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{{Infobox Television
| bgcolour = yellow
| show_name = SpongeBob SquarePants
| image = [[Image:SpongeBob SquarePants.png|220px]]
| caption = ''Clockwise from top left: [[Sandy Cheeks]], [[SpongeBob SquarePants (character)|SpongeBob SquarePants]], [[Patrick Star (character)|Patrick Star]], [[Eugene H. Krabs|Mr. Krabs]] (Eugene H. Krabs), [[Squidward Tentacles]], and [[Plankton (SpongeBob SquarePants)|Plankton]] (Sheldon J. Plankton)''
| format = [[Animation|Animated]] [[comedy]]
| runtime = Typically about 11 minutes per cartoon (occasionally longer or shorter)
| creator = [[Stephen Hillenburg]]
| starring = [[Tom Kenny]]<br />[[Bill Fagerbakke]]<br />[[Rodger Bumpass]]<br />[[Carolyn Lawrence]]<br />[[Clancy Brown]]<br />[[Lori Alan]]<br />[[Mary Jo Catlett]]<br />[[Doug Lawrence]]<br />[[Dee Bradley Baker]]<br />[[Sirena Irwin]]<br />[[Jill Talley]]
| country = {{USA}}
| network = [[Nickelodeon (TV channel)|Nickelodeon]]
| first_aired = {{flagicon|USA}} [[May 1]], [[1999]]
| last_aired = present
| num_seasons = 6
| num_episodes = 104½ <ref>NOTE: The episodes are numbered by when they are aired, when two episodes (except for the specials) are aired at once, they both share the same number.</ref>
| list_episodes = List of SpongeBob SquarePants episodes
| website = http://www.nick.com/shows/spongebob_squarepants/index.jhtml
| imdb_id = 0206512
| tv_com_id = 3428
}}
{{Infobox TV ratings
| show_name = SpongeBob SquarePants
| width = 250px
| usa_tv = TV-Y7 (DVD: Not Rated)
| gb_tv = U ([[Karate Island]] DVD rated PG)
| can_tv = G (some in Season 1 & 2 rated C on YTV)
| ma_tv = U
| jp_tv = U
| mys_tv = U
| dt_tv = o. A.
| aus_tv = G
| nz_tv = G
| phi_tv = G
| ko_tv = Green (For everyone)
}}
'''''SpongeBob SquarePants''''' is an [[Emmy]]-nominated [[United States|American]] animated [[Television program|television series]] and [[media franchise]]. It is one of [[Nickelodeon (TV channel)|Nickelodeon's]] [[Nicktoons]] and is currently the most watched show on the channel. In 2007, it was named by [[TIME magazine|TIME]] as one of the greatest television shows of all time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1651341_1659196_1652730,00.html|title=www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1651341_1659196_1652730,00.html |title=SpongeBob SquarePants |accessdate=2008-04-24 |date= |format= |work=TIME magazine }}</ref> Although its original network is [[Nickelodeon]], ''SpongeBob'' is now broadcast across the world. It was created by [[artist]], [[animator]], and former [[marine biologist]], [[Stephen Hillenburg]], and is produced through his production company, United Plankton Pictures, Inc.

The series is set in the [[Pacific Ocean]], in the fictional city of [[Bikini Bottom]] and on the surrounding lagoon floor. The [[pilot episode]] first aired in the United States on Nickelodeon after the ''[[Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards]]'' on [[May 1]] [[1999]]. The "official" series premiere followed on [[July 17]] [[1999]] with the second episode, "[[Bubblestand]]/[[Ripped Pants]]."

== Setting ==
[[SpongeBob SquarePants (character)|SpongeBob SquarePants]] is a [[sea sponge]] who lives in a [[pineapple]] under the sea, while his squid neighbor, Squidward Tentacles, lives in a [[moai]]. SpongeBob's other neighbor and best friend is a pink starfish named Patrick Star, who lives under a rock. SpongeBob and Patrick live on either side of Squidward Tentacles, much to Squidward's despair. Squidward is constantly annoyed by SpongeBob and Patrick's antics.

SpongeBob and his friends live in the underwater city of Bikini Bottom. Bikini Bottom is like a regular city with a downtown, suburbs, coastal areas, its own airport, bus system, and fair park. Stephen Hillenburg said once that Bikini Bottom was loosely based on [[Seattle, Washington]].{{Fact|date=December 2007}} A good example of this statement is in the episode "[[Pre-Hibernation Week]]". Sandy and SpongeBob were fighting on a tall structure called the Sea Needle, referring to the [[Space Needle]], a tall structure in Seattle. Hillenburg has said that he wants to leave the location of Bikini Bottom to the imagination, claiming that the ''[[Baywatch]]'' scene was just a reference to his favorite show of all time.

SpongeBob's house-pet is a [[snail]] named [[Gary the Snail|Gary]], whose "meow" is similar to a cat. Although Gary only speaks in a few episodes, the characters have shown an ability to understand him. In addition to this, underwater worms bark exactly like dogs, and are kept on chains. Jellyfish are the equivalent of bees; buzzing, stinging with poison (although it appears as an electric shock), and producing delicious "jelly", mocking the name "jellyfish", while still referring to a bee's honey. Fish act as the citizens of the community but, as a rule, are not important characters.

SpongeBob, who is absorbent, yellow, and porous (according to the title song), works as a fry cook at the [[Krusty Krab]], a [[Fast food|fast-food restaurant]], with Squidward as the cashier. The Krusty Krab is owned by Eugene H. Krabs (Mr. Krabs).
Sheldon J. Plankton (commonly referred to as "[[List of SpongeBob SquarePants characters#Sheldon James Plankton|Plankton]]") is Mr. Krabs's arch enemy who owns a low-rank fast-food restaurant called the [[Chum Bucket]] across the street from the Krusty Krab. The Chum Bucket has almost never had a customer, and Plankton spends most of his time plotting to steal the recipe for Mr. Krabs's popular [[Krabby Patty]] burgers. Only in the movie does he succeed; the formula is never actually revealed to the audience. Plankton's computer wife, Karen, alternately helps him in his schemes or bickers with him.

Sandy Cheeks is another friend of SpongeBob. She is a squirrel that lives in an underwater dome in Bikini Bottom. She was sent there by her bosses, chimpanzees, according to the episode, "[[Chimps Ahoy]]". Sandy is from [[Texas]], and speaks with a Texan accent. Sometimes she gets a little home-sick and sings a little song. When not inside her tree-dome, she wears an astronaut-like suit because she cannot breathe in water. Sandy, just like a normal squirrel, hibernates once a year, as seen in a few episodes such as "[[Pre-Hibernation Week]]" and "[[Survival of the Idiots]]". She likes SpongeBob as much as SpongeBob likes her.

Instead of [[Automobile|cars]], the residents of Bikini Bottom drive [[boats]]. SpongeBob is still in boating school after failing the driving test over seventy-two times. Once, during an episode set in a wilderness area, Patrick questions how a camp fire is possible on the lagoon bottom. As soon as the question is asked, the fire is immediately extinguished with a sizzle. A flurry of bubbles accompanies actions in many of the episodes to remind the viewer that the setting is underwater. Ironically, when there is a separate body of water underwater, such as a swimming pool or lagoon, a non-car boat must be used to cross it because both SpongeBob and Patrick cannot swim, they must be taught by [[List of major SpongeBob SquarePants characters#Larry the Lobster|Larry the Lobster]]. In the episode "Snowball Effect" (Episode 46 [[SpongeBob SquarePants (season 3)|Season 3]]) it snows in Bikini Bottom. The show also frequently ignores its underwater setting when dealing with water in other uses; Bikini Bottom has functional baths, pools, and toilets.

===Bikini Bottom===
[[Image:BikiniBottomTNL.JPG|thumb|right|175px|Bikini Bottom]]
'''Bikini Bottom''' is a city that appears in the [[Nickelodeon (TV channel)|Nickelodeon]] [[Animation|animated]] television series, ''[[SpongeBob SquarePants]]''. Located at the bottom of the [[Pacific Ocean]],<ref>TV Shows on Nick. "SpongeBob SquarePants." 2007. [http://www.nick.com/all_nick/tv_supersites/display_show.jhtml?show_id=spo&_requestid=1050777]</ref> it is where the series' main characters live, and where most of the episodes take place.

Bikini Bottom is similar to an average [[United States|American]] city. The city consists of various businesses, including restaurants, stores, and manufacturers. The city has a stable economy, balanced education and health systems, a structured government, and a firm law enforcement system. There are even stadiums, amusement parks, and other recreational facilities.

====Geography====
Bikini Bottom's [[geography]] is shown as consisting of [[mountain]]s, dense [[forest]]s, [[lake]]s, [[lagoon]]s, [[cave]]s, [[grassland]]s, [[reef]]s, [[river]]s, and barren [[desert]] wastelands.

Major geographic features have colorful names, including Goo Lagoon, Goo Lagoon Sea Caves, Sand Mountain, Flounder Hill, Guppy Mound, Kelp Forest, Kelp Swamp, Kelp Caves, Kelp Vines, Jellyfish Fields, Jellyfish Lake, Spork Mountain, The Brain Coral Fields, Make Out Reef, Mount Climb-Up-and-Fall-Off,<ref name="Valentine">''as seen in the episode, "[[Valentine's Day (SpongeBob SquarePants episode)|Valentine's Day]]"''</ref> Mount Kabloovious ([[volcano]] at the nearby town of Palm Bay), Rock Bottom (a separate city located at the bottom of a trench), Ancient Mariner Valley, Mermalair (a man-made underground cavern), and [[Atlantis]]<ref name="SpongeBob Movie" />

According to [[Nickelodeon]]: <br />
(''SpongeBob SquarePants'')<br />
'''"To get to Bikini Bottom... '''<br />
'''Find the Pacific Ocean, and go UNDER it! '''<br />
'''When you see Hawaii, make a hard left! '''<br />
'''Keep goin'... you can't miss it!"'''

====Rock Bottom====
This is featured in only one episode of ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' ("[[Rock Bottom (SpongeBob SquarePants)|Rock Bottom]]"). Rock Bottom resembles a part of the [[ocean depths]], where the sun's light does not reach, and sea creatures are different from those on the surface. Here, it is dark and foreign to many of the people from Bikini Bottom. An example of this is how they talk, done by every other word, [[Blowing a raspberry|one sticks their tongue out and spits]]. In addition, the [[bathroom]] signs are different from ordinary ones, being a backwards question mark and one upside-down. The only way someone gets out of Rock Bottom is from a 90° cliff. It is also seen in the video games ''[[SpongeBob SquarePants: Employee of the Month]]'', ''[[SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom]]'' and ''SpongeBob SquarePants: Revenge of the Flying Dutchman'', as a primary stage.

