"SpongeBob SquarePants" is an American animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg that premiered on Nickelodeon in 1999. The show follows the adventures of SpongeBob and his friends in Bikini Bottom. Critically acclaimed and popular worldwide, it's one of the longest-running American animated series. Its success spawned a multimedia franchise, becoming Nickelodeon's highest-rated series and a highly profitable property, generating over $13 billion in merchandise revenue by 2019.
1989: The Intertidal Zone
Stephen Hillenburg created an unpublished educational comic book called "The Intertidal Zone" in 1989, which served as inspiration for SpongeBob SquarePants.
1992: Hillenburg Joins Nickelodeon
Stephen Hillenburg started working at Nickelodeon in 1992 as an artist for the show "Rocko's Modern Life."
1996: Drymon Joins SpongeBob SquarePants
After initially being overlooked, Derek Drymon joined the SpongeBob SquarePants team as creative director in 1996 and began developing the show with Hillenburg.
1996: Rocko's Modern Life Ends, SpongeBob Begins
Following the cancellation of "Rocko's Modern Life" in 1996, Hillenburg started developing SpongeBob SquarePants into a television series.
1997: SpongeBob SquarePants Pilot Pitched
Hillenburg presented a seven-minute pilot of SpongeBob SquarePants to Nickelodeon in 1997.
May 1, 1999: SpongeBob SquarePants Sneak Peek
On May 1, 1999, the animated series SpongeBob SquarePants, created by Stephen Hillenburg, aired as a sneak peek following the Kids' Choice Awards on Nickelodeon.
July 17, 1999: SpongeBob SquarePants Officially Premieres
SpongeBob SquarePants officially premiered on July 17, 1999, and follows the adventures of SpongeBob and his friends in Bikini Bottom.
1999: Hillenburg as Showrunner
From the show's debut in 1999, Hillenburg held the position of showrunner.
1999: Recurring Guest Voices
Several recurring guest voices joined the show in 1999, including Ernest Borgnine as Mermaid Man and Tim Conway as Barnacle Boy.
1999: Voice Recording Sessions
Since 1999, the voice recording sessions for SpongeBob SquarePants have consistently been held on Wednesdays, featuring a full cast of actors in the same room for an "old radio-show style" recording.
2001: Release of SpongeBob SquarePants: Legend of the Lost Spatula
In 2001, one of the early video games based on the series, SpongeBob SquarePants: Legend of the Lost Spatula, was produced. This game contributed to the growing popularity of the SpongeBob franchise.
2001: Release of SpongeBob SquarePants: Original Theme Highlights
In 2001, the album SpongeBob SquarePants: Original Theme Highlights was released. It featured original music from the series and charted at number 171 on the US Billboard 200.
2001: Nickelodeon Signed Marketing Deal with Target and Burger King
In 2001, Nickelodeon signed a marketing deal with Target Corporation and Burger King for SpongeBob SquarePants. This deal expanded the merchandising presence of the popular series.
2001: SpongeBob SquarePants Rises to Television Dominance
In 2001, SpongeBob SquarePants became a ratings powerhouse, securing its place as a cultural phenomenon. The show surpassed "Pokémon" as the top-rated Saturday morning children's program and helped Nickelodeon achieve three consecutive seasons as the top-rated Saturday morning network. Its appeal extended beyond children, with a significant portion of its viewership consisting of adults.
October 2002: "The Fairly OddParents" Challenges SpongeBob's Reign
In October 2002, Nickelodeon's "The Fairly OddParents" emerged as a strong competitor in the ratings, briefly surpassing SpongeBob SquarePants in popularity among children aged two to eleven. This development led to speculation about "The Fairly OddParents" becoming the next SpongeBob, though Nickelodeon acknowledged SpongeBob's unique appeal.
2002: SpongeBob SquarePants Dolls Sold Rapidly
In 2002, SpongeBob SquarePants dolls sold at a rate of 75,000 per week, surpassing the sales pace of Tickle Me Elmo dolls at the time. This highlighted the character's immense popularity.
2002: SpongeBob SquarePants Hiatus
Production of SpongeBob SquarePants was put on hold in 2002 as Hillenburg shifted focus to the making of "The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie."
2002: TV Guide's 50 Greatest Cartoon Characters
SpongeBob SquarePants was ranked number nine on TV Guide's list of the 50 Greatest Cartoon Characters of All Time in 2002.
