 1, 2012|publisher=Totally Target}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=March 22, 2013|title=SpongeBob SplashPants Sweepstakes 5/31/13 1PPD4-14|url=http://sweetiessweeps.com/2013/03/spongebob-splashpants-sweepstakes.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327205612/http://sweetiessweeps.com/2013/03/spongebob-splashpants-sweepstakes.html|archive-date=March 27, 2013|access-date=May 24, 2013|publisher=Sweetis Sweeps}}</ref> drinks,<ref>{{cite web |last=Meitner|first=Sarah Hale|date=March 2, 2005|title=Slurpee Galaxy Expands With Nod To 'Star Wars'|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2005/03/02/slurpee-galaxy-expands-with-nod-to-star-wars/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524054843/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2005-03-02/news/0503020192_1_darth-vader-7-eleven-new-flavors|archive-date=May 24, 2013|access-date=May 22, 2013|work=Orlando Sentinel}}</ref> bottled water<ref>{{cite web |last=Weston |first=Shaun |date=June 3, 2013 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants Spring Water |url=http://www.foodbev.com/news/spongebob-squarepants-spring-water#.UbcBF-cwe5I |access-date=June 11, 2013 |work=Food Bev}}</ref> and ice cream have been produced.<ref>{{cite web |last=Weston |first=Shaun |date=May 22, 2013 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants Vanilla Ice Cream |url=http://www.foodbev.com/news/spongebob-squarepants-vanilla-ice-cream#.UbcBjOcwe5J |access-date=June 11, 2013 |work=Food Bev}}</ref> As part of an initiative to encourage children to eat vegetables'','' SpongeBob was featured on cans of Green Giant food products.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 31, 2007 |title=Nickelodeon Expands Healthy Food Initiative with Green Giant |url=http://promomagazine.com/entertainmentmarketing/news/nickelodeon_healthy_food_initiative_green_giant_053107/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230024017/http://promomagazine.com/entertainmentmarketing/news/nickelodeon_healthy_food_initiative_green_giant_053107/ |archive-date=December 30, 2010 |access-date=September 14, 2010 |work=Promomagazine.com}}</ref>
Imation Electronics Products released ''SpongeBob''-themed electronics,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Veneziani |first1=Vince |date=September 27, 2007 |title=Nickelodeon's NPower Lineup Of Electronics |url=https://techcrunch.com/2007/09/27/nickelodeons-npower-lineup-of-electronics/ |access-date=June 28, 2014 |work=TechCrunch}}</ref> Build-A-Bear Workshop produced a ''SpongeBob'' collection,{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref>{{cite web |last=Dedman |first=Christie |date=April 4, 2013 |title=Build A Bear ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' coming May 17 |url=http://blog.al.com/bargain-mom/2013/04/build_a_bear_spongebob_square.html |access-date=May 24, 2013 |publisher=AL.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=May 15, 2013 |title=Build-A-Bear Workshop Makes a Splash with New ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' Collection |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130515005084/en/Build-A-Bear-Workshop-Splash-SpongeBob-SquarePants-Collection |access-date=May 24, 2013 |publisher=Business Wire}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=May 15, 2013 |title=Build-A-Bear welcomes the SpongeBob gang |url=http://www.retailingtoday.com/article/build-bear-welcomes-spongebob-gang |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130918153644/http://www.retailingtoday.com/article/build-bear-welcomes-spongebob-gang |archive-date=September 18, 2013 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |work=Retailing Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Edel |first=Ray |date=May 15, 2013 |title=Make a splash with new ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' Collection at Build-A-Bear |url=http://blog.northjersey.com/thebeat/4415/make-a-splash-with-new-spongebob-squarepants-collection-at-build-a-bear/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001122705/http://blog.northjersey.com/thebeat/4415/make-a-splash-with-new-spongebob-squarepants-collection-at-build-a-bear/ |archive-date=October 1, 2013 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |publisher=NorthJersey.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Mierzejewski |first=Ali |date=May 15, 2013 |title=Build-A-Bear Workshop Meets Bikini Bottom with New ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' Collection |url=http://toybook.com/build-a-bear-workshop-meets-bikini-bottom-with-new-spongebob-squarepants-collection/ |access-date=May 24, 2013 |publisher=Toy Book}}</ref>}} and Simmons Jewelry Co. released a $75,000 diamond pendant as part of a ''SpongeBob'' line.