====Cityscape====
The city is divided into various districts, including Downtown Bikini Bottom, Goo Lagoon, Sand Mountain, Jellyfish Fields, Kelp Forest, the Flying Dutchman's Graveyard, Residents' Row (SpongeBob's/Patrick's/Squidward's homes),<ref>''as seen in [[SpongeBob SquarePants: Revenge of the Flying Dutchman]]''</ref> Make Out Reef, Ancient Mariner Valley (the location of Neptune's Paradise.)<ref>as mentioned in the ''[[SpongeBob SquarePants: Employee of the Month]]'' computer game</ref> and Palm Bay.

The city is divided by its main road, Conch Street, which runs from [[downtown]] and past the homes of SpongeBob, Squidward, and Patrick, through the [[Krusty Krab]] restaurant, the Chum Bucket and the Reef Theatre [[cinema (place)|cinema]]. The road intersects with Barnacle Road and Coral Avenue. Anchor Way is not far off from Conch Street. Conch Street runs north-south as revealed in the ''SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom'' video game. Downtown Bikini Bottom is located in the northernmost point of the city, while SpongeBob, Squidward, and Patrick's House are on the southern part of the road. Goo Lagoon is located west of the road, while Jellyfish Fields is to the east. Other establishments are located more southerly, including Sandy's house, Shady Shoals [[retirement home]], the Krusty Krab, the Chum Bucket, and the Movie Theater. The Kelp Forest is located more southerly.

The County Line is the boundary of Bikini Bottom<ref name="SpongeBob Movie" /> and in ''The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie'' video game, it is very close to downtown Bikini Bottom. This is very fitting, given that it serves as the northernmost district of Bikini Bottom, according to the ''SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom'' video game.

In every episode in which the skyline of Bikini Bottom is shown, features such as buildings, houses, and anchors can be seen. This is most likely Mr. Krabs's house. In earlier episodes of the series, a red flower arch can be seen, which now no longer appears in the skyline. The Sea Needle, which is the tallest point in Bikini Bottom, is oddly never seen in the skyline. The Sea Needle only appears in two episodes of SpongeBob, "[[Pre-Hibernation Week]]" and "[[Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy IV]]." The Sea Needle also appears in the video game, ''[[Battle for Bikini Bottom]]'' where it is shown just outside of downtown Bikini Bottom. In some episodes, a lighthouse appears in the skyline, most likely Mrs. Puff's Boating School. Other episodes feature the Krusty Krab's [[marquee (sign)|marquee]]. A large [[clam]]-shaped structure, most likely a propeller from a ship, is seen in some episodes.

In the center of Bikini Bottom, the citizens work and live in large, gray buildings made of metal. There are some other forms of buildings, mostly aquatic-themed as seen above. Further out from the town citizens need to use whatever is available and easy to live in, such as Patrick's [[Rock (geology)|rock]], SpongeBob hollowed-out [[pineapple]], and the [[moai]] Squidward lives in.

====Inhabitants====
=====Population=====
The [[population]] of Bikini Bottom is uncertain. The creator of the show, [[Stephen Hillenburg]], confirmed that Bikini Bottom is a large city. Before almost leaving the city, [[Sandy Cheeks]] sang a song describing it as "crowded and smoggy,"<ref name="Chimps Ahoy" />. The Pretty Patties burger stand created by SpongeBob attracted 46,853 customers. Almost everyone from the city showed up, which may suggest a population of around 50,000, but as seen in the episode "[[Nautical Novice]]," Mrs. Puff said "millions of innocent lives", perhaps suggesting a population of around 2,000,000.

=====Demographics=====
Bikini Bottom's populace, like that of the rest of the series, consists of various [[anthropomorphic]] [[fish]], [[whale]]s, [[crab]]s, [[sponge]]s, [[squid]], [[starfish]], [[anchovies]], [[lobster]]s, [[shark]]s, and most other forms of [[sea life]], including [[sea monster]]s. Some forms of sea life, like [[jellyfish]], [[seahorse]]s, [[snail]]s, and [[worm]]s aren't anthropomorphic, and are treated like [[pet]]s or [[wild animal]]s. For example, snails resemble [[cat]]s, and worms resemble [[dog]]s (an example of this is SpongeBob's pet snail [[Gary the Snail|Gary]], who meows, and one-time pet worm Rex, who barks). The first known land creature to live in Bikini Bottom was the Dark Knight, an ancestor of Sandy Cheeks, before the 12th century (Bikini Bottom was then known as Bikini Bottomshire).<ref name="Dunces and Dragons" /> Sandy, a [[squirrel]] from [[Texas]], is (along with Wormy the [[caterpillar]] other pets, and a small cricket that was featured in a recent episode) the only land creature seen living in modern Bikini Bottom.

====History====
The history of Bikini Bottom can be traced back to the [[Permian]] period (which looked more like the [[Tertiary]] period in the [[prehistoric]] Bikini Bottom. During a [[time-travel]] incident, [[Squidward Tentacles]] accidentally made his way to this era, and inadvertently invented the sport of jellyfishing.<ref name="SB-129">as seen in the episode, "[[SB-129]]"</ref> Years later, in a more advanced prehistoric time (possibly the [[Cretaceous]] era, since a [[pterodactyl]] was seen flying at the opening scene; however, the prehistoric Bikini Bottom looked more like the late [[Quarternary]] era), SpongeGar, Patar, and Squog (possible ancestors of SpongeBob, Patrick, and Squidward, respectively) discovered [[fire]].<ref>as seen in "[[SpongeBob BC]]"</ref>
[[Image:BikiniBottomshire.JPG|200px|thumb|A scene from "[[Dunces and Dragons]]" (2006) that depicts Bikini Bottom in the [[Middle Ages]], as a village known as Bikini Bottomshire]] <!-- FAIR USE of BikiniBottomshire.JPG: see image description page at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:BikiniBottomshire.JPG for rationale -->
<!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[Image:BikiniBottomshire2.JPG|200px|thumb|A later scene from "[[Dunces and Dragons]]" (2006) that depicts an overview of Bikini Bottomshire from the bottom of Planktonomor's tower.|{{deletable image-caption|1=Saturday, 22 December 2007}}]] -->

In the [[Medieval]] Era, Bikini Bottomshire was under the rule of King Krabs (ancestor of [[Eugene H. Krabs]]) and was under attack by the evil [[wizard]], Planktonomor (ancestor of [[Sheldon J. Plankton]]). SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star were transported to this time after a [[joust]]ing accident. They were expected to arrive in this era because of a [[prophecy]]. According to Princess Pearl, the prophecy was that they (SpongeBob and Patrick) were the ones to save the [[kingdom]]. Princess Pearl (daughter of King Krabs) was [[kidnap]]ped by Planktonomor's fire-breathing jellyfish, and taken hostage at Planktonomore's [[tower]]. Fulfilling the prophecy, SpongeBob and Patrick saved Princess Pearl and defeated Planktonomor. Later, during a [[parade]] celebrating SpongeBob and Patrick's heroic deeds, King Krabs invented the Krabby Patty, which would be passed down through the Krabs family, the [[formula]] being kept secret.<ref name="Dunces and Dragons" /> This, however, contradicts the ''Friend or Foe'' SpongeBob special, where it is shown that Krabs invented the formula by accident after knocking over some [[spices]] and [[condiments]] into the patty [[batter (cooking)|batter]], but it is possible that at some point the recipe was forgotten, however in another episode, Mr. Krabs inadvertently reveals to Plankton that the Krabby Patty formula is an old Krabs family recipe.

Hundreds of years later, probably during the [[Renaissance]] or [[Victorian Age]], a dispute rose between citizens of Bikini Bottom that would eventually split the town in half; one half of the citizens preferred to be clean and while the other half preferred to be messy and dirty. The dispute would lead to the Battle of Bikini Bottom (as stated in the episode of the same name). The outcome of the battle is unknown and the winner of the war was never determined (but that was Patrick's explanation, then one of the war reanactors said "that's not how it went").

Even later, somewhere around the 19th century in [[Old West]], one of Plankton's ancestor, Dead-Eye Plankton, takes over Bikini Gulch and renames it Dead-Eye Gulch. A big western-style show down happens between Dead-Eye Plankton, and SpongeBob's Ancestor, SpongeBuck SquarePants.

On [[November 30]], [[1942]], Eugene H. Krabs was born.<ref>as seen in "[[Sleepy Time]]"</ref> In his childhood, he immediately became a [[finance|financial]] [[genius]] as he is known today. In 1947, his father gave him a [[dollar]], which he loved dearly. However, he spent it on a [[soda]], which was upsetting to him. Soon, he went to Poseidon Elementary and met a friend, Sheldon J. Plankton. The two opened up a restaurant and, after accidentally knocking Old Man Jenkins out with their tainted patty, they had an argument and became bitter rivals. Not long after, the [[Korean War]] occurred, in which the events are unknown. After the war, Mr. Krabs fell into a deep [[Depression (mood)|depression]], which seemed endless; however, a [[bankrupt]] retirement home, the Rusty Krab, gave him hope. Mr. Krabs decided to buy the building and rename it, marking the establishment of the Krusty Krab. The financial success of the Krusty Krab took off and became a premier eating facility in Bikini Bottom.

In the present time, Bikini Bottom has had various occurrences of destruction. In "[[Dying for Pie]]", a bomb pie fell on Squidward's face, causing a [[nuclear]] explosion (with Squidward dead center). In "[[Sandy, SpongeBob, and the Worm]]", an Alaskan Bull Worm struck Bikini Bottom, which made Sandy hunt it down. Bikini Bottom was moved away, but the worm crushed it. In "[[Wormy]]", while Sandy was out of town, SpongeBob and Patrick were given the duty of taking care of her pets, one of which was a caterpillar named Wormy. Wormy grew into a [[butterfly]] overnight, which caused SpongeBob and Patrick to freak out, thinking Wormy is dead. They then proceeded to cause a mass hysteria that lead to the city's destruction. [[Global warming]] also took effect in the short, "[[The Endless Summer (SpongeBob SquarePants short)|The Endless Summer]]." Then another atomic explosion happened when SpongeBob set his nuclear cleaning gun to maximum power in "The Krusty Plate".

Years later, Mr. Krabs opened a second restaurant, named the "Krusty Krab 2." Plankton initiated his evil Plan Z, and stole King Neptune's [[crown]], thereby framing Mr. Krabs. He was frozen because of this; however, SpongeBob and Patrick set out toward Shell City to retrieve Neptune's crown, and then saved the day. These events are depicted in the Spongebob Squarepants film.<ref name="SpongeBob Movie" />

In the future, the jellyfish will migrate every year to a spot known as [[SpongeHenge]] in Jellyfish Fields where SpongeBob built five stone decoys that make the same sound he does when it is windy, but apparently the people of Bikini Bottom would soon forget who made them, and claim that they "do not know who built these or for what reason". This is potentially a rather intriguing reference, as these statues have a similar background to the infamous Easter Island statues (which appear in the show themselves, in the form of Squidward's house). Even further in the future, around the year [[5th millennium|4017]], everything will be made of [[chrome]], and whatever isn't gets sprayed with chrome paint. Also, [[time travel]] will have been invented, and SpongeTron, distant relative of SpongeBob, will have 486 clones. Three of the clones have names SpongeTrons X, Y, and Z. There are two that also separate from the crowd. They go by Sunny and Cher, likely a reference to the musical stars.