2003: Release of SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom
In 2003, SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom was released. This game became a classic among fans and later inspired the remake titled SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated.
2003: "Mid-Life Crustacean" First Aired
The episode "Mid-Life Crustacean", which was later pulled from circulation, originally aired in 2003.
March 2004: 7-Eleven Released Under-the-Sea Pineapple Slurpee
In March 2004, 7-Eleven released a limited edition Under-the-Sea Pineapple Slurpee as a tie-in beverage for the DVD release of The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie. This beverage added to the promotional activities surrounding the movie.
November 2004: Release of The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie Soundtrack
In November 2004, the soundtrack album The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie – Music from the Movie and More was released. It featured contributions from various artists and reached number 76 on the US Billboard 200.
November 19, 2004: Release of The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie
On November 19, 2004, The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie was released. The film, directed by Stephen Hillenburg, follows SpongeBob and Patrick as they attempt to retrieve King Neptune's crown from Shell City. The movie received positive critical reception and grossed over $140 million worldwide.
2004: Hillenburg Steps Down as Showrunner
Hillenburg stepped down as showrunner in 2004 after finishing the first SpongeBob SquarePants movie and the show's third season.
2004: Collaboration with Screen Novelties
The SpongeBob crew began collaborating with Screen Novelties, an LA-based animation studio, in 2004 to create stop-motion sequences for special episodes.
2004: Channel 4's 28th Greatest Cartoon
In 2004, viewers of UK television network Channel 4 voted SpongeBob SquarePants the 28th Greatest Cartoon.
2004: Reports of Declining Popularity After Film Release
Several outlets reported a decline in SpongeBob's popularity after the 2004 film release and Hillenburg's departure.
February 3, 2005: Titan Magazines' SpongeBob Comics Launch
On February 3, 2005, Titan Magazines started publishing SpongeBob SquarePants comics in the United Kingdom every four weeks. This series ran until November 28, 2013.
2005: Controversy Over Perceived LGBTQ+ Themes
In 2005, an online video using SpongeBob clips to promote diversity was criticized by an evangelical group for allegedly promoting homosexuality. Series creator Stephen Hillenburg clarified that SpongeBob is not gay, a statement he had made in 2002 and maintained throughout the show's run.
2005: Release of The Yellow Album
In 2005, the album The Yellow Album was released. It featured original music from the SpongeBob SquarePants series.
2006: IGN Ranks SpongeBob SquarePants 15th on Top 25 Animated Series of All Time
In 2006, IGN, a prominent entertainment and gaming website, recognized SpongeBob SquarePants' cultural impact and influence, ranking it 15th on its list of the Top 25 Animated Series of All Time.
2006: Release of My Tighty Whiteys Song
In 2006, the song "My Tighty Whiteys" written by Tom Kenny and Andy Paley was released on the album The Best Day Ever. Kenny was inspired by "underwear humor" for this song.
2007: McDonald's Released SpongeBob-Themed Happy Meal
In the summer of 2007, McDonald's released a SpongeBob-themed Happy Meal in Europe and other international markets. The Happy Meal included SpongeBob-themed boxes and toys, contributing to the series' global merchandising efforts.
2007: Time's All-TIME 100 TV Shows
SpongeBob SquarePants was listed among the All-TIME 100 TV Shows by Time television critic James Poniewozik in 2007.
2007: Introduction of High-End SpongeBob-Themed Electronics
In 2007, Imation Electronics Products introduced high-end SpongeBob-themed electronics under the Npower brand, including MP3 players, digital cameras, a DVD player, and a flatscreen television. This expanded the range of SpongeBob merchandise to include electronics.
2007: President Barack Obama Expresses Fondness for SpongeBob SquarePants
In 2007, then-Senator Barack Obama revealed his appreciation for SpongeBob SquarePants, calling him his favorite TV character and sharing that he enjoyed watching the show with his daughters. Obama's statement highlighted SpongeBob's broad appeal, transcending age and demographics.
2007: SpongeBob's Atlantis SquarePantis Released
In 2007, the television film SpongeBob's Atlantis SquarePantis was released. It was one of three television films produced for the SpongeBob SquarePants series.