<ref name="Pendant" /><ref>{{cite news |date=January 14, 2009 |title=High Fashion Hits Bikini Bottom |url=http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=85242&p=irol-newsArticle_pf&ID=1244418&highlight= |access-date=May 23, 2013 |newspaper=Viacom}}</ref> SpongeBob has appeared as a guest character in the video games ''Nicktoons Unite!'' and ''Nicktoons MLB'', and in the video game franchise ''Nick All-Star Brawl''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Abraham |first=Peter |date=September 7, 2011 |title=Nicktoons MLB video game debuts next week |url=https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-red-sox/2011/09/07/nicktoons_mlb_v/ |access-date=October 31, 2024 |website=www.boston.com |language=en-US}}</ref> SpongeBob skins are available in the mobile games ''Stumble Guys''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stumble Guys - Patch Notes 0.74 - SpongeBob SquarePants is Back! |url=https://www.stumbleguys.com/news/update74 |access-date=October 31, 2024 |website=Stumble Guys |language=en}}</ref> and ''Brawl Stars''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SpongeBob SquarePants shows up in Brawl Stars for a special takeover |url=https://supercell.com/en/news/brawlstars-spongebob/ |access-date=October 31, 2024 |website=Supercell |language=en}}</ref>
In 2013, Toyota unveiled a ''SpongeBob''-inspired Toyota Highlander sport utility vehicle on what was dubbed "SpongeBob Day".{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref>{{cite news |last=Ayapana |first=Erick |date=July 15, 2013 |title=Custom Spongebob Squarepants 2014 Toyota Highlander Sets Sail |url=https://www.motortrend.com/news/custom-spongebob-squarepants-2014-toyota-highlander-sets-sail-385945/ |access-date=July 16, 2013 |newspaper=Motortrend |publisher=MotorTrend.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Busis |first=Hillary |date=July 12, 2013 |title=SpongeBob Square...Car? Check out the cartoon's new 'concept vehicle' – EXCLUSIVE |url=http://family-room.ew.com/2013/07/12/spongebob-squarepants-concept-vehicle/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130714103855/http://family-room.ew.com/2013/07/12/spongebob-squarepants-concept-vehicle/ |archive-date=July 14, 2013 |access-date=July 13, 2013 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Brindusescu |first=Gabriel |date=July 12, 2013 |title=Toyota to Unveil 2014 Highlander SpongeBob Edition [Video] |url=http://www.autoevolution.com/toyota-blog/toyota-to-unveil-2014-highlander-spongebob-edition-video-63013.html |access-date=July 13, 2013 |work=Auto Evolution}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Burden |first=Melissa |date=July 12, 2013 |title=Toyota creates one-of-a-kind SpongeBob Highlander |url=http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130712/AUTO0104/307120114/1361/Toyota-creates-one-of-a-kind-SpongeBob-Highlander |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130713100514/http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130712/AUTO0104/307120114/1361/Toyota-creates-one-of-a-kind-SpongeBob-Highlander |archive-date=July 13, 2013 |access-date=July 13, 2013 |website=The Detroit News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Barari |first=Arman |date=July 13, 2013 |title=SpongeBob-Themed Toyota Highlander by Nickelodeon |url=http://www.motorward.com/2013/07/spongebob-themed-toyota-highlander-by-nickelodeon/ |access-date=July 13, 2013 |publisher=Motor Ward}}</ref>}} In 2024, Nickelodeon collaborated with the fast food chain Wendy's to create "Krabby Patty Kollab" meals. The meals included a "Krabby Patty", which was a regular Wendy's burger with a special sauce.<ref name="krabby patty kollab" /> The promotion was criticized by some fans for allegedly going against Hillenburg's wishes of not selling ''SpongeBob''-themed fast food.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cifarelli |first=David |date=October 11, 2024 |title=Here's why 'SpongeBob Squarepants' fans are upset about Wendy's Krabby Patty |url=https://www.masslive.com/entertainment/2024/10/wendys-krabby-patty-collaboration-sparks-backlash-from-spongebob-fans.html |access-date=October 24, 2024 |website=masslive |language=en}}</ref> In 2019, Nickelodeon released a series of toys inspired by various ''SpongeBob'' Internet memes.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harbison |first1=Cammy Harbison |date=April 24, 2019 |title=A new line of Spongebob Squarepants Masterpiece Memes figurines bring all your favorite SpongeBob memes to life. |url=https://www.newsweek.com/spongebob-meme-toys-nickelodeon-figures-where-buy-mocking-spongebob-toy-1404691 |access-date=April 25, 2019 |work=Newsweek}}</ref><ref name="p007">{{Cite news |last=Hamilton |first=Xavier |date=April 24, 2019 |title=Nickelodeon Releases Official Spongebob Meme Figures |url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/a/fnr-tigg/nickelodeon-releases-official-spongebob-meme-figures |access-date=September 25, 2024 |work=Complex}}</ref><ref name="Romano-2019" />}} The studio has also included references to well-known memes in ''SpongeBob'' video games.