====Government====
The underwater nation that Bikini Bottom resides in has three forms of government: [[monarchy]], [[republic]] and [[totalitarianism]] (temporary). If each share their power equally, or have influence on one another, is unknown.

The mayor of Bikini Bottom is a flounder with a suit and a tall cylinder hat. He has thin mustache. He appears opening a new bridge and introducing the Great Snail Race.

The president of Bikini Bottom is unknown. [[Squidward]] once thought he was elected president of Bikini Bottom, until [[Spongebob (character)|Spongebob]] told him he was the president of "The Good Neighbor Lodge".

The current king of the nation of Bikini Bottom is King Neptune XIV. The following is a list of kings and queens of the nation:

'''House of Krabs''' (c. '''1150''' – c. '''1250''')
*King Krabs – king before 13th century. He is the ancestor of [[Mr. Krabs]].
*Princess Pearl – queen after King Krab's death.

'''House of Neptune''' (c. '''1250''' – c. '''1800''')
*King Neptune I
*King Neptune II
*King Neptune III
*King Neptune IV
*King Neptune V
*King Neptune VI
*King Neptune VII
*King Neptune VIII
*King Neptune IX
*King Neptune X
*King Neptune XI

'''House of King Ameoba''' (c. '''1800''' – c.'''1900''')
*King Ameoba
*Queen Mildew

'''House of Neptune''' (c. '''1900''' – '''2007''')

(''came back to power due to Princess Tulsa not becoming a queen'')
*King Neptune XII
*King Neptune XIII
*King Neptune XIV
*Princess Neptunea

'''House of King Ameoba''' ('''2007''' – c. '''2020''')
*[[Patrick Star|King Patrick (Star)]]
*[[Gary the Snail|King Gary (the Snail)]]

'''House of Neptune''' (c. '''2020''' – '''''current''''')
*King Neptune XV
*Princess Mindy (yet to come) (King Neptune XV's current daughter)

====Entertainment and media====
In Bikini Bottom contributes to the social interaction within the city. The Krusty Krab houses entertainment with shows such as ''The Annual Squidward Tentacles Talent Show'' (featuring the unpopular Squidward Live segment), ''The Komedy Krab'',Who Dougie And SpongeBob Guested and ''Live Nude Pranksters'', which featured an unclothed SpongeBob and Patrick. In addition, a popular band called ''Ned and the Needlefish'' started in Bikini Bottom.

Bikini Bottom has many forms of media. News, magazines, radio, and television contribute to Bikini Bottom's wide spread of news and entertainment.

*The city paper is called the ''Bikini Times''. It features the regular news, as well as daily comics. One of the comics is called ''The Wisenheimers''. There is another newspaper that is called the ''Bikini Bottom Inquirer'', which is a parody of ''[[The National Inquirer]]''.

*There are at least five radio stations in Bikini Bottom, which are called WH<sub>2</sub>O hosted by Alba Corey, The Tuneful Tuna, KRUM (top 40 music)<ref>as seen in "[[Krab Borg]]"</ref>, a non-existent station-KRUD invented by SpongeBob in one episode, KOLD (K-Old, your all-oldies station) as seen in "[[Mid-Life Crustacean]]" and K-BLUB<ref>as seen in "[[Sing a Song of Patrick]]"</ref>.

There also appear to be boy bands and rock bands; the first being ''Boys Who Cry'' (a parody of [[The Cure]]'s single "[[Boys Don't Cry (song)|Boys Don't Cry]]") that Pearl enjoys, ''Stingray 5000'' (possibly a parody of ''[[Powerman 5000]]'') who had released a record entitled "You Rock My Clams" which Patrick happily found in the dumpster as seen in the episode "[[Missing Identity]]" and ''Ned and the Needlefish'', who appear in "[[Wigstruck]]".

=====Venues and entertainment locations=====
* '''Glove World''' – A glove theme park located between Bikini Bottom and Rock Bottom
* '''Bubble Bowl''' – A stage with a domed glass ceiling, which rises into a human [[football]] [[stadium]], a spoof of the [[Super Bowl]].
* '''Goofy Goober's Ice Cream Party Boat''' – A party boat which includes a stage and serves ice cream.
* '''Weenie Hut Jr.''' – A restaurant staffed by a robot and primarily aimed at kids.
* '''Super Weenie Hut Jr.''' – An extreme version (more childish) of Weenie Hut Jr.
* '''Salty Spitoon''' – A tavern for "tough" people only.
* '''Tough Tavern''' – A bar similar to the Salty Spitoon.
* '''"Reef" Theater''' – A standard [[cinema]] with a snack bar.
* '''Goo Lagoon''' – A large mud puddle used by the inhabitants of Bikini Bottom as a swimming area. It has [[lifeguards]] on regular duty, as well as a pier, ice cream stand, and other attractions.
* '''Frycook Museum''' – A [[fast-food]] oriented museum which includes a menu section.
* '''Sea Needle''' – Bikini Bottom's equivalent of [[Seattle|Seattle's]] [[Space Needle]].
* '''Sand Mountain''' – A large sand mountain with a [[skiing]] resort.
* '''Bikini Bottom Mall''' – A four-story shopping mall shaped like a sunken ship.
* '''Bikini Bottom Library''' – A public library.
* '''Hook Museum''' – A museum specializing in [[fish hook]]s
* '''Bikini Bottom Historical Museum''' – A historical museum.
* '''Bikini Bottom Recreation Center''' – An ordinary [[recreation|recreation center]] about half a mile from the [[landfill|dump]].
* '''Bikini Bottom Zoo''' – A zoo which includes the '''Oyster Stadium''' and a gift shop.
* '''Fast Food Colosseum''' – A stadium where the Fry Cook Games are held.
* '''Thug Tug''' – A tavern similar to the Salty Spitoon, but with a rule that states "All bubble-blowin' babies will be beaten senseless by every able-bodied patron in the bar."
* '''Bikini Bottom Conventional Hall''' – A hall where a Navy sailors' reunion was held.
* '''Medieval Moments''' – A [[jousting]] arena/restaurant surrounded by a [[moat]], most likely a spoof of Midieval Times.
* '''[[#Krusty Krab|The Krusty Krab]]''' – A fictional fast food restaurant where SpongeBob, Squidward, and Mr. Krabs work and serve Krabby Patty burgers.
* '''The Chum Bucket''' – The building where Plankton and his computer "W.I.F.E.", Karen, live.
* '''Jellyfish Fields''' – The fields where SpongeBob and Patrick play and catch jellyfish.
* '''Shady Shoals Retirement Home''' – A retirement home where the elderly fish in Bikini Bottom live.
* '''Mrs. Puff's Boating School''' – A driving school run by Mrs. Puff where fish (and other sea creatures) get their drivers' licenses.
* '''Neptune's Castle''' – The residence of King Neptune and his daughter Princess Mindy.
* '''The Dump''' – A landfill where the sea creatures' trash goes.
* '''Weenie Hut General''' – A hospital for weaklings.
* '''Adult Learning Centre''' – An institution in which adult fish attend classes such as cooking and art.
* '''Tentacle Acres''' – A real estate location especially for Squids, on which Squidward transfers temporarily.
* '''Fancy!''' – A fancy restaurant representing an old ship in a bottle.
* '''Barg'N-Mart''' – A supermarket.
* '''A Leech Farm'''
* '''Poseidome''' – The palace where the fight of King Neptune with SpongeBob was held.

=====Events=====
*Every year Bikini Bottom has the '''Fry Cook Games''' (a [[parody]] of the [[Olympic Games]] but with fast food). The Fry Cook Games are held at Bikini Bottom's Fast Food Coliseum. The first annual competition was held in 1981. Eugene H. Krabs and Sheldon J. Plankton went head to head against each other until the 21st Fry Cook Games in 2001. During the 1981 Fry Cook Games, Krabs won the gold medal in the Pickle Barrel-Dumbbell Lift while Plankton won in Onion Ring Gymnastics. But in 2001, the [[#Krusty Krab|Krusty Krab]] was represented by SpongeBob SquarePants, and the Chum Bucket was represented by [[Patrick Star]]. In the 21st Fry Cook Games, there were 9 events (The deep fryer polevault, the chocolate high dive, bun toss, butter skating, giant ketchup bottle toss, hurdles, carrying platters, riding giant spatulas and samba dancing). The tie breaker was bun wrestling. The winner was never determined.<ref>as seen in "[[The Fry Cook Games]]"</ref>

*'''The Great Snail Race''' is an annual race between snails at Oyster Stadium, which is located in the Bikini Bottom Zoo. At the pre-game ceremony, of the 102nd Running of the Snail, Lightning Larry Luciano (The winner of the first race) lights the ''Torch of Good Sportsmanship'' (although very slowly). After the torch is lit, the games begin. The first snail to make it across the finish line, wins. The result of the 102nd race ended with Rocky (won by default, owned by [[Patrick Star]], actually a [[Pet Rock]]) in first place, Snellie (owned by [[Squidward Tentacles]]) in second place, and Gary (disqualified, owned by [[SpongeBob SquarePants (character)|SpongeBob SquarePants]]) in last place, disqualified due to the coach running on to the race track. Patrick had the trophy engraved to Squidward [[Tortellini]] (mistaken for Squidward Tentacles, whose last name had also been mispelt as "Tennisballs" and "Tentpoles") because he had wanted to win very badly.<ref>as seen in "[[The Great Snail Race]]"</ref>

*The '''Anchor Toss Competition''' is a contest of strong ocean dwellers tossing a large anchor on a 510+ yard field. A referee goes and measures the distance between the tosser and the anchor, but is constantly hit by the anchor. SpongeBob SquarePants was once part of the contest (however no longer participates), along with Sandy Cheeks, Don the Whale, and Larry the Lobster.

*Bikini Bottom has a bi-annual '''Jellyfish Convention'''. It features state-of-the-art jellyfish nets, the harpoon from ''Jellyfish the Movie'', Dr. Manowar, and the Jellyspotters. One is not allowed to touch anything on display, however Patrick promptly touches everything leading up to "Jeffrey the Jellyfish", a man in a jellyfish costume.