2008: Transition to Digital Drawing
In 2008, the animation team switched from traditional pencil and paper to Wacom Cintiqs for drawing, starting with the episode "Pest of the West." This shift to digital drawing allowed for greater flexibility and efficiency in the animation process.
January 18, 2009: 10th Anniversary Celebration Begins
Nickelodeon kicked off SpongeBob's 10th anniversary celebrations with a live cast reading of "SpongeBob vs. The Big One" at the Sundance Film Festival.
April 2009: Burger King Advertisement Controversy
In April 2009, Burger King released a SpongeBob advertisement that was criticized by the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood for its use of a parody of "Baby Got Back", deeming it inappropriate for young children.
April 17, 2009: 10th Anniversary Celebration Continues
As part of the ongoing 10th-anniversary celebrations, the episode "SpongeBob vs. The Big One," featuring guest star Johnny Depp, premiered on television.
July 2009: Madame Tussauds Wax Sculpture
July 2009 marked the unveiling of a wax sculpture of SpongeBob at Madame Tussauds in New York, in celebration of the series' 10th anniversary. This made SpongeBob the first animated character sculpted entirely in wax.
November 10, 2009: 10th Anniversary Special Release
A five-episode DVD set, including the hour-long television film "Truth or Square," was released as part of the 10th-anniversary celebrations.
2009: Mr. Lawrence on Voice Acting
In 2009, Mr. Lawrence, the voice of Plankton, shared that improvisation was his favorite part of the voiceover process.
2009: Collaboration with Screen Novelties
Screen Novelties was brought back in 2009 to create a special stop-motion opening for the series' tenth anniversary special.
2009: Animation Techniques
In 2009, executive producer Paul Tibbitt highlighted the show's transition from traditional cel animation in the first season to digital ink and paint animation, noting the increased efficiency of the digital process.
2009: SpongeBob's Truth or Square Released
In 2009, the television film SpongeBob's Truth or Square was released. It was one of three television films produced for the SpongeBob SquarePants series.
2009: SpongeBob SquarePants Generated $8 Billion in Merchandising Revenue
In 2009, it was reported that the SpongeBob SquarePants franchise had generated an estimated $8 billion in merchandising revenue for Nickelodeon. The series became the most distributed property of Paramount Media Networks, reaching 170 countries and speaking 24 languages.
2009: Release of SpongeBob's Greatest Hits
In 2009, the album SpongeBob's Greatest Hits was released. It featured original music from the series and charted at number 122 on the US Billboard 200.
June 2010: Entertainment Weekly's 100 Greatest Characters
In June 2010, Entertainment Weekly recognized SpongeBob as one of the 100 Greatest Characters of the Last 20 Years.
November 2010: SpongeBob Comics Announcement
In November 2010, the 32-page bimonthly comic book series, SpongeBob Comics, was announced. This marked the debut of SpongeBob SquarePants creator Stephen Hillenburg as a comic book author. The series was published by Hillenburg's production company, United Plankton Pictures, and distributed by Bongo Comics Group.
2010: SpongeBob SquarePants Wins Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Class Animated Program
In 2010, SpongeBob SquarePants received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Class Animated Program, recognizing its exceptional quality and creativity in animation.
May 2011: Spongiforma squarepantsii Mushroom
A new species of mushroom, Spongiforma squarepantsii, was discovered and named after SpongeBob SquarePants in May 2011.
2011: Collaboration with Screen Novelties
In 2011, Screen Novelties was commissioned to create a full episode entirely animated in stop motion, resulting in "It's a SpongeBob Christmas!".
2011: Study Suggests Negative Impact on Preschoolers
In 2011, a University of Virginia study suggested that SpongeBob SquarePants caused short-term attention and mental function disruptions in preschoolers due to frequent shot changes.
2011: Negative Reviews from DVD Talk and DVD Verdict
Starting in 2011, DVD Talk and DVD Verdict began to publish negative reviews of the show, describing it as "tedious" and "boring".
2011: SpongeBob in Egypt
Following the Egyptian Revolution of 2011, SpongeBob became a cultural phenomenon in Cairo's Tahrir Square, appearing on merchandise and inspiring the Tumblr project "SpongeBob on the Nile" to document his presence.
August 2012: Ukrainian Group's Criticism
In August 2012, a Ukrainian group criticized SpongeBob SquarePants for allegedly promoting homosexuality and sought to have it banned.