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Diaz |first1=Ana |date=September 9, 2021 |title=A SpongeBob SquarePants meme made it into Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl |url=https://www.polygon.com/22665321/meme-spongebob-squarepants-nickelodeon-all-star-brawl-fighting-game |website=Polygon |access-date=August 31, 2022 |archive-date=August 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831055819/https://www.polygon.com/22665321/meme-spongebob-squarepants-nickelodeon-all-star-brawl-fighting-game |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2025, Wizards of the Coast released a limited edition set of ''SpongeBob-''themed cards for its trading card game ''Magic: The Gathering'', while the clothing brands Uniqlo and Cactus Plant Flea Market collaborated to produce ''SpongeBob-''inspired garments.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fanelli |first=Jason |date=October 25, 2024 |title=Magic: The Gathering's 2025 Lineup Features Final Fantasy, Spider-Man, And SpongeBob |url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/magic-the-gatherings-2025-lineup-features-final-fantasy-spider-man-and-spongebob/2900-5889/ |access-date=October 28, 2024 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 5, 2024 |title=Uniqlo UT Officially Launches SpongeBob x Cactus Plant Flea Market Collection |url=https://hypebeast.com/2024/12/uniqlo-ut-spongebob-cactus-plant-flea-market-collaboration-release-info |access-date=December 5, 2024 |website=Hypebeast}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 5, 2024 |title=Uniqlo UT x CPFM collab page |url=https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/special-feature/ut/spongebob-cpfm |website=Uniqlo}}</ref>}} The same year, the United States Postal Service released a series of ''SpongeBob''-themed stamps.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cross |first=Greta |title=USPS is releasing 'SpongeBob SquarePants' stamps: How to get them |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/06/30/usps-spongebob-squarepants-stamps/84416608007/ |access-date=2026-02-09 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hubbard |first=Amy |last2= |date=2025-07-03 |title=SpongeBob and friends are USPS stamps: You can snail-mail any pineapple under the sea |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-07-03/spongebob-squarepants-usps-stamp-mail |access-date=2026-02-09 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=''SpongeBob SquarePants'' Iconic Characters To Be Featured on New Forever Stamps |url=https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2025/0701ma-spongebob-squarepants-iconic-characters-to-be-featured-on-new-forever-stamps.htm |access-date=2026-02-09 |website=USPS |language=en}}</ref>}}
==Cultural impact== SpongeBob has become an icon in Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt.<ref name="Egypt Guardian">{{cite news |last=Kingsley |first=Patrick |date=May 27, 2013 |title=How ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' became massive in Egypt |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2013/may/27/spongebob-squarepants-egypt-cartoon-fame |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807125447/https://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2013/may/27/spongebob-squarepants-egypt-cartoon-fame |archive-date=August 7, 2020 |access-date=June 11, 2013 |work=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref> After the Egyptian Revolution of 2011, the character became a fashion trend, appearing on various garments from hijabs to boxer shorts.<ref name="Egypt Vice">{{cite web |last=Malsin |first=Jared |date=January 15, 2013 |title=Is ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' the New Che Guevara? |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/spongebob-squarepants-egypts-new-revolutionary-symbol/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116151008/https://www.vice.com/read/spongebob-squarepants-egypts-new-revolutionary-symbol |archive-date=January 16, 2013 |access-date=June 11, 2013 |work=Vice}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=May 28, 2013 |title=Meet Egypt's unusual Tahrir icon: ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/life-style/variety/2013/05/28/Meet-Egypt-s-latest-Tahrir-icon-SpongeBob-SquarePants.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528173047/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/life-style/variety/2013/05/28/Meet-Egypt-s-latest-Tahrir-icon-SpongeBob-SquarePants.html |archive-date=May 28, 2013 |access-date=June 11, 2013 |work=Al Arabiya}}</ref> Daniel Kohn of ''Vice'' wondered whether SpongeBob had become a symbol of resistance during political turmoil.<ref name="Egypt Vice" /> The Egyptian-American filmmaker Sherief Elkeshta questioned why the images of SpongeBob did not show him holding a Molotov cocktail, or at least raising a fist.