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SpongeBob SquarePants (TV Show)

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[[Image:Sponge_and_friends.jpg|thumb|right|From left to right:[[Sandy Cheeks]],[[SpongeBob SquarePants]],[[Patrick Star]],[[Sheldon J. Plankton]],[[Squidward Tentacles]] and [[Eugene H. Krabs]].]]
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[[Image:Sponge_and_friends.jpg|thumb|right|From left to right: Clockwise from top left: [[Sandy Cheeks]], [[SpongeBob SquarePants]], [[Patrick Star]], [[Eugene H. Krabs]], [[Squidward Tentacles]], and [[Sheldon J. Plankton]].]]
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SpongeBob SquarePants is an Emmy-nominated American animated television series and media franchise. It is one of [[Nickelodeon]]'s "Nicktoons" and is the most watched show on Nickelodeon of all time. In 2007, it was named by TIME as one of the greatest television shows of all time. Although its original network is Nickelodeon, SpongeBob is now broadcast across the world. It was created by former marine biologist and animator, Stephen Hillenburg, and is produced through his production company, United Plankton Pictures, Inc. SpongeBob has also appeared on sister network MTV2 for a short time in 2006.  
+
'''SpongeBob SquarePants''' is an Emmy-nominated American animated television series and media franchise. It is one of [[Nickelodeon]]'s "Nicktoons" and is the most watched show on Nickelodeon of all time and SpongeBob is the most watch kid's TV show in history. In 2007, it was named by TIME as one of the greatest television shows of all time. Although its original network is Nickelodeon, SpongeBob is now broadcast across the world. It was created by former marine biologist and animator, Stephen Hillenburg, and is produced through his production company; United Plankton Pictures, Inc. SpongeBob has also appeared on sister network MTV2 for a short time in 2006.  
  
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The series is set in the Pacific Ocean, in the 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."
+
:Created by [[Stephen Hillenburg]]
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:Animation Directed by [[Tom Yasumi]]
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Created by [[Stephen Hillenburg]]
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Animation Directed by [[Tom Yasumi]]
+
  
 
==Setting==
 
==Setting==
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SpongeBob SquarePants is a sponge who lives in a [[SpongeBob's house|pineapple]] under the sea, while his octopus neighbor Squidward Tentacles lives in an Easter Island head. 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, much to Squidward's despair....
+
'''Conch Street'''
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[[Image:spongehause.jpg|thumb|right|[[SpongeBob's house]]]]
+
−
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. 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. Stephen 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]], 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 SquarePants is a sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea, while his octopus neighbor Squidward Tentacles lives in an 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, much to Squidward's despair....  
  
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SpongeBob, who is absorbent, yellow, and porous, works as a fry cook at the Krusty Krab, a 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 "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.
+
[[Image:spongehause.jpg|thumb|right|[[SpongeBob's house]]]]
  
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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. Sandy has a Texas accent and is also from there. When not inside her [[Treedome]], she wears an astronaut-like suit. Sandy, just like a normal squirrel, hibernates once a year, as seen in a few episodes such as Prehibernation Week and Survival of the Idiots.
+
'''Bikini Bottom'''
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[[Image:The Treedome.jpg|thumb|left|The Treedome]]
+
−
His generation grandchildren,or descendants in the fourty-first century are [[SpongeTron]],Spongetron X,Spongebob Y,Spongebob Z, and all the other 486 of them! Patricks futuristic person is [[Patron]]
+
  
−
Instead of cars, the residents of Bikini Bottom drive boats. SpongeBob is still in boating school after failing the driving test over thirty-eight 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 [[Larry the Lobster]].
+
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. 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. Stephen 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.  
  
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==Main Characters==
+
'''Creatures'''
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*[[SpongeBob SquarePants]] — A very friendly and funny sponge that loves jellyfishing. He works at the Krusty Krab as the fry-cook.
+
−
*[[Patrick Star]] — SpongeBob's best friend, a dumb, pink starfish.
+
−
*[[Sandy Cheeks]] — A clever Texas squirrel that has to wear an oxygen tank to breathe underwater.
+
−
*[[Eugene H. Krabs]] — A crab that is in charge of the Krusty Krab restaurant, where SpongeBob works. He is addicted to money and is selfish and greedy.
+
−
*[[Pearl Krabs]] — Mr. Krabs's teenage daughter. She is a whale who acts like a stereotypical American teenage girl. Her father thinks he's spoiling her when quite frankly he is doing the opposite.
+
−
*[[Squidward Tentacles]] — SpongeBob's next door neighbor and co-worker at the Krusty Krab, where he is the cashier. He hates SpongeBob and Patrick, and openly displays his hatred towards them, not that they ever truly understood. He believes he is an amazing artist and clarinet player, but quite the opposite in reality.
+
−
*[[Gary the Snail]] — SpongeBob's pet, his only sound is a "meow", similar to a cat. In fact, he is considered to be a sea cat, like a worm is considered a sea dog.
+
−
*[[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.
+
−
*[[Mrs. Puff]] — Widowed, husband captured and turned into a pufferfish lamp. SpongeBob's pufferfish boating teacher. Mrs. Puff is eager to get SpongeBob out of her class.
+
−
*[[Mermaid Man]] and [[Barnacle Boy]]— Old, retired and foolish superheroes who are adored by Spongebob and Patrick.
+
−
*[[Larry the Lobster]] — Buff, good-looking and well-fit lobster, usually found at Goo Lagoon, Bikini Bottom's local beach.
+
−
*[[Perch Perkins]] - The Bikini Bottom TV Reporter.
+
  