2012: SpongeBob SquarePants becomes available to stream on Hulu
In 2012, SpongeBob SquarePants was made available for streaming on Hulu, expanding its reach to a new platform.
2012: Collaboration with Screen Novelties
Tom Kenny shared in 2012 that his inspiration for the stop-motion Christmas special stemmed from his childhood love for Rankin/Bass holiday specials.
2012: Plankton and Karen's Dynamic
Mr. Lawrence explained in a 2012 interview that he and Jill Talley, the voice of Karen, often improvise dialogue for Plankton and Karen, sometimes leading to overlapping lines.
2012: Stephen R. Bissette's Return for Special Issue
In 2012, retired horror comics writer and artist Stephen R. Bissette returned to write a special Halloween issue for SpongeBob Comics. He collaborated with Tony Millionaire and Al Jaffee for this project.
2012: MSN cites declining fan engagement
In 2012, MSN reported on the declining fan engagement and activity on online SpongeBob fan communities.
2012: SpongeBob SquarePants Experiences a Ratings Decline
In 2012, SpongeBob SquarePants faced a significant decline in viewership among its target demographic of children aged two to eleven. Experts attributed the decline to several factors, including the show's age, oversaturation of the market, and the increasing popularity of streaming services like Netflix, which offered alternative viewing options.
2012: Production of SpongeBob SquarePants 4-D: The Great Jelly Rescue
In 2012, Nickelodeon teamed up with SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment and Super 78 to produce SpongeBob SquarePants 4-D: The Great Jelly Rescue. The attraction opened in early 2013 at the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration.
2012: Nickelodeon's Input on SpongeBob
Hillenburg revealed in 2012 that Nickelodeon executives insisted SpongeBob should be a child attending school, leading to the creation of the character Mrs. Puff, SpongeBob's boat-driving teacher.
2012: Recurring Guest Voices
Ernest Borgnine, the voice of Mermaid Man, passed away in 2012.
2012: Nickelodeon Adjusts Programming in Response to Ratings Dip
As SpongeBob SquarePants' ratings declined in 2012, Nickelodeon implemented programming changes. The network reduced the number of SpongeBob episodes aired and reevaluated its scheduling strategy to address the shifting television landscape and the growing influence of streaming services.
February 2013: Russian Military SpongeBob Rendition
A YouTube video surfaced in February 2013 showing Russian soldiers singing the SpongeBob SquarePants theme song while marching. The uploader described it as one of the military's "most popular marching songs".
April 22, 2013: Netflix Announces Decision to End Viacom Deal
On April 22, 2013, Netflix announced it would not renew its content deal with Viacom, impacting the availability of popular shows like SpongeBob SquarePants and "Dora the Explorer." The decision reflected the evolving landscape of streaming services and their pursuit of exclusive content deals.
May 17, 2013: Build-A-Bear Workshop Introduced SpongeBob SquarePants Collection
On May 17, 2013, Build-A-Bear Workshop introduced the SpongeBob SquarePants collection in stores and online in North America. Customers could dress SpongeBob and Patrick plush toys in various clothing and accessories, with Sandy Cheeks and Gary the Snail available as pre-stuffed minis.
June 4, 2013: Viacom Secures Multi-Year Licensing Agreement with Amazon
On June 4, 2013, Viacom announced a significant licensing agreement with Amazon, bringing its popular children's programs, including SpongeBob SquarePants and "Dora the Explorer," to Amazon's streaming platform. The deal, valued at over $200 million, marked a shift in content distribution as streaming services competed for viewers.
June 28, 2013: End of SpongeBob SquareShorts Film Competition
The SpongeBob SquareShorts: Original Fan Tributes competition, launched by Nickelodeon, concluded on June 28, 2013. This contest encouraged fans to create original short films inspired by SpongeBob.
July 13, 2013: Unveiling of SpongeBob-Inspired Toyota Highlander
On July 13, 2013, Toyota, in collaboration with Nickelodeon, unveiled a SpongeBob-inspired Toyota Highlander. The 2014 model was launched on SpongeBob Day at the San Diego Padres vs. Giants game, and the vehicle toured seven U.S. locations.