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brooklyn, Egypt, And SpongeBob |url=http://www.midanmasr.com/en/article.aspx?ArticleID=208 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130121172006/http://www.midanmasr.com/en/article.aspx?ArticleID=208 |archive-date=January 21, 2013 |access-date=June 11, 2013 |work=Midan Masr}}</ref> The ubiquity of SpongeBob led to the creation of a Tumblr project called "SpongeBob on the Nile", which was founded by two American students, and which attempts to document every appearance of SpongeBob in Egypt.<ref name="Middle East Prospect">{{cite web |last=Cormack |first=Raphael |date=March 26, 2013 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants takes over the Middle East |url=http://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/blog/spongebob-squarepants-middle-east-egypt/#.Ubbv5ucwe5I |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606164927/http://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/blog/spongebob-squarepants-middle-east-egypt/#.Ubbv5ucwe5I |archive-date=June 6, 2013 |access-date=June 11, 2013 |work=Prospect}}</ref> There is also evidence of the phenomenon in Libya, where a rebel in SpongeBob attire was photographed celebrating the revolution.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 28, 2013 |title=The New Mascot of Egypt: ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' |url=http://tavernkeepers.com/the-new-mascot-of-egypt-spongebob-squarepants/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615083050/http://tavernkeepers.com/the-new-mascot-of-egypt-spongebob-squarepants/ |archive-date=June 15, 2013 |work=Tavern Keepers}}</ref> Although Patrick Kingsley of ''The Guardian'' stated that the trend has no political significance, facetious presidential campaigns have been launched for SpongeBob in Egypt and Syria.<ref name="Egypt Vice" /><ref name="Middle East Prospect" /><ref name="Egypt Guardian" />
In 2014, a SpongeBob-themed eatery opened in Ramallah, West Bank, Palestine. The restaurant is modeled after the Krusty Krab and serves Krabby Patties.<ref>{{Cite web |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=June 27, 2014 |title=Spongebob-themed eatery hits Ramallah |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/ramallahs-spongebob-themed-eatery/ |access-date=May 10, 2025 |website=Times of Israel |language=en-US |archive-date=July 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717182227/https://www.timesofisrael.com/ramallahs-spongebob-themed-eatery/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=McDonald |first=Soraya Nadia |date=July 22, 2014 |title='SpongeBob's' Krusty Krab is opening — in the West Bank |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/07/22/spongebobs-krusty-krab-is-opening-in-palestine/ |access-date=May 10, 2025 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=July 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140723032630/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/07/22/spongebobs-krusty-krab-is-opening-in-palestine/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 11, 2014 |title=Ramallah's own 'Krabby patty' |url=https://www.jpost.com/metro/ramallahs-own-krabby-patty-375066 |access-date=May 10, 2025 |website=The Jerusalem Post |language=en |issn=0792-822X |archive-date=May 20, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250520113325/https://www.jpost.com/metro/ramallahs-own-krabby-patty-375066 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Following Hillenburg's death in November 2018, more than 1.2 million fans signed a petition for the National Football League to have the song "Sweet Victory" from the season 2 episode "Band Geeks" performed in his honor at the Super Bowl LIII halftime show. While the song's opening was ultimately included, it served as a transition into the performance of rapper Travis Scott.<ref>{{cite news |author=Baer, Jack |date=February 4, 2019 |title=Where was 'Sweet Victory?' Brief SpongeBob SquarePants appearance at Super Bowl halftime show disappoints |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/sweet-victory-brief-spongebob-squarepants-appearance-super-bowl-halftime-show-disappoints-015346882.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808201225/https://sports.yahoo.com/amphtml/sweet-victory-brief-spongebob-squarepants-appearance-super-bowl-halftime-show-disappoints-015346882.html |archive-date=August 8, 2020 |access-date=February 5, 2019 |work=Yahoo Sports}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Alexander |first=Julia |date=February 3, 2019 |title=Spongebob Squarepants' 'Sweet Victory' finally gets a Super Bowl tribute |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/3/18209868/spongebob-squarepants-sweet-victory-super-bowl-2019-marron-5-halftime-show |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204012129/https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/3/18209868/spongebob-squarepants-sweet-victory-super-bowl-2019-marron-5-halftime-show |archive-date=February 4, 2019 |access-date=February 3, 2019 |work=The Verge}}</ref> In response to fans' disappointment at not hearing the complete song, the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League showed a clip of the full song during a game at the American Airlines Center. In the clip, the characters' band uniforms are recolored green, modeled after the Stars.