*'''National No SpongeBob Day''' seems to be held every year: for one day, the city's entire citizenry (save for SpongeBob) leaves Bikini Bottom for the sole purpose of escaping SpongeBob's relentlessly annoying antics. The day consists of building a giant SpongeBob monument, burning it to the ground and wildly dancing on the ashes with exaggerated glee.

====Krusty Krab====
[[Image:Krusty Krab.jpg|thumb|right|220px|The Krusty Krab.]]

The '''Krusty Krab''', owned by [[Eugene H. Krabs|Mr. Eugene H. Krabs]], is the most popular [[restaurant]] in Bikini Bottom. It usually has two employees: [[SpongeBob SquarePants (character)|SpongeBob SquarePants]], the restaurant's [[fry cook]], and [[Squidward Tentacles]], the restaurant's cashier. Both employees have difficulties with working together: Squidward hates SpongeBob, and SpongeBob in turn exacerbates the situation by remaining completely naive toward Squidward's spiteful attitude. Originally there was a frycook called Jim who left on account of Mr. Krab's small salary. In one episode when Squidward and SpongeBob go on strike, they are temporarily replaced by three teenagers (though seemingly they looked more like children). The restaurant's menu consists of the usual fast-food products, with its specialty being Krabby Patties, similar to hamburgers in appearance. [[Sheldon J. Plankton|Plankton]], the owner of the Krusty Krab's rival restaurant, The Chum Bucket, is always trying to find out the mystery ingredients for the Krabby patty formula.

Like many buildings in the show, the Krusty Krab does not have a specific floor plan. In most episodes, however, the restaurant includes the main [[dining room]] with doors leading to Mr. Krabs' office, a [[kitchen]], and a [[restroom]]. The building's design is based on a [[New England]] [[lobster trap]]. In the front, the Krusty Krab has a parking area, even though cars are usually not seen in it. In the back of the Krusty Krab, a [[dumpster]] is seen in most episodes. The Krusty Krab is open most days from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm, and is [[Sunday shopping|closed on Sunday]].

The food served at the Krusty Krab consists of its specialty, the world-famous Krabby Patty burgers, as well as a host of other meals off the Galley Grub, with food ranging from Kelp Fries to Coral Bits to Dr Kelp (derived from the [[Dr Pepper]] soft drink) and more, including Silly Meals. This is enough evidence that the menu is similar to that of [[Checkers Drive-In]], [[McDonald's]], [[Burger King]] or its [[Australian]] counterpart, [[Hungry Jack's]]. They have also sold Krusty Krab pizzas in "Pizza Delivery."<ref name="http://en.spongepedia.bimserver.com/index.php?title=Krusty_Krab">[http://en.spongepedia.bimserver.com/index.php?title=Krusty_Krab SpongePedia] article Krusty Krab</ref>

== Characters ==
{{main|List of SpongeBob SquarePants characters}}
* [[SpongeBob SquarePants (character)|SpongeBob SquarePants]] — A very friendly and optomistic [[Sea Sponge]] that loves krabby patties, jellyfishing, karate, and blowing bubbles. He works at the Krusty Krab as the fry cook.
* [[Patrick Star#Patrick Star|Patrick Star]] — SpongeBob's best friend; a dimwitted, pink [[starfish]].
* [[Squidward Tentacles]] — SpongeBob and Patrick's cranky next door neighbor and co-worker at the Krusty Krab, where he is the cashier. He seems to hate SpongeBob and Patrick, and openly displays it towards them. He has always wanted hair since he went bald (seen in the episode, "[[The Original Fry Cook]]". He also believes he is an amazing artist and [[clarinet]] player, but is quite the opposite in reality. Just like [[Prowl (Transformers)]] in [[Transformers: Animated]], his jokes are usually make at other people's expense, especially Spongebob and Patrick. Another best friend of SpongeBob.
* [[Sandy Cheeks#Sandy Cheeks|Sandy Cheeks]] — A clever [[squirrel]] scientist from Texas who has to wear an air helmet and space suit to work underwater. Another best friend of SpongeBob.
* [[Eugene H. Krabs]] — A [[crab]] that is in charge of the Krusty Krab restaurant, where SpongeBob works. He loves money and is selfish and greedy, even to his daughter.
* [[Pearl Krabs]] — Mr. Krabs's teenage daughter. She is a whale who acts like a stereotypical American teenage girl. She acts like a spoiled girl and her father is seen to both pamper and deprive her throughout the series.
* [[Gary the Snail#Gary the Snail|Gary the Snail]] — SpongeBob's pet, his only sound is a [[Miaow|"meow"]], similar to a cat. In fact, he is considered to be a sea cat, like a worm is considered a sea dog.
* [[Plankton (SpongeBob SquarePants)|Sheldon J. Plankton]] - A small plankton who is Mr. Krabs arch rival. He intends on getting the secret Krabby Patty formula and putting the Krusty Krab out of business. Also, his wife Karen and his "cousins" consider his first name hilarious as shown in one episode.
* [[Mrs. Puff]] — A [[pufferfish]] that is SpongeBob's boating teacher. Mrs. Puff dislikes SpongeBob and is eager to get him out of her class. She usually gets in jail after one of SpongeBob's foolish acts. A widow, her husband was captured and turned into a pufferfish lamp.
* [[Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy#Mermaid Man|Mermaid Man]] and [[Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy#Barnacle Boy|Barnacle Boy]] — Old, retired and foolish superheroes who are adored by [[SpongeBob]], [[Patrick]], and people from the "Mermaid Man & Barnacle Boy" Fan Club.
* [[List of major SpongeBob SquarePants characters#Larry|Larry the Lobster]] — Buff, good-looking and fit lobster, usually found at Goo Lagoon, Bikini Bottom's local beach. Larry is one of Sandy's main friends, and is usually friendly with Spongebob and Patrick. He is cocky, but generally good-natured.
* [[Perch Perkins]] - The Bikini Bottom TV Reporter.
* [[Karen]] - Plankton's computer wife
* [[List of SpongeBob SquarePants characters#Minor Characters|Patchy the Pirate]] is a non-animated pirate played by Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob. He hosts all of the 30-minute SpongeBob specials, such as House Party and The Lost Episode. Fan reception is polarized between love and hate of the character. Not to be confused with [[List of SpongeBob SquarePants characters#Supporting characters|Painty the Pirate]] who sings the theme tune to each episode.
*Recurring characters - Spongebob's parents, Old man Jenkins, Mr. Krab's mom, and squidward's enemy.

== Popularity ==
''SpongeBob SquarePants'' is the only cartoon to consistently make the Top 10 list in the [[Nielsen ratings]], and is the first "low budget" [[Nicktoon|Nickelodeon cartoon]], according to the network, to become extremely popular. Low-budget cartoons had not garnered as much esteem as higher-rated (and higher-budgeted) shows, such as ''[[Rugrats]]'', although when ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' aired in 1999, it had gained a significant enough number of viewers in the ratings to be considered popular, eventually becoming more popular than ''Rugrats'' had ever been. SpongeBob follows other Nickelodeon shows that have attracted "older" followers: ''[[The Ren & Stimpy Show]]'', ''[[Rocko's Modern Life]]'', the ''[[Kablam!]]'' skits, ''[[Action League Now!]]'' and ''[[The Angry Beavers]]''. Other shows have followed in this trend as well: ''[[Invader Zim]]'' and ''[[The Fairly OddParents]]'' won a similar fan base when they aired in 2001, and the latter is now second only to SpongeBob in popularity, while the former was cancelled despite gaining a cult following. The show debuted in 1999, and during that time, ''[[DragonBall Z]]'' and ''[[Pokémon]]'' were still the biggest crazes. SpongeBob did not gain its popularity until around 2000, and it has remained popular since then. It has achieved the "Great" rating on tv.com, with a 8.7 rating, the third best rating in Nickelodeon, the first being ''[[Avatar: The Last Airbender]]'' with a rating of 9.3 and the second being ''[[The Fairly OddParents]]'' with a rating of 8.8.

=== Broad appeal ===
SpongeBob is one in a long line of cartoons that is designed to appeal to adults as well as children. This has a lot to do with the absurd way underwater life and situations are represented, and with the situations, references, and words used, which younger viewers might not understand. Certain innuendos also are intended to go over younger viewers' heads.<ref>{{cite book
| last = Harris
| first = Richard Jackson
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = A Cognitive Psychology of Mass Communication
| publisher = Routledge
| date = 2004
| location =
| pages = 133
| url =
| doi =
| id =
| isbn = 0805846603}}</ref> For example, SpongeBob tried to show his grandma that he was a mature adult by wearing sideburns and a [[Bowler hat|derby]], and listening to '[[free form jazz]]' or when Squidward tricked SpongeBob and Patrick into thinking he was a ghost, a coral reef sculpted like [[Toulouse-Lautrec]]'s can-can girls stands in the background (leading to a pun by Squidward), are jokes most children would not understand. Numerous [[marine biology]] in-jokes are woven into the show. There are also often complex ironic scenarios that need close attention.

While many newer cartoons revolve around pre-adolescents with strange lives and feature many pop-culture references (e.g. ''[[The Fairly OddParents]]''), SpongeBob chooses to go for a formula that was used in highly successful older Nick cartoons such as ''[[Ren and Stimpy]]'' and ''[[Rocko's Modern Life]]'', with non-human young adults in crazy, unrealistic situations, with minimal pop culture references.

Part of the show's appeal has to do with the childlike nature of SpongeBob and his best friend, Patrick Star, both of whom are adults but display an innocence typical of human children. However, the characters are not immune from more adult avocations, including rock musicianship in a stadium performance, reminiscent of a hard rock concert, or Patrick turning to SpongeBob after they had nurtured a baby scallop, holding his arms out saying "Lets have another".

Unlike the Nickelodeon network, SpongeBob features well-known independent musicians who contribute to its soundtrack. [[Alternative rock]] bands such as [[Wilco]], [[The Shins]], [[The Flaming Lips]] and [[Ween]] (who have contributed two original songs to the show and their 1997 song "Ocean Man" to the movie soundtrack), as well as metal bands [[Pantera]], [[Motörhead]] and [[Twisted Sister]] have made appearances on the show and movies soundtracks, and [[heavy metal]] group [[Metallica]] even released a T-shirt featuring cartoon versions of themselves playing live with the characters SpongeBob and Patrick. [[United Kingdom|British]] rock singer [[David Bowie]] was a special guest on the SpongeBob SquarePants episode Atlantis SquarePantis, which aired on [[November 12]], [[2007]].<ref name=bowie>{{cite web | url = http://www.nypost.com/seven/11152007/tv/bowie_sponge_makes_splash_402981.htm | title = Bowie "sponge" makes splash| publisher = New York Post | date = [[November 15]], [[2007]] | accessdate = 2007-12-07 }}</ref> The episode drew total 8.8 million viewers, the biggest audience in the show's eight-year history.<ref name=bowie/>

The TV movie Atlantis SquarePantis referenced numerous other movies or stories. David Bowie's character Lord Royal Highness (with his upper class accent) and the locals looked remarkably like the [[Blue Meanies (Yellow Submarine)]] - quite fitting for an underwater adventure. When the characters arrived at his habitat, he fell down as he proceeded down the red carpet (as [[Willy Wonka]] did in [[Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory]], before leading them on a tour. A case can also be made for the yellow road used in the tour and a reference to ''[[The Wizard of Oz]]'' - along with the movie being a musical.