July 19, 2013: Finalists Announced for SpongeBob SquareShorts Competition
On July 19, 2013, Nickelodeon announced the finalists for the SpongeBob SquareShorts: Original Fan Tributes competition. The contest attracted numerous creative entries from fans worldwide.
August 13, 2013: Winners Announced for SpongeBob SquareShorts Competition
Nickelodeon announced the winners of the SpongeBob SquareShorts: Original Fan Tributes competition on August 13, 2013. David from the United States won the under-18 category, while Nicole from South Africa won the 18 and over category.
November 28, 2013: End of Titan Magazines' SpongeBob Comics
On November 28, 2013, Titan Magazines concluded its run of SpongeBob SquarePants comics in the United Kingdom. The series had been published every four weeks since February 3, 2005.
2013: Awards and Recognition for Stop-Motion Animation
The Screen Novelties team received multiple awards and nominations in 2013 for their work on the stop-motion Christmas special, including recognition at the Annie Awards, Golden Reel Awards, and Annecy International Animated Film Festival.
2013: Opening of SpongeBob SquarePants 4-D: The Great Jelly Rescue
In early 2013, SpongeBob SquarePants 4-D: The Great Jelly Rescue opened at the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration. The attraction was produced by Nickelodeon in collaboration with SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment and Super 78.
2013: SpongeBob SquarePants Removed from Netflix and Added to Amazon Prime Video
SpongeBob SquarePants was taken off Netflix in 2013 after their deal with Viacom ended and was subsequently picked up by Amazon Prime Video that same year.
2013: TV Guide's Eighth Greatest TV Cartoon
SpongeBob SquarePants earned the eighth spot on TV Guide's ranking of the Greatest TV Cartoons of All Time in 2013.
2013: Pirate's Booty Released SpongeBob SquarePants Snacks
In 2013, Pirate's Booty released limited edition SpongeBob SquarePants Pirate's Booty snacks. This product added to the range of SpongeBob-themed foods available to fans.
2013: Release of SpongeBob Moves In!
In 2013, Nickelodeon published and distributed SpongeBob Moves In!, a freemium city-building game app developed by Kung Fu Factory for iOS and Android. This added a new dimension to the digital presence of SpongeBob.
2013: College-Oriented SpongeBob Promotion by Music.com
In 2013, Music.com gave away 80,000 SpongeBob T-shirts in a promotion aimed at college students. This was four times more than during a similar promotion for Comedy Central's South Park, showcasing SpongeBob's popularity among college audiences.
2013: IGN Ranks SpongeBob SquarePants High on Animated Series Lists
In 2013, IGN continued to acknowledge SpongeBob SquarePants' enduring appeal, ranking it 12th on its list of the Top 25 Animated Series for Adults and 15th on its UK division's list of the Top 100 Animated Series.
2013: Voice Actors and Roles
By 2013, Mary Jo Catlett, the voice of Mrs. Puff, considered herself "basically retired" as she felt that voicing the character required less preparation than her previous live-action roles.
December 13, 2014: Hillenburg Returns
Hillenburg returned to SpongeBob SquarePants in an undisclosed role on December 13, 2014.
2014: Show Deemed Too Violent in Kazakhstan
In 2014, the chairwoman of Kazakhstan's Committee for the Protection of Children's Rights labeled SpongeBob a "self-absorbed hooligan" and deemed the show too violent for children.
2014: Launch of SpongeBob-Inspired Toyota Highlander
In 2014, the SpongeBob-inspired Toyota Highlander was launched, following its unveiling the previous year. This special edition vehicle toured various U.S. locations, including the Nickelodeon Suites Resort Orlando in Florida.
2014: SpongeBob SquarePants Earns Emmy for Outstanding Sound Editing—Animation
In 2014, SpongeBob SquarePants was honored with an Emmy Award for Outstanding Sound Editing—Animation, acknowledging the show's high production values and attention to detail in sound design.
February 6, 2015: Release of The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water
On February 6, 2015, the sequel to the 2004 film, The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water, was released in theaters. The film featured traditional animation for underwater scenes and CGI for live-action parts.
April 30, 2015: Announcement of Third SpongeBob Film
On April 30, 2015, Viacom announced that a third SpongeBob film was in development.
May 23, 2015: Opening of SpongeBob SubPants Adventure
On May 23, 2015, the interactive 3D show SpongeBob SubPants Adventure opened in Texas at Moody Gardens. The show was replaced with a generic "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" re-theme in 2019.