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 4, 2019 |title=WATCH: Dallas Stars give fans the 'Sweet Victory' SpongeBob halftime show we all deserve |url=https://www.foxsports.com/southwest/story/watch-dallas-stars-give-fans-the-sweet-victory-spongebob-halftime-show-we-all-deserve-020419?amp=true |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015252/https://www.foxsports.com/southwest/story/watch-dallas-stars-give-fans-the-sweet-victory-spongebob-halftime-show-we-all-deserve-020419?amp=true |archive-date=February 7, 2019 |access-date=February 5, 2019 |work=Fox Sports}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Dator, James |date=February 5, 2019 |title=The Dallas Stars gave us the 'Sweet Victory' Spongebob halftime we missed at the Super Bowl |url=https://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2019/2/5/18212310/dallas-stars-sweet-victory-spongebob-video |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206185600/https://www.sbnation.com/platform/amp/lookit/2019/2/5/18212310/dallas-stars-sweet-victory-spongebob-video |archive-date=February 6, 2019 |access-date=February 5, 2019 |publisher=SB Nation}}</ref> An animated remake of "Sweet Victory" opened Nickelodeon's broadcast of Super Bowl LVIII, implementing clips of the 2023 San Francisco 49ers and 2023 Kansas City Chiefs during the performance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nivison |first=Austin |date=February 11, 2024 |title=Super Bowl 2024: SpongeBob SquarePants will recreate 'Sweet Victory' performance on Nickelodeon before game |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/super-bowl-2024-spongebob-squarepants-will-recreate-sweet-victory-performance-on-nickelodeon-before-game/ |access-date=March 10, 2025 |website=CBS Sports |language=en |archive-date=March 17, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250317122812/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/super-bowl-2024-spongebob-squarepants-will-recreate-sweet-victory-performance-on-nickelodeon-before-game/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Moreau |first=Jordan |date=February 12, 2024 |title='SpongeBob' Opens Super Bowl With Rousing 'Sweet Victory' Performance |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/spongebob-super-bowl-sweet-victory-performance-1235902649/ |access-date=March 10, 2025 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516033320/https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/spongebob-super-bowl-sweet-victory-performance-1235902649/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In honor of Hillenburg, a nonprofit fan project titled ''The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie Rehydrated'' was released online on May 1, 2022. It consists of a re-creation of ''the SpongeBob SquarePants Movie'', reanimated by 300 people with re-recorded music and dialogue. Amid the YouTube premiere, the video was taken down by Paramount Global due to copyright laws. As a result, the hashtag #JusticeForSpongeBob trended on Twitter against Paramount's action. The video was restored the following day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jaworski |first=Michelle |date=May 2, 2022 |title='It was a love letter to the franchise and what did Paramount do? They blocked it': Outrage as 'SpongeBob' fan film removed on YouTube |url=https://www.dailydot.com/unclick/spongebob-squarepants-rehydrated/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503003928/https://www.dailydot.com/unclick/spongebob-squarepants-rehydrated/ |archive-date=May 3, 2022 |access-date=May 7, 2022 |website=The Daily Dot}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Coulson |first=Josh |date=May 3, 2022 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants Fan Movie Rehydrated! Goes Live, Gets Copyright Takedown During Premiere |url=https://www.thegamer.com/spongebob-squarepants-rehydrate-copyright-takedown/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503080136/https://www.thegamer.com/spongebob-squarepants-rehydrate-copyright-takedown/ |archive-date=May 3, 2022 |access-date=May 7, 2022 |website=TheGamer}}</ref>
''SpongeBob'' has been viewed in at least 170 countries and has been available in at least 24 languages.<ref name="New York Daily News" />
===SpongeBob in Internet culture=== Online memes related to ''SpongeBob'' have achieved widespread popularity on the Internet, with Aja Romano of ''Vox'' declaring in 2019 that "Spongebob memes came to rule Internet culture".<ref name="Romano-2019" /> A subreddit devoted to memes based on the animated series has, as of May 2019, accumulated over 1.7 million subscribers, a figure much higher than subreddits devoted to the series itself.<ref name="Romano-2019" />