The show became so popular with adolescents and adults that the series was broadcast on [[MTV]] and featured on [[Spike TV]]. A quote by Patrick ("It's gonna rock!" from the episode [[Mid-Life Crustacean]]) has been used as a promotional tag-line for rock stations. Ren and Stimpy, among others, had followed a similar path. ''[[The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie]]'', released on [[November 19]] [[2004]], features a [[cameo appearance]] by [[actor]] [[David Hasselhoff]], in a parody of his role from the ''Baywatch'' TV series.

=== Merchandising and marketing ===
{{main|List of SpongeBob SquarePants merchandise}}

Merchandise based on the show ranges from [[Kraft Dinner|Kraft Macaroni & Cheese]], [[Go-Gurt]], [[Kellogg's]] cereal, and video games to [[boxer shorts]], flip-flops, pajamas, t-shirts, slippers and [[radios]].

The show also spawned a large and popular merchandise line at [[Hot Topic]], [[Claire's]], [[Waldenbooks]], [[Borders Books]], [[Barnes & Noble]], [[Best Buy]], [[RadioShack]], [[Target Stores|Target]], [[KB Toys]], [[Big Lots]], [[Wal-Mart]], [[Shopko]], [[Meijer]], [[Kmart]], [[Sears]], [[JCPenney]], [[Kohl's]], [[Lowe's]], [[T.J. Maxx]], [[Toys "R" Us]] and [[Ames Department Stores Inc.|Ames]] stores in the United States as well as the [[Zellers]], [[Wal-Mart Canada]] and Toys "R" Us stores in [[Canada]], and a limited selection of merchandise in [[Australia]] at [[Kmart Australia]] and [[Target Australia]].

There have been kids meal tie-ins at [[Wendy's Restaurant|Wendy's]] for SpongeBob's House Party Special in 2002 and at [[Burger King]] restaurants in 2001, 2003, and for the movie in 2004. In 2006, another kids meal tie-in for Burger King was introduced for the Lost in Time special, and in 2007 for the "Friend or Foe" special featuring containers for [[BK Chicken Fries]] designed to look like SpongeBob. In November 2007, a Burger King Kids Meal was released to tie-in with the new episode Atlantis SquarePantis. The most recent tie-in kids meal for Burger King features Pest of the West toys.

A [[McDonald's]] [[Happy Meal]] tie-in with SpongeBob-themed Happy Meal boxes and toys has not been released in North America yet, but will be in 2008 and has already been released in Europe in the United Kingdom, [[Germany]], [[Italy]] and also in [[Australia]] in early 2007 at about the same time a ''[[Catscratch]]'' Happy Meal was released in the United States and Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SkWflm3UdQ|title=www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SkWflm3UdQ<!--INSERT TITLE-->}}</ref> In Australia, the advertisement for the McDonald's SpongeBob Happy Meal won the Pester Power Award for the fact that the ads are enticing young children to want its food because of the free toy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.diet-blog.com/archives/2007/10/05/mcdonalds_fresh_salads.php |title=McDonald's Fresh Salads |accessdate=2008-04-24 |date=2007-10-05 |format= |work=dietblog }}</ref>

In [[Japan]], they had a kids meal tie-in with [[KFC]] which featured different toys based on the TV series.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.viacom.com/view_release.jhtml;jsessionid=OQP0BQE5ORHWSCQBAFLQ4CY?inID=10000007&inReleaseID=227116 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants KFC toys in Japan |accessdate= |date= |format= |work= }}</ref>{{dead link|date=May 2008}}

SpongeBob was also featured on [[VH1]]'s ''[[I Love the 90s: Part Deux]]: [[I Love 1999: Part Deux]]'' as part of a commentary by [[Michael Ian Black]] and [["Weird Al" Yankovic]] among other celebrities.

A tie-in beverage for the ''SpongeBob SquarePants Movie'' in 2004 at [[7-Eleven]] convenience stores has been created, a pineapple-flavored [[Slurpee]], which has already been discontinued as of 2005.

Events in the past with the SpongeBob SquarePants theme include an exhibit at [[Underwater Adventures Aquarium]] in the [[Mall of America]] called SeaCrits of Bikini Bottom during the summer of 2003. In October 2004, a [[NASCAR]] [[Busch Series]] race was named The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie 300, presented by [[Lowe's]] and broadcast on [[Turner Network Television|TNT]] featuring [[Jimmie Johnson]]'s #48 Lowe's stock car and [[Kyle Busch]]'s #5 stock car painted for the race with the SpongeBob Movie paint schemes. There were contests tied in with the movie where fans could win SpongeBob-related items or a trip to the [[Cayman Islands]].

[[Image:Db 2008 SpongeBob61.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The [[SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge]] [[roller coaster]] inside [[Nickelodeon Universe]] [[Mall of America]] in [[Bloomington, Minnesota]], [[United States]].]]
The motion simulator/interactive movie ride "Escape from Dino-Island 3D" at [[Six Flags Over Texas]] was turned into "[[SpongeBob SquarePants 4-D]]", with water squirts, real bubbles, and other sensory enhancements. The SpongeBob SquarePants 4-D ride opened at the Noah's Ark Dive-In Theater located at [[Noah's Ark Waterpark]] in [[Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin]] in the summer of 2007. [[LEGO]] received license to produce SpongeBob SquarePants building sets, which are available in stores now. SpongeBob appears at the Mall of America's new Nickelodeon theme park re-branded from the Mall of America's [[Park at MOA]] (formerly Camp Snoopy) to [[Nickelodeon Universe]] in the [[Minneapolis-St. Paul]] suburb of [[Bloomington, Minnesota]]. The new theme park features a SpongeBob-themed [[Gerstlauer]] Euro-Fighter custom [[roller coaster]], the [[SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge]], which has replaced the Mystery Mine Ride and Olde Time Photo store on the west end of the theme park next to the [[Dora the Explorer]] ferris wheel and across from the [[Pepsi Orange Streak]]. The theme park opened [[March 15]], [[2008]]. The SpongeBob Rock Bottom plunge features a statue of SpongeBob and Patrick riding a bus down a 90° angle holding a giant rubber glove.

In 2007, some new high-end SpongeBob-themed [[electronics]] have been introduced by [[Imation]] Electronics Products under the Npower brand, such as [[MP3 players]], [[digital cameras]], a [[DVD player]], and a [[flatscreen]] [[television]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://npower2.memorexelectronics.com/html/product_family.php?FID=8&SID=2&opento=2 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants |accessdate=2008-04-24 |date= |format= |work=Npower Electrionics }}</ref>

Other items featuring SpongeBob include a special edition [[Monopoly (game)|Monopoly]] [[board game]], [[The Game of Life|Life]] and [[Operation (board game)|Operation]] board game as well as a SpongeBob SquarePants edition of [[Ants in the Pants]] and [[Yahtzee]]. [[SEGA]] Corporation introduced a ticket [[redemption game]] based on the show that has become popular with most [[video arcades]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.segaarcade.com/pr/SpongeBob.asp|title=www.segaarcade.com/pr/SpongeBob.asp |title=SpongeBob SquarePants |accessdate=2007-01-22 |date= |format= |work=Sega Arcade }}</ref>{{dead link|url=http://www.segaarcade.com/pr/SpongeBob.asp|date=May 2008}}

The SpongeBob SquarePants market saturation has become something of a joke. In the comic strip "Sherman's Lagoon", Hawthorne the crab is showing off a small nuclear (Junior) reactor, and Herman the shark says "Boy, that SpongeBob will endorse anything!"

When the complete first season of SpongeBob SquarePants was released in the United Kingdom, it included some heavy editing (though not to the cartoons themselves). The audio commentaries were cut out, and only two extras were left in, possibly to avoid a 12 rating. A similar approach was taken with the second season; it included no audio commentaries and only one extra, Around the World with SpongeBob SquarePants.

== History ==
=== Development (1993 – 1999) ===
''SpongeBob's'' history can be traced back to 1993 when ''[[Rocko's Modern Life]]'' first aired. One of the producers was Stephen Hillenburg, a cartoon worker/marine biologist who loved both his careers. When ''Rocko's Modern Life'' was canceled in 1996, Hillenburg began working on ''SpongeBob'' (although sketches trace back to 1987). He teamed up with creative director [[Derek Drymon]], who had worked on shows such as ''[[Doug]]'', ''[[Action League Now!]]'', and ''[[Hey Arnold!]]''. Drymon had worked with Hillenburg on ''Rocko's Modern Life'' as well, as did many SpongeBob crew members, including writer-directors Sherm Cohen and [[Dan Povenmire]], writer [[Tim Hill]], [[voice actor]]s Tom Kenny and Doug Lawrence (aka "Mr. Lawrence"), actor-writer [[Martin Olson]] and animation director Alan Smart. Another crew member with previous Nickelodeon cartoon experience was former ''[[Angry Beavers]]'' story editor [[Merriwether Williams]], who worked on that show for its first few seasons and switched to ''SpongeBob'' in July 1999.

During production of the show, Bobson provided a concept of short comics with the same style of the show, but the characters looked different. ''SpongeBob'' used to be named ''SpongeBoy'',<ref>"SpongeBob Exposed! The Insiders Guide to SpongeBob SquarePants" book</ref> and used to wear a red hat with a green base and a white business shirt with a tie. The name "SpongeBoy" did not make it into the show since the name was already officially trademarked by [[Bob Burden]], creator of ''[[Flaming Carrot]]''. Hillenburg later chose the alternative name "SpongeBob". The original name was once referenced in the show by Mr. Krabs' line, "SpongeBoy, me Bob!." The Krusty Krab was originally spelled with the letter C rather than K, but Stephen Hillenburg thought Ks were funnier and it would fit his [[Ukrainians|Ukrainian]] heritage.

===Rise In Popularity (1999 - 2000)===
''SpongeBob'' aired its first episode, "Help Wanted/Reef Blower/Tea at the Treedome", after the 1999 ''Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards''. At this time, ''Rugrats'' was the most popular show on Nickelodeon and had already outlived dozens of other lower-budget cartoons. SpongeBob, with its generally lower-class animation and humor style more rooted in clever word-play and culture-references unlike the [[toilet humor|potty humor]] that made ''Rugrats'' so popular, was expected to be just another one of those shows. Following early struggles, its ratings soared, and a year after release, it surpassed ''Rugrats'' as Nickelodeon's highest rated show. ''SpongeBob''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s signature voice (provided by [[Tom Kenny]]) and humorous style was enjoyable to both younger and older audiences.