2016: TV (The Book) Recognition
Matt Zoller Seitz and Alan Sepinwall's 2016 book, "TV (The Book)", ranked SpongeBob SquarePants as the 22nd greatest American television series of all time.
2016: SpongeBob SquarePants Removed from Hulu
After a period of availability, SpongeBob SquarePants was removed from the Hulu streaming platform in 2016.
2016: SpongeBob SquarePants Adapted as a Stage Musical
In 2016, director Tina Landau adapted SpongeBob SquarePants as a stage musical. The musical premiered in Chicago before making its way to Broadway.
2016: SpongeBob Earns Recognition as One of the Greatest TV Series
In 2016, television critics Alan Sepinwall and Matt Zoller Seitz acknowledged SpongeBob SquarePants' enduring legacy by ranking it as the 22nd greatest American television series of all time in their book "TV (The Book)." This recognition solidified SpongeBob's place as a cultural touchstone.
March 2017: Hillenburg's ALS Diagnosis
In March 2017, Hillenburg received a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
December 4, 2017: SpongeBob SquarePants, The Broadway Musical Opened on Broadway
SpongeBob SquarePants, The Broadway Musical, opened on Broadway at the Palace Theatre on December 4, 2017. The musical received critical acclaim and became a significant milestone in the adaptation of the series.
2017: Voice Actors and Roles
As of 2017, voicing Mrs. Puff had become Mary Jo Catlett's only regular television role, leading her to describe herself as "basically retired".
April 2018: Tim Hill Named Director for Third SpongeBob Film
In April 2018, Tim Hill was named as the director for the third SpongeBob film, which was originally titled It's a Wonderful Sponge.
October 2018: Announcement of Sponge on the Run as Origin Story
In October 2018, it was announced that the film Sponge on the Run would be an origin story of how SpongeBob came to Bikini Bottom and got his square pants.
November 2018: Super Bowl LIII Tribute and Fan Petition
Following Stephen Hillenburg's death in November 2018, over 1.2 million fans petitioned for "Sweet Victory" from "Band Geeks" to be performed at Super Bowl LIII. While the song was teased, the Dallas Stars later played the full clip at a game.
November 26, 2018: Hillenburg's Death
Hillenburg died on November 26, 2018, at 57 from complications related to ALS.
December 24, 2018: Petition for "Sweet Victory" at Super Bowl LIII Reaches One Million Signatures
By December 24, 2018, a petition to have "Sweet Victory" from the SpongeBob SquarePants episode "Band Geeks" performed at the Super Bowl LIII halftime show reached over one million signatures.
2018: Hillenburg's Passing
Stephen Hillenburg passed away in 2018. He had served as the executive producer for the entirety of the show's run.
2018: SpongeBob SquarePants Receives Two Emmy Awards
SpongeBob SquarePants received two Emmy Awards in 2018: Outstanding Children's Animated Series and Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program for Tom Kenny's iconic voice acting as SpongeBob.
2018: Vulture and The A.V. Club Analyze Show's Decline
In 2018, Vulture and The A.V. Club published articles analyzing the decline in the quality of SpongeBob SquarePants, noting the popularity of early seasons.
2018: SpongeBob SquarePants, The Broadway Musical Tied for Most Tony Nominations
At the 2018 72nd Tony Awards, SpongeBob SquarePants, The Broadway Musical tied for the most-nominated production, earning twelve Tony nominations. This highlighted the musical's success and popularity.
February 11, 2019: Nickelodeon Launches "Best Year Ever" to Celebrate SpongeBob SquarePants' 20th Anniversary
On February 11, 2019, Nickelodeon kicked off "Best Year Ever," a year-long celebration of SpongeBob SquarePants' 20th anniversary. The celebration included collaborations with artists like Romero Britto and the creation of "SpongeBob SquarePants Yellow" and "Patrick Star Pink" with Pantone. Nickelodeon also partnered with fashion designers like Cynthia Rowley and Marlou Breuls for SpongeBob-themed collections.
February 14, 2019: SpongeBob SquarePants Spin-off Announced
On February 14, 2019, a SpongeBob SquarePants spin-off focusing on a 10-year-old SpongeBob at summer camp was announced.