Matt Schimkowitz, a senior editor for ''Know Your Meme'', told ''Time'' magazine that a combination of factors make ''SpongeBob'' memes so popular. He speculated that nostalgia for the past, alongside the cartoon's young audience, contributed to ''SpongeBob SquarePants''' outsized presence in Internet meme culture. Schimkowitz further added that memes derived from the series are exceptionally good at expressing emotions.<ref name="Time">{{cite magazine |last1=Greenspan |first1=Rachel E. |date=September 19, 2019 |title=Your Guide to the Best Spongebob Memes Across the Internet's Sea |url=https://time.com/5647509/best-spongebob-memes/ |access-date=February 24, 2022 |magazine=Time |language=en |archive-date=March 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319085524/https://time.com/5647509/best-spongebob-memes/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Michael Gold of ''The New York Times'' opined that because of the show's "high episode count" and that it was "so ubiquitous at the beginning of the 21st century", ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' became "easy meme fodder".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gold |first1=Michael |date=May 2, 2018 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants Is 20 Now, and a Favorite Meme |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/01/arts/spongebob-squarepants-stephen-hillenburg.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=August 31, 2022 |archive-date=May 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507221633/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/01/arts/spongebob-squarepants-stephen-hillenburg.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Among the show's most popular memes are the mocking SpongeBob meme, referring to an image macro from the episode "Little Yellow Book",<ref>{{cite web |author=Madison Malone Kircher |date=May 17, 2017 |title=WhAt Is Up WiTh ThAt WeIrD, NeW SpOnGeBoB MeMe? |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2017/05/what-is-the-mocking-spongebob-capitalized-letters-chicken-meme.html |access-date=October 30, 2023 |work=Intelligencer |archive-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030063240/https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2017/05/what-is-the-mocking-spongebob-capitalized-letters-chicken-meme.html |url-status=live }}</ref> an image of Spongebob appearing exhausted in the episode "Nature Pants",<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wheeler |first1=André-Naquian |date=April 27, 2018 |title=The 'Tired Spongebob' Meme Captures Our Cultural Exhaustion |url=https://i-d.co/article/the-tired-spongebob-meme-captures-our-cultural-exhaustion/ |website=i-D |publisher=Vice |language=en |access-date=May 12, 2025 |archive-date=May 31, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250531070807/https://i-d.co/article/the-tired-spongebob-meme-captures-our-cultural-exhaustion/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and a particularly disheveled illustration of Squidward from "Squid's Day Off".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bryan |first1=Chloe |date=April 8, 2018 |title=Why is SpongeBob so damn meme-able? |url=https://mashable.com/article/spongebob-memes-explained |website=Mashable |language=en |access-date=August 31, 2022 |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004005413/https://mashable.com/article/spongebob-memes-explained |url-status=live }}</ref>
Fans of the show have created various pages replicating Bikini Bottom News, a news show within the ''SpongeBob'' universe, with versions of the anchors Realistic Fish Head and Perch Perkins generated with artificial intelligence.<ref>{{Cite news |title=The rise of the TikTok news anchor |url=https://www.economist.com/united-states/2024/01/25/the-rise-of-the-tiktok-news-anchor |access-date=October 24, 2024 |newspaper=The Economist |issn=0013-0613 |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007195921/https://www.economist.com/united-states/2024/01/25/the-rise-of-the-tiktok-news-anchor |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Notes== {{notelist}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
