SpongeBob

SpongeBob SquarePants is an American animated television series created by Stephen Hillenburg for Nickelodeon. The series premiered on May 1, 1999, and has run for numerous seasons. It follows the adventures of SpongeBob SquarePants, a cheerful, optimistic sea sponge who lives in a pineapple in Bikini Bottom, an undersea city. He works as a fry cook at the Krusty Krab, a fast-food restaurant owned by Mr. Krabs. The show features a supporting cast including Patrick Star, a dim-witted but loyal starfish; Squidward Tentacles, an irritable octopus who is SpongeBob's neighbor and co-worker; Sandy Cheeks, a science-minded squirrel from Texas who lives in an air-filled dome; and Plankton, the diminutive proprietor of the rival Chum Bucket. SpongeBob's pet snail, Gary, communicates through meows.

The series is known for its humor, imaginative underwater settings, and catchphrases. It has inspired feature films, video games, and a wide array of merchandise, contributing to a cultural presence beyond television. The first film, The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004), was followed by The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run (2020), among others. The show has received numerous awards and nominations, including Primetime Emmy Awards and Annie Awards, reflecting its impact on animation and popular culture. The format blends slapstick, wordplay, and fantasy elements with episodic and occasional overarching storylines. SpongeBob remains one of Nickelodeon's longest-running and most successful franchises.