February 2019: Nickelodeon's Commitment to SpongeBob
Nickelodeon president Brian Robbins pledged in February 2019 to continue producing SpongeBob SquarePants for as long as the network operates.
April 2019: Nickelodeon Released SpongeBob Meme Toys
In April 2019, Nickelodeon released a series of toys adapted from various SpongeBob Internet memes. The toys, including 'Handsome Squidward' and 'Mocking SpongeBob,' quickly sold out on Amazon.com, reflecting their popularity.
May 2019: SpongeBob Memes Achieved Widespread Popularity
In May 2019, a subreddit devoted to SpongeBob memes accumulated over 1.7 million subscribers. Vox's Aja Romano declared that 'Spongebob memes came to rule internet culture,' highlighting the series' significant impact online.
June 5, 2019: THQ Nordic Announced SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated
On June 5, 2019, THQ Nordic announced SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated, a full remake of the original 2003 game. This remake includes cut content from the original game, significantly enhancing the gameplay experience.
June 2019: Production Begins on Kamp Koral Spin-off
Production on the SpongeBob SquarePants spin-off, Kamp Koral, began in June 2019.
July 12, 2019: "Best Year Ever" Officially Begins with SpongeBob's Big Birthday Blowout
On July 12, 2019, Nickelodeon officially launched their "Best Year Ever" celebration for the 20th anniversary of SpongeBob SquarePants. The celebration included the premiere of a one-hour, live-action/animated TV special called "SpongeBob's Big Birthday Blowout".
November 12, 2019: First Poster and Title Change for Sponge on the Run
On November 12, 2019, the first poster for Sponge on the Run was revealed, along with a title change from It's a Wonderful Sponge.
November 2019: Development of Squidward Project for Netflix
In November 2019, The New York Times reported that a music-based Squidward project was in development for Netflix.
2019: SpongeBob's Big Birthday Blowout Released
In 2019, the television film SpongeBob's Big Birthday Blowout was released. It was one of three television films produced for the SpongeBob SquarePants series.
2019: Recurring Guest Voices
Tim Conway, known for voicing Barnacle Boy, passed away in 2019.
2019: Replacement of SpongeBob SubPants Adventure
In 2019, the interactive 3D show SpongeBob SubPants Adventure at Moody Gardens in Texas was replaced with a generic "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" re-theme.
2019: Professor Criticizes Show's Colonialism and Cultural Appropriation
In 2019, a University of Washington professor criticized SpongeBob SquarePants for promoting colonialism and appropriating Pacific culture.
2019: SpongeBob SquarePants Achieves Milestone
By 2019, SpongeBob SquarePants became the fifth-longest-running American animated series and generated over $13 billion in merchandising revenue.
2019: Clathria hillenburgi Sea Sponge
In 2019, the sea sponge species Clathria hillenburgi was named in honor of Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of SpongeBob SquarePants.
February 19, 2020: Kamp Koral Title and July 2020 Premiere Announced
On February 19, 2020, the official title of the spin-off, Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years, was revealed, with a planned premiere in July 2020.
March 2020: ViacomCBS Announces Two Spin-Off Films
In early March 2020, ViacomCBS announced that it would be producing two spin-off films based on the SpongeBob SquarePants series for Paramount+.
May 22, 2020: Rescheduled Release Date for Sponge on the Run
The release date for Sponge on the Run was rescheduled to May 22, 2020, from its original date of July 17, 2020. It was later delayed again due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 28, 2020: Apple Arcade Released SpongeBob SquarePants: Patty Pursuit
On May 28, 2020, Apple Arcade released a new game titled SpongeBob SquarePants: Patty Pursuit. This game adds to the list of SpongeBob-themed games available on various platforms.
June 2020: Cancellation of Worldwide Theatrical Release for Sponge on the Run
In June 2020, the worldwide theatrical release of Sponge on the Run was cancelled. It was announced that the film would be released on premium video on demand and later on Paramount+ in early 2021.
June 23, 2020: Release of SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated
The game SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated was released on June 23, 2020. This remake features improved graphics and additional content that was not present in the original 2003 version.
July 2020: Initial Premiere Plans for Kamp Koral
Initially, Kamp Koral was planned for a July 2020 release, though this was later adjusted.