=== Peak years (2000 – 2003) ===

The show began its second season in 2000 with more high-quality animation and even more popular episodes. By then it was clear to the world that SpongeBob had opened the door to many other cartoons to use more "adult" senses of humor and come from smaller companies. In 2001, The Fairly OddParents aired from the then-small Frederator company. It focused on a sense of humor similar to SpongeBob’s, only more realistic, slightly crazier (and more suggestive to "adult" topics), and with more pop culture references; this show managed to become a hit as well and currently ranks behind SpongeBob as Nick's second most popular show. That same year, Invader Zim aired, created by comic book writer Jhonen Vasquez; it had a dark but silly sense of humor (similar to Vasquez's other comic books) that managed to attract a very loyal cult following consisting more of teens and adults than young children (Though also containing a moderate amount of preteens). SpongeBob, however, was the leader of all these shows and had by this time started its now famous merchandise line.

The first part of 2002 saw SpongeBob at its peak. The beginning of the third season produced many of classic episodes and focused on the same style and animation concepts as the second season.

Unfortunately, things changed late in the year. Due to rumors of a movie, there was high speculation that the show would be canceled and that 2002 would feature the last season of new episodes. Fans were devastated and online petitions were widely distributed to convince Nickelodeon to produce more episodes by showing continuing fan support. "SpongeBob Meets The Strangler/Pranks A Lot" was the last episode of this season, and aired in October 2004. It was also released on DVD at the end of 2003. Following this, the movie was released in November 2004.

=== Hiatus and movie era (2003 – 2005) ===
A hiatus from 2003 to 2005 challenged viewer loyalty. This was before the program's lowest ratings with Survival of the Idiots on March 5, 2001 aired, causing speculation that the show might even be cancelled after the movie's release.

[[The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie]] earned over $85,000,000 in revenue in the United States, considered to be under-expectations. It was announced late in 2004 that SpongeBob would be continuing with a new season due in 2005. Hillenburg, despite the rumors, did not actually leave the show but has resigned from his position as the show's executive producer (this job now belongs to Derek Drymon, with [[Paul Tibbitt]] taking over Drymon's job as creative director.

=== Comeback (2005 – Present) ===
TV advertisements for ''SpongeBob'''s fourth season first aired publicly during the 2005 ''Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards''. The new episodes began airing on [[May 6]], [[2005]]. The first new episode of Season 4 was "[[Fear of a Krabby Patty]]"/"[[Shell of a Man]]". After airing three new episodes on Fridays from [[May 6]] – [[May 20]], Nickelodeon showed no new episodes until September 2005.

For the first time in the series' run, Nickelodeon began airing 11-minute segments of new episodes separately, spread over two weeks. This practice began with the airing of the episode "[[Selling Out (SpongeBob SquarePants)|Selling Out]]" on [[September 23]]; its companion episode, "[[Funny Pants]]," premiered the following week.

The Star Online eCentral reported in December 2005 that Nickelodeon had ordered 20 more episodes, bringing the show’s total to 100.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.star-ecentral.com/news/story.asp?file=/2005/12/27/tvnradio/12578379&sec=tvnradio |title=More SpongeBob on Nickelodeon |accessdate=2008-04-24 |date=2005-12-27 |format= |work=Star Online eCentral }}</ref>

In December 2006, ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' was approved for a sixth season, which consisted of thirteen episodes, unlike the usual twenty.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zap2it.com/tv/news/zap-mightybamypoehlerSpongeBob’sixthseason,0,6061089.story?coll=zap-news-headlines |title=Nick Buzzes With 'B,' Squeezes More 'SpongeBob' |accessdate=2008-04-24 |date=2006-12-13 |format= |work=zap2it.com }}</ref>

Nickelodeon aired the special "[[Have You Seen This Snail?]]" in November 2005. However, it was not until February 2006 that new episodes resumed, starting with "[[Dunces and Dragons]]" and continuing until [[June 2]] [[2006]]. Further new episodes appeared during September 2006 ("[[New Leaf]]" and "[[Once Bitten]]"), October ("[[Wigstruck]]"), and November ("[[The Best Day Ever]]" — drawing 6.7 million viewers — the Best Day Ever was a 25-hour 100-episode SpongeBob TV event ending with the SpongeBob SquarePants Movie although the Nickelodeon narrator made a goof about the marathon being 24 hours instead of the actual 25 hours. Fans voted for Karate Island as the most popular SpongeBob episode.

The new episodes in 2007 started airing on [[January 15]], showing three new episodes back to back on [[February 19]], [[2007]], officially beginning the airing of the fifth season which featured more potty humor than previously shown. On July 23, 2007 Nickelodeon aired a special event, called the "SpongeBob New-New-New-New-New Week" in which from Monday to Friday, a new episode of season five (except for Squid Wood, from season four) would air. This continued until the end of the second week.

On [[November 12]], [[2007]] SpongeBob's first TV movie, "[[Atlantis SquarePantis]]" premiered, after a SpongeBob marathon. A behind the scenes feature aired after the movie. Also, on [[November 23]], [[2007]], there was another SpongeBob marathon including a rerun of Atlantis SquarePantis and four new episodes as part of a Nickelodeon Thanksgiving event. The event also named the "Sweet Victory" scene in "Band Geeks" as the greatest moment in Nicktoons history. Season Six officially premiered with five new 11-minute episodes airing in a marathon from [[March 3]] to [[March 7]], [[2008]]. There is still an episode from the fifth production season which has yet to air.

On [[March 13]], [[2008]], it was announced that ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' will have an additional thirty-nine episodes, which includes the remaining episodes of season six, and a season seven.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.viacom.com/news/Pages/newstext.aspx?RID=1118469|accessdate= 2008-03-15|work=Viacom.com|title=Nickelodeon Picks-Up Returning Animated Hits|date=2008-03-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=1656|accessdate= 2008-03-16|work=Animation Insider|title=Nickelodeon Upfront 2008|date=2008-03-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news.toonzone.net/article.php?ID=22274|accessdate= 2008-03-19|work=ToonZone|title=Nick Orders New Eps of "SpongeBob," "OddParents" and Other Series|date=2008-03-13}}</ref>

In April 2008, another SpongeBob special, "Pest of the West," aired after a marathon of SpongeBob episodes, chosen by voters in the previous weeks. Burger King had a special line of Kids Meal toys for the event, and it was released to DVD shortly thereafter.

From June 2 to June 6, 2008, Nickelodeon aired a SpongeBob SquarePants marathon entitled SpongeBob Premiere Factor 5 (SPF5), in which a new 11 minute segment would be shown each day.

== Cast ==
* [[Tom Kenny]]: SpongeBob SquarePants, Gary the Snail, Narrator, [[Patchy the Pirate]], Mr. SquarePants, miscellaneous characters
* [[Bill Fagerbakke]]: Patrick Star
* [[Rodger Bumpass]]: Squidward Tentacles, Dr. Gill Gilliam
* [[Carolyn Lawrence]]: Sandy Cheeks
* [[Clancy Brown]]: Eugene Krabs
* [[Dee Bradley Baker]]: Squilliam Fancyson, miscellaneous characters
* [[Mr. Lawrence]]: Sheldon J. Plankton, Larry Lobster, miscellaneous characters
* [[Lori Alan]]: [[Pearl Krabs]]
* [[Mary Jo Catlett]]: Mrs. Poppy Puff
* [[Sirena Irwin]]: miscellaneous characters
* [[Lauren Tom]]: miscellaneous characters
* [[Stephen Hillenburg]]: Potty the Parrot
* [[Brian Doyle-Murray]]: [[The Flying Dutchman]]
* [[Jill Talley]]: Karen (Plankton's computer wife)
* [[Paul Tibbitt]]: Mama Krabs ("[[Sailor Mouth]]", "Mid-Life Crustacean") Potty the Parrot
* [[Thomas F. Wilson]]: miscellaneous characters
* [[Carlos Alazraqui]]: miscellaneous characters
* [[Clea Lewis]]: miscellaneous characters
* [[Sara Paxton]]: miscellaneous characters
* Ollie Young: miscellaneous characters
* [[Frank Welker]]: animal vocal effects, talking Gorilla ("I Had an Accident")

=== Guest appearances ===
* [[Ernest Borgnine]]: [[Mermaid Man]]
* [[Tim Conway]]: [[Barnacle Boy]]
* [[Charles Nelson Reilly]]: [[Dirty Bubble]] ("[[Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy II]]")
* [[John Rhys-Davies]]: [[Man Ray (SpongeBob SquarePants)|Man Ray]]
* [[Jim Jarmusch]]: self ("[[Hooky]]")
* [[John Lurie]]: self ("Hooky")
* [[John Di Maggio]]: Black Jack ("[[BlackJack]]")
* [[John O'Hurley]]: [[King Neptune]] ("[[Neptune's Spatula]]")
* [[Kevin Michael Richardson]]: King Neptune (voice in "[[Party Pooper Pants]]")
* [[Billy West]]: King Neptune (voice in "Sponge Bob VS The Patty Gadget")
* [[Amy Poehler]]: Grandma
* [[Pat Morita]]: Master Udon ("Karate Island")
* [[Martin Olson]]: live-action sequence as Chief of the Superheroes ("[[Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy V]]")
* [[Junior Brown]]: Sandy Cheeks ("[[Texas (SpongeBob SquarePants)|Texas]]"; sang the last line: "I want to go home.") NOTE: [[Brown]] also sang the entire "SpongeBob SquarePants Theme Song" over the closing credits; however, because Nickelodeon usually runs advertising or promotional spot announcements during the closing credit sequences, the soundtrack is obliterated on both Nickelodeon and [[Nickelodeon 2]] telecasts of this episode. Junior Brown's vocals may, however, be heard in their entirety on broadcasts of "Texas" that are telecast on the [[NickToons]] network, which runs the credits without the promotional vocals that it adds on its two flagship stations.
* [[David Glen Eisley]]: SpongeBob SquarePants when he was singing [[Sweet Victory|the song]] ("[[Band Geeks]]")
* [[Pantera]]: "Pre-Hibernation" plays in "[[Pre-Hibernation Week]]"
* [[Ween]]: "Loop de Loop" is on a record Gary the Snail plays for SpongeBob to teach him how to tie his shoes in "Your Shoe's Untied."
* [[Patton Oswalt]]: Jim the Original Frycook in [[The Original Fry Cook]]
* [[Marion Ross]]: Grandma in [[Grandma's Kisses]]
* [[Gene Shalit]]: Food Critic Gene Scallop in [[The Krusty Sponge]]
* [[Mark Hamill]]: The Moth in [[Night Light (SpongeBob SquarePants)|Night Light]]
* [[Nigel Planer]] and [[Rik Mayall]], UK comic actors (best known for anarchic 1980s sitcom ''[[The Young Ones (TV series)|The Young Ones]]'') guest-starred as "Dr. Marmalade" and "Lord Reginald" in the episode "[[Chimps Ahoy]]"
* [[David Bowie]]: Lord Royal Highness in the "Atlantis SquarePantis" episode
* [[Christopher Guest]]: guest-starred as SpongeBob's klutzy cousin, Stanley SquarePants in the episode "Stanley S. SquarePants"
* [[R. Lee Ermey]]: Played prison guard in The "Inmates of Summer / To Save a Squirrel"
* [[Gene Simmons]]: Played a fish insulted by Plankton in "20,000 Patties Under The Sea". His (unmarried) partner [[Shannon Tweed]] played his mother.