===Works cited=== * {{cite book |last=Banks |first=Steven |title=SpongeBob Exposed! The Insider's Guide to ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' |date=September 24, 2004 |publisher=Simon Spotlight/Nickelodeon |others=Schigiel, Gregg (Illustrator) |isbn=978-0-689-86870-2}} * {{cite book |last=Beck |first=Jerry |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aPRymAEACAAJ |title=The ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' Experience: A Deep Dive Into the World of Bikini Bottom |publisher=Insight Editions |year=2013 |isbn=978-1-4357-3248-3 |location=USA}} * {{Cite book |last=Neuwirth |first=Allan |url=https://archive.org/details/makintoonsinside0000neuw |title=Makin' Toons: Inside the Most Popular Animated TV Shows and Movies |publisher=Allworth Communications, Inc |year=2003 |isbn=978-1-58115-269-2}} * {{cite book |last=Priebe |first=Kenneth A. |title=The Advanced Art of Stop-Motion Animation |publisher=Cengage Learning |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-4354-5704-1}} * {{Cite book |last=Lenburg |first=Jeff |url=https://archive.org/details/whoswhoinanimate0000lenb |title=Who's Who in Animated Cartoons: An International Guide to Film & Television's Award Winning and Legendary Animators |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |year=2006 |isbn=978-1-55783-671-7 |chapter=Hal Leonard}}
== Further reading == *{{cite book |last=Brown |first=Arthur |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=X-oi8LiETHIC&q=Krusty+Krab&pg=PA85 |title=Everything I Need to Know, I Learned from Cartoons! |publisher=Callaloo Press |year=2008 |isbn=978-1-4357-3248-3 |location=USA |page=85 |access-date=November 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229145058/https://books.google.com/books?id=X-oi8LiETHIC&q=Krusty+Krab&pg=PA85#v=snippet&q=Krusty%20Krab&f=false |archive-date=February 29, 2024 |url-status=live}} *{{cite web |last=Hampp |first=Andrew |date=July 13, 2009 |title=How SpongeBob Became an $8 Billion Franchise |url=http://adage.com/article/media/nickelodeon-s-spongebob-8b-kid-franchise/137866/ |access-date=May 22, 2013 |work=Advertising Age}} *{{cite news |last=Pressley |first=Nelson |date=March 8, 2013 |title=Remember the time when Washington saved 'Hello, Dolly!'? |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/remember-the-time-when-washington-saved-hello-dolly/2013/03/08/7061ad28-85c1-11e2-a80b-3edc779b676f_story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102025051/https://www.washingtonpost.com/remember-the-time-when-washington-saved-hello-dolly/2013/03/08/7061ad28-85c1-11e2-a80b-3edc779b676f_story.html |archive-date=January 2, 2020 |access-date=June 20, 2017 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} *{{cite web |last=Rhodes |first=Mina |date=February 6, 2008 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants: To Love A Patty |url=https://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/spongebobpatty.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080208074215/http://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/spongebobpatty.php |archive-date=February 8, 2008 |access-date=August 20, 2013 |publisher=DVD Verdict}} *{{cite web |author=Zeus, Maxie |date=January 28, 2005 |title=The Uncanny Brilliance of "SpongeBob SquarePants" |url=https://animesuperhero.com/the-uncanny-brilliance-of-spongebob-squarepants/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724083525/https://animesuperhero.com/the-uncanny-brilliance-of-spongebob-squarepants/ |archive-date=July 24, 2020 |access-date=July 24, 2020 |publisher=Anime Superhero News}} *{{cite web |date=September 17, 2009 |title=Carolyn Lawrence Exclusive Interview |url=http://www.thestarscoop.com/interviews/carolyn-lawrence-exclusive-interview/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629164232/http://www.thestarscoop.com/interviews/carolyn-lawrence-exclusive-interview/ |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |access-date=June 14, 2013 |work=The Star Scoop}} *{{cite web |title=REFANB Interview: Carolyn Lawrence, A.K.A. Ashley Graham |url=http://www.residentevilfan.com/articles/lawrence_interview.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051212032724/http://www.residentevilfan.com/articles/lawrence_interview.htm |archive-date=December 12, 2005 |access-date=June 14, 2013 |work=Resident Evil Fan}} *{{Cite web |title=SpongeBob at 25: The Origins of Nickelodeon's Animated Hit (Exclusive) |url=https://www.televisionacademy.com/features/news/online-originals/spongebob-squarepants-25th-anniversary-tim-hill-interview |access-date=2026-03-18 |website=Television Academy |language=en}}
==External links== {{Spoken Wikipedia|SpongeBob SquarePants.ogg|date=May 11, 2010}} * {{Official website|https://www.nick.com/shows/spongebob-squarepants}} * {{IMDb title|0206512}} * [https://archive.org/search?query=spongebob+squarepants SpongeBob SquarePants] on the Internet Archive
{{SpongeBob SquarePants|state=expanded}} {{SpongeBob SquarePants episodes}} {{Navboxes |title= Awards for ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' |list1= {{Annie Award for Best Animated Television Production}} {{Annie Award for Best Animated Television Production for Children}} {{Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Children's Animated Program}} {{Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Cartoon}} {{TCA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Youth Programming}} {{Teen Choice Award for Choice Animated Series}} }} {{Rough Draft Studios}} {{Nickelodeon original series}}
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