July 17, 2020: Original Release Date for Sponge on the Run
July 17, 2020, was the original release date for the film Sponge on the Run, which was later moved to May 22, 2020, and then delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 30, 2020: Kamp Koral to Release on CBS All Access
It was announced on July 30, 2020, that Kamp Koral would be released on the CBS All Access streaming service in early 2021.
July 31, 2020: Further Delay of Sponge on the Run
Sponge on the Run was further delayed to July 31, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The release was later moved to August 7, 2020.
August 7, 2020: Additional Delay of Sponge on the Run
The release of Sponge on the Run was delayed again to August 7, 2020, following previous delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
August 10, 2020: Patrick Star Talk Show Announced
On August 10, 2020, a Patrick Star talk show, The Patrick Star Show, was announced with a 13-episode order, drawing inspiration from shows like The Larry Sanders Show.
August 14, 2020: Canadian Theatrical Release for Sponge on the Run
On August 14, 2020, Sponge on the Run was released in Canadian theaters. This followed multiple delays and the cancellation of its worldwide theatrical release.
2020: Nickelodeon's Pride Tweet
Nickelodeon's tweet celebrating Pride Month with a rainbow-colored SpongeBob in 2020 reignited online discussions about the character's sexuality.
2020: Astrolirus patricki Sea Star
The abyssal sea star species Astrolirus patricki was named after Patrick Star in 2020, referencing his friendship with SpongeBob.
January 28, 2021: Kamp Koral Premiere Date Set for March 4, 2021
On January 28, 2021, the official premiere date for Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years was set for March 4, 2021.
March 4, 2021: Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years Premieres
The long-awaited spin-off series, Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years, finally premiered on March 4, 2021.
March 2021: "Mid-Life Crustacean" Pulled from Circulation
In March 2021, Nickelodeon pulled the episode "Mid-Life Crustacean" from circulation, stating that some elements were not appropriate for children.
July 9, 2021: The Patrick Star Show Premieres
The Patrick Star Show, a talk show spin-off featuring Patrick Star, premiered on Nickelodeon on July 9, 2021.
August 24, 2021: Announcement of New SpongeBob Film
On August 24, 2021, Brian Robbins, CEO of Nickelodeon, announced that a new theatrical SpongeBob film was in the works.
September 17, 2021: THQ Nordic Announced SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake
On September 17, 2021, THQ Nordic announced SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake, a new original game based on the franchise. This announcement excited fans with the promise of fresh adventures in the SpongeBob universe.
2021: EA Sports Introduced SpongeBob-Themed Level in Madden NFL 21
In 2021, EA Sports introduced a SpongeBob-themed level to the Yard section of its Madden NFL 21 video game. This crossover event brought SpongeBob into the world of sports gaming.
February 2022: Revised Plans for Three Character Spin-Off Films
In February 2022, it was revealed that ViacomCBS's plans had been revised to include three character spin-off films based on the SpongeBob SquarePants series.
May 1, 2022: The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie Rehydrated
On May 1, 2022, a fan-made project called "The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie Rehydrated" was released online as a tribute to Stephen Hillenburg, but was temporarily removed due to copyright issues.
August 1, 2023: CBS Sports to Air SpongeBob-Themed Super Bowl LVIII Broadcast for Kids
On August 1, 2023, CBS Sports revealed its plan to broadcast a special kid-friendly version of Super Bowl LVIII on Nickelodeon, titled Super Bowl LVIII: Live from Bikini Bottom, featuring augmented reality elements and appearances from SpongeBob characters.
2023: Delay of The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants
In 2023, the release date for The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants was delayed from May 23, 2025, to December 19, 2025, due to the SAG-AFTRA strike.
January 21, 2024: Leak of Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie
On January 21, 2024, the entire film Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie was leaked as a video upload on X (formerly known as Twitter) prior to its official release in 2024.
2024: Sad Hamster Meme Featuring SpongeBob Music Surfaced
In 2024, a meme pairing Richard Myhill's 'Woe Is Me!' from the SpongeBob episode 'Squilliam Returns' with an image of a sad hamster gained rapid popularity on social media. Dubbed the 'sad hamster meme,' it became a trend for expressing sadness and unfortunate situations.
May 23, 2025: Original Release Date for The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants
The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants was originally set for release on May 23, 2025. It was later delayed to December 19, 2025, due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.