== Crew ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! '''Name'''
! '''Position'''
! '''Years'''
|-
|[[Steven Banks]]
|Head Writer
|2004 – present
|-
|Steven Belfer
|Music
|
|-
|[[Mike Bell]]
|Writer/Storyboard Director
|2005 – present
|-
|[[Peter Burns]]
|Writer
|1999 – present
|-
|Nicholas Carr
|Music
|
|-
|Bradley Carow
|Music
|
|-
|[[Sherm Cohen]]
|Storyboard Supervisor/Artist, Writer, Director
|
|-
|Sean Dempsey
|Animation Director
|
|-
|rowspan=5|[[Derek Drymon]]
|Writer
|1999 – present
|-
|Storyboard Artist
|1999 – present
|-
|Creative Director
|1999 - 2005
|-
|Story Editor
|
|-
|Executive Producer
|2005 - present
|-
|[[Steven Fonti]]
|Writer/Storyboard Director
|1999
|-
|[[C.H. Greenblatt]]
|Writer, Storyboard Artist, Director
|2000-present
|-
|Sage Guyton
|Music
|
|-
|[[Sam Henderson]]
|Writer, Storyboard Director
|
|-
|[[Tim Hill]]
|Writer
|
|-
|rowspan=4|Stephen Hillenburg
|Creator
|1999 – present
|-
|Executive Producer
|1999 – 2005
|-
|Writer
|1999 – present
|-
|Storyboard Director
|1999 – present
|-
|[[Kaz]]
|Writer, Storyboard Artist
|
|-
|Chuck Klein
|Writer, Storyboard Artist & Director
|
|-
|[[Doug Lawrence]] (a.k.a. "Mr. Lawrence")
|Writer, Story Editor
|
|-
|[[Jay Lender]]
|Writer, Storyboard Artist, Director
|
|-
|John Magness
|Storyboard Artist
|
|-
|Heather Martinez
|Storyboard Artist
|
|-
|[[Chris Mitchell]]
|Writer, Storyboard Artist
|1999
|-
|Caleb Muerer
|Storyboard Artist
|
|-
|[[Mark O'Hare]]
|Writer, Storyboard Artist, Director
|
|-
|[[Andrew Overtoom]]
|Animation Director
|
|-
|Andy Rheingold
|Executive in Charge of Production
|
|-
|[[Ted Seko]]
|Storyboard Artist
|
|-
|[[Alan Smart]]
|Animation Director
|1999 – present
|-
|[[Aaron Springer]]
|Writer/Storyboard Artist & Director
|
|-
|[[Jimmy Stone]]
|Animation Director
|
|-
|[[Paul Tibbitt]]
|Writer/Storyboard Director/Supervising Producer/Creative Director<br />Co-Executive Producer
|2004 – present<br />2006 – present
|-
|Brad Vandergrift
|Storyboard Artist
|
|-
|Jeremy Wakefield
|Music
|
|-
|[[Vincent Waller]]
|Writer/Storyboard Artist & Director/Technical Director (2005 – present)
|
|-
|[[Frank Weiss]]
|Animation Director
|
|-
|[[Erik Wiese]]
|Writer/Storyboard Artist
|
|-
|David Wigforss
|Special Effects (CG visual effects animator)
|
|-
|[[Merriwether Williams]]
|Story Editor/Writer
|
|-
|[[Tom Yasumi]]
|Animation Director
|
|-
|Oliver Truby
|Storyboard Artist Superviser
|
|}

==DVD Releases ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!rowspan="2" | DVD Name !! rowspan="2" | Ep # !! colspan="3" | Release dates !! rowspan="2" | Additional Features
|-
! [[DVD region code|Region 1]]!! [[DVD region code|Region 2]] !! [[DVD region code|Region 4]]
|-
| Season 1 ||align="center" |41 ||[[October 28]] [[2003]] || [[November 7]] [[2005]] || [[November 30]] [[2006]] ||This three disc boxset includes the 41 episodes from Season 1.
|-
| Season 2 ||align="center" |39 || [[October 19]] [[2004]] || [[October 23]] [[2006]] || [[November 30]] [[2006]] || This three disc boxset includes the 39 episodes from Season 2.
|-
| Season 3 ||align="center" |37|| [[September 27]] [[2005]] || [[TBA]]|| [[November 8]] [[2007]] || This three disc boxset includes the 37 episodes from Season 3 as well as the pilot episode for the series.
|-
| Season 4 <br />Volume 1 ||align="center" |20|| [[September 12]] [[2006]] || TBA|| TBA || This two disc boxset includes the first 18 episodes from Season 4.
|-
| Season 4 <br />Volume 2 ||align="center" |20|| [[January 9]] [[2007]] || TBA|| TBA || This two disc boxset includes the last 20 episodes from Season 4.
|-
| Season 5 <br />Volume 1 ||align="center" |20|| [[September 4]] [[2007]] || TBA|| TBA || This two disc boxset includes the first 20 episodes from Season 5.
|-
| Season 5 <br />Volume 2 ||align="center" |??|| TBA || TBA|| TBA ||
|}

== Awards ==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
! '''Year'''
! '''Association'''
! '''Award Category'''
! '''Notes'''
! '''Result'''
|-
| 2000
| '''[[Golden Reel Award]]'''
| Best Sound Editing in Television Animation — Music
| Episodes: "Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy" and "Pickles"
| '''Won'''
|-
| 2000
| '''[[Golden Reel Award]]'''
| Best Sound Editing in Television Animation — Sound
| Episode: "Karate Choppers"
| '''Won'''
|-
| 2001
| '''[[Annie Award]]s'''
| Outstanding Individual Achievement for Voice Acting by a Female Performer in an Animated Television Production
| [[Mary Jo Catlett]] as Mrs. Puff in "No Free Rides"
| Nominated
|-
| 2001
| '''[[Annie Award]]s'''
| Outstanding Individual Achievement for Voice Acting by a Male Performer in an Animated Television Production
| Tom Kenny as SpongeBob in "Wormy"
| Nominated
|-
| 2001
| '''[[Annie Award]]s'''
| Outstanding Individual Achievement for a Song in an Animated Production
| Peter Straus and Paul Tibbitt for the song "The Very First Christmas"
| Nominated
|-
| 2001
| '''[[Golden Reel Award]]'''
| Best Sound Editing in Television Animation — Sound
| Episodes: "Rock Bottom" and "Arrgh"
| '''Won'''
|-
| 2001
| '''[[Golden Reel Award]]'''
| Best Sound Editing in Television Animation — Music
| Episodes: "Fools In April" and "Neptune's Spatula"
| Nominated
|-
| 2002
| '''[[Emmy Award]]s'''
| Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming Less Than One Hour)
|
| Nominated
|-
| 2002
| '''[[Golden Reel Award]]'''
| Best Sound Editing in Television - Animation
| Episodes: "Secret Box" and "Band Geeks"
| '''Won'''
|-
| 2002
| '''[[Golden Reel Award]]'''
| Best Sound Editing in Television Animation — Music
| Episodes: "Jellyfish Hunter" and "The Fry Cook Games"
| Nominated
|-
| 2002
| '''[[Television Critics Association Awards]]'''
| Outstanding Achievement in Children's Programming
|
| '''Won'''
|-
| 2003
| '''[[Emmy Award]]s'''
| Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming Less Than One Hour)
|
| Nominated
|-
| 2003
| '''[[Golden Reel Award]]'''
| Best Sound Editing in Television Animation — Music
| Episodes: "Wet Painters" and "Krusty Krab Training Video"
| '''Won'''
|-
| 2003
| '''[[Golden Reel Award]]'''
| Best Sound Editing in Television Animation
| Episodes: "Nasty Patty" and "Idiot Box"
| '''Won'''
|-
| 2003
| '''[[Kids' Choice Awards]]'''
| Favorite Cartoon
|
| '''Won'''
|-
| 2004
| '''[[Emmy Award]]s'''
| Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming Less Than One Hour)
|
| Nominated
|-
| 2004
| '''[[Golden Reel Award]]'''
| Best Sound Editing in Television Animation — Music
| Episodes: "The Great Snail Race" and "Mid-Life Crustacean".
| '''Won'''
|-
| 2004
| '''[[Golden Reel Award]]'''
| Best Sound Editing in Television Animation — Music
| Episode: "Mid-Life Crustacean".
| Nominated
|-
| 2004
| '''[[Kids' Choice Awards]]'''
| Favorite Cartoon
|
| '''Won'''
|-
| 2005
| '''[[Annie Award]]s'''
| Best Animated Television Production
|
| '''Won'''
|-
| 2005
| '''[[Emmy Award]]s'''
| Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming Less Than One Hour)
|
| Nominated
|-
| 2005
| '''[[Golden Reel Award]]'''
| Best Sound Editing in Television: Animated
| Episodes: "Pranks A Lot" and "SpongeBob Meets the Strangler"
| Nominated
|-
| 2005
| '''[[Kids' Choice Awards]]'''
| Favorite Cartoon
|
| '''Won'''
|-
| 2005
| '''[[Satellite Awards]]'''
| Best Youth DVD
| Complete Second Season DVD
| Nominated
|-
| 2005
| '''[[Television Critics Association Awards]]'''
| Outstanding Achievement in Children's Programming
|
| Nominated
|-
| 2006
| '''[[Annie Award]]s'''
| Best Writing in an Animated Television Production
| C.H. Greenblatt, Paul Tibbitt, Mike Bell, and Tim Hill in "Fear of a Krabby Patty"
| '''Won'''
|-
| 2006
| '''[[Golden Reel Award]]'''
| Best Sound Editing in Television: Animated
| Episode: "Have You Seen This Snail?"
| Nominated
|-
| 2006
| '''[[Kids' Choice Awards]]'''
| Favorite Cartoon
|
| '''Won'''
|-
| 2007
| '''[[Emmy Award]]s'''
| Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming Less Than One Hour)
|
| Nominated
|-
| 2007
| '''[[Kids' Choice Awards]]'''
| Favorite Cartoon
|
| '''Won'''
|-
| 2007
| '''[[Television Critics Association Awards]]'''
| Outstanding Achievement in Children's Programming
|
| Nominated
|-
| 2008
| '''[[Annie Award]]s'''
| Best Voice Acting in an Animated Television Production
| Tom Kenny in "Spy Buddies"
| Nominated
|-
| 2008
| '''[[Golden Reel Award]]'''
| Best Sound Editing in Television: Animated
| Episode: "SpongeHenge"
| Nominated
|-
| 2008
| '''[[Kids' Choice Awards]]'''
| Favorite Cartoon
|
| Nominated
|}

== Episodes and media releases ==
{{Main|List of SpongeBob SquarePants episodes}}

'''Episodes:'''
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Season
! Episodes
! First Airdate
! Last Airdate
|-
| [[SpongeBob SquarePants (season 1)|Season 1]]
| align="center" |20
| align="center" |[[May 1]], [[1999]]
| align="center" |[[April 8]], [[2000]]
|-
| [[SpongeBob SquarePants (season 2)|Season 2]]
| align="center" |20
| align="center" |[[October 26]], [[2000]]
| align="center" |[[September 6]], [[2002]]
|-
| [[SpongeBob SquarePants (season 3)|Season 3]]
| align="center" |20
| align="center" |[[October 5]], [[2001]]
| align="center" |[[October 11]], [[2004]]
|-
| [[SpongeBob SquarePants (season 4)|Season 4]]
| align="center" |20
| align="center" |[[May 6]], [[2005]]
| align="center" |[[July 24]], [[2007]]
|-
| [[SpongeBob SquarePants (season 5)|Season 5]]
| align="center" |20 <!--For production season 5, 20 half hour episodes were ordered-->
| align="center" |[[February 19]], [[2007]]
| align="center" |TBA
|-
| [[SpongeBob SquarePants (season 6)|Season 6]]
| align="center" |20
| align="center" |[[March 3]], [[2008]] <!--Even though all of production Season 5 has not finished airing, the first episode of production season six aired on March 3-->
| align="center" |TBA
|-
| [[SpongeBob SquarePants (season 7)|Season 7]]
| align="center" |19
| align="center" |TBA
| align="center" |TBA
|}

'''Films:'''
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Title
! Release Date
! Note
|-
| ''[[The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie]]''
| [[November 19]], [[2004]]
| Theatrical Movie
|-
| ''[[Atlantis SquarePantis]]''
| [[November 12]], [[2007]]
| TV Movie
|}

'''Shorts:'''
* ''Astrology With Squidward''
* ''Patrick the Snowman''
* ''Plankton's Holiday Hits''
* ''How The You-Know-Who Stole You-Know-What!''
* ''12 Days of Nickmas''
* ''The Endless Summer''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stopglobalwarming.org/sgw_feature.asp?id=8 |title=SpongeBob SquarePants |accessdate=2008-04-24 |date= |format= |work=StopGlobalWarming.org }}</ref>
* ''A Random Act of SpongeBob''- promotion for ''The Best Day Ever''. These shorts were broadcasted during promos. They can now be seen on the SpongeBob Season Four Volume 2 DVD Box Set.
* ''The Foe-Gotten Years''- promotional shorts for "Friend or Foe?"
* ''Journey to Atlantis by Vantis''- promotional shorts for "[[Atlantis SquarePantis]]".
* Pest of the West Shorts- Promotion for Pest of the West. Shorts feature: "Saloon Door Sarrows" Parodie of an old short film from the 1910s. It shows SpongeBob’s great, great, great, etc. Grandfather, SpongeBuck trying to get into a saloon, but the doors will not open. "How to be a Tough Guy" SpongeBob wants to learn how to be a tough cowboy. And "Spur Skates" a parody on most commercials and a parody of [[roller skates]].

== Music ==
* The ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' [[theme music|theme song]] is primarily based on the [[sea shanty]], "[[Blow the Man Down]]". It is sung by Painty the Pirate, voiced by [[Patrick Pinney]], and can be found on the soundtrack ''[[SpongeBob SquarePants: Original Theme Highlights]]''. This song is popularly misattributed to "Weird Al" Yankovic. A cover of the song by [[Avril Lavigne]] can be found on [[The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (soundtrack)]]. Another cover by the [[Violent Femmes]], which aired as a commercial on Nickelodeon to promote Season 2, can be viewed in the special features of the [[List of SpongeBob SquarePants Media|Nautical Nonsense/Sponge Buddies DVD]]. A choral version was recorded for the SpongeBob [[Christmas special]] where the last repetition of "SpongeBob SquarePants" was replaced by, "It's the SpongeBob Christmas special." The theme song is occasionally utilized as marching cadence.
* Traditional sea shanties are used for the musical themes in the show. Most commonly used is that of "[[Drunken Sailor]]". In the episode "Krusty Krab Training Video," a young Eugene Krabs is shown walking to a soda vending machine, la-laing the shanty "Blow the Man Down." Various songs used in SpongeBob SquarePants come from the [[Associated Production Music]] library, some of which have also been used in shows such as ''[[The Simpsons]]'',''[[Ren & Stimpy]]'', ''[[Rocko's Modern Life]]'', ''[[The X Factor (TV series)|The X Factor]]'', ''[[Camp Lazlo]]'', and ''[[My Gym Partner's a Monkey]]''. For competition-based episodes, some of [[Sam Spence]]'s [[NFL Films]] music is used (such as "A Golden Boy Again" used in episodes such as [[The Fry Cook Games]] and "Ramblin' Man from Gramblin" is used in Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy V.) Ironically, one of Spence's more famous songs for the NFL Films library of music is an orchestral version of "Drunken Sailor" called "Up She Rises", first suggested by [[Steven Sabol]] to his father [[Ed Sabol|Ed]] because he liked the song at summer camp.

* Also used to great comedic and dramatic effect in the show, is Hawaiian steel guitar music. Various compositions featuring the Hawaiian steel convey happy, sad, or goofy emotions and situations. Many are traditional Hawaiian melodies such as "Aloha 'Oe" and are performed by classic steel guitar artists.

* In the episode "Prehibernation Week," the music is played by the heavy metal band Pantera. When ever SpongeBob does something dangerous, the music starts playing. The opening credits have a shot that reads "Special musical guests Pantera".
* The guitarist [[Newton Faulkner]] sometimes plays SpongeBob SquarePants in his set and has even invented a [[Jungle]] version: JungleBob.
* The episode "SpongeBob B.C." features background music including a track best known to [[United Kingdom|British]] viewers as the theme to 1970s TV [[sitcom]] ''[[Terry and June]]''. The music was written by [[John Carter (musician)|John Shakespeare]], a former member of 1960s pop group [[The Ivy League (band)|The Ivy League]].

== Magazine ==
In the United Kingdom, a SpongeBob SquarePants [[magazine]] is currently being published by [[Titan Magazines]] every four weeks. It was first published on [[February 3]] [[2005]]. The issue published on [[February 1]] [[2007]] was the second [[anniversary]] of the magazine. The magazine contains comic strips, fan letters, competitions and several features including games.

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.SpongeBob.com/ Official site]
* [http://www.nickelodeon.com.au/fullynick/tvshows/shows/index.php?show_id=31 Official site (Australia)]
* [http://www.nick.co.uk/#/spongebob_squarepants/ Official site (UK)]
* {{imdb title|id=0206512|title=SpongeBob SquarePants}}
* {{tv.com show | id=3428 | title=SpongeBob SquarePants}}
*[http://www.bcdb.com/cartoons/Other_Studios/N/Nickelodeon/Nicktoons_Productions/SpongeBob_SquarePants/index.html ''SpongeBob SquarePants''] at the [[Big Cartoon DataBase]]
* [http://www.ytv.com/programming/shows/SpongeBob_SquarePants/ ''SpongeBob SquarePants''] at [[YTV (Canadian TV channel)|YTV.com]]
* [http://epguides.com/SpongeBobSquarePants/ SpongeBob at epguides.com]

=== Wikis ===
<!-- -->
<!-- There is no need for descriptions -->
<!-- -->
* [http://en.spongepedia.bimserver.com/index.php?title=Main_Page SpongePedia]
* [http://SpongeBob.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page SpongeBob SquarePants Wikia]
* [http://spongywiki.com/wiki/Main_Page SpongyWiki]

{{wikiquote}}

{{SpongeBob SquarePants}}
{{Nicktoons}}

[[Category:1990s American television series]]
[[Category:1990s American animated television series]]
[[Category:1990s Nickelodeon shows]]
[[Category:1999 television series debuts]]
[[Category:2000s American television series]]
[[Category:2000s American animated television series]]
[[Category:2000s Nickelodeon shows]]
[[Category:Animated television series]]
[[Category:English-language television series]]
[[Category:Media franchises|S]]
[[Category:SpongeBob SquarePants|*]]
[[Category:Television programs featuring anthropomorphic characters]]
[[Category:YTV shows]]

[[bg:Спондж Боб]]
[[cy:SpongeBob SquarePants]]
[[da:SvampeBob Firkant]]
[[de:SpongeBob Schwammkopf]]
[[dv:ސްޕޮންޖް ބޮބް ސްކޮޔަރ ޕޭންޓްސް]]
[[el:Μπομπ Σφουγγαράκης Τετραγωνοπαντελονής]]
[[es:Bob Esponja]]
[[eo:Spongabobo]]
[[fr:Bob l'éponge]]
[[fy:SpongeBob SquarePants]]
[[ko:네모네모 스펀지 송]]
[[id:SpongeBob SquarePants]]
[[is:Svampur Sveinsson]]
[[it:Spongebob Squarepants]]
[[he:בובספוג מכנסמרובע]]
[[lt:Kempiniukas Plačiakelnis]]
[[hu:Spongyabob Kockanadrág]]
[[ms:SpongeBob SquarePants]]
[[nl:SpongeBob SquarePants]]
[[ja:スポンジ・ボブ]]
[[no:Svampebob Firkant]]
[[nds:Spongebob SquarePants]]
[[pl:SpongeBob Kanciastoporty]]
[[pt:SpongeBob SquarePants]]
[[ru:Губка Боб Квадратные Штаны (мультсериал)]]
[[sq:SpongeBob SquarePants]]
[[simple:SpongeBob SquarePants]]
[[sl:Spuži Kvadratnik]]
[[sr:Сунђер Боб Коцкалоне]]
[[fi:Paavo Pesusieni]]
[[sv:SvampBob Fyrkant]]
[[tl:SpongeBob SquarePants]]
[[tr:SüngerBob Kareşort]]
[[zh:海綿寶寶]]

Revision as of 16:55, 17 June 2008

SPONGEBOB LOVES PENIS

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