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==Antagonists==
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SpongeBob's house-pet is a snail named [[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.
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*Plankton: The main villain of the TV series.
+
 
−
*BubbleBass: A mean picky fat green fish who appeared in Pickles,FUN,and Fools in April.
+
==Characters==  
−
*Flats the Flounder: The big flat bully who appeared in three episodes: Sandy's Rocket, Texas,and The Bully.
+
*[[SpongeBob SquarePants]] — A happy–go–lucky sponge who works at the [[Krusty Krab]] as the fry cook.  
−
*Squidward Tentacles: Only in Spongebob vs. The Patty Gadget
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*[[Patrick Star]] — A dumb, yet friendly, starfish who enjoys everything that SpongeBob does and is his best friend.  
−
*The Flying Dutchmam: The green 5,000 year old ghost who wishes to get revenge on Spongebob. He's the 2nd Main Villain.
+
*[[Squidward Tentacles]] — A grumpy octopus who enjoys playing the clarinet and is constantly annoyed by SpongeBob and Patrick.
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*Mr.Krabs: One of the main characters, but was main antagonist in Jellyfish Hunter, Arrgh!, Krabby Land.
+
*[[Mr. Krabs]] — The owner of the Krusty Krab. He is a cheapskate and loves money.
 +
*[[Gary the Snail]] — SpongeBob's loyal pet snail.
 +
*[[Sandy Cheeks]] — A scientist and friend of SpongeBob and Patrick.
 +
*[[Plankton]] — An evil plankton who constantly tries to steal the [[Krabby Patty]] formula.
 +
*[[Karen]] — Plankton's computer wife.
 +
*[[Mrs. Puff]] — SpongeBob's boating school teacher who tries to get rid of SpongeBob.
 +
*[[Pearl Krabs]] — The spoiled daughter of Mr. Krabs.
 +
*[[Father SquarePants]] — SpongeBob's father.
 +
*[[Mother SquarePants]] — SpongeBob's mother.
 +
*[[Barnacle Boy]] — An old retired superhero.
 +
*[[Mermaid Man]] — An old retired superhero.
 +
*[[Flying Dutchman]] — A ghost who steals people's souls. Like Squidward, he is annoyed with SpongeBob and Patrick.
 +
*[[Mama Krabs]] — Mr. Krabs's mother.
 +
*[[King Neptune]] — The ruler of the sea.
 +
*[[Squilliam Fancyson]] — A rich octopus who is also Squidward's rival.
 +
*[[Bubble Bass]] — A picky eater who likes to make fun of burger cooks by ordering pickles on his burger, then hiding them under his tongue and claiming that he didn't get pickles on the burger.
 +
*[[ManRay]] — Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy's nemesis.
 +
*[[Dirty Bubble]] — Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy's other nemesis.
 +
*[[Herb]] — Patrick's father.
 +
*[[Margie]] — Patrick's mother.
 +
*[[Mama Tentacles]] — Squidward's mother.
 +
*[[Old Man Jenkins]]
 +
*[[DoodleBob]] — SpongeBob's drawing gone wild.
 +
*[[Nancy]]
 +
*[[Fred]]
 +
*[[Tom]]
  
 
==Popularity==  
 
==Popularity==  
−
SpongeBob SquarePants is the only cartoon to consistently make the Top 10 list in the Nielsen ratings, and is the first "low budget" 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 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, Pokémon was still the biggest craze. SpongeBob did not gain its popularity until around 2000, and it has remained popular since then.  
+
SpongeBob SquarePants is the only cartoon to consistently make the Top 10 list in the Nielsen ratings, and is the first "low budget" 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 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 and 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 canceled despite gaining a cult following. The show debuted in 1999, and during that time, Pokémon was still the biggest craze. SpongeBob did not gain its popularity until around 2000, and it has remained popular since then.
−
[[Image:Pat Happy.jpg|thumb|right|Patrick Star!]]
+
  
 
==Broad appeal==  
 
==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. For example, SpongeBob tried to show his grandma that he was a mature adult by wearing sideburns and a 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.  
+
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. For example, SpongeBob tried to show his grandma that he was a mature adult by wearing sideburns and a 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.  
 
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.  
Line 55: Line 61:
 
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 clam, holding his arms out saying "Lets have another".  
 
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 clam, 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. British rock singer David Bowie announced that he will be a special guest on the SpongeBob SquarePants episode Atlantis SquarePantis airing November 12, 2007.  
+
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 [[Guest Stars|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 [[Guest Stars|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. British rock singer [[Guest Stars|David Bowie]] announced that he will be a special guest on the SpongeBob SquarePants episode [[Atlantis SquarePantis]] (aired on November 12, 2007).  
  
 
The show became so popular with teenagers 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.
 
The show became so popular with teenagers 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.
  
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==Other==
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====How to Draw Spongebob====  
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==Cast==
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[[Draw SpongeBob]]  
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===Regular Cast===
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====Rides====
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At a themepark there is a ride called [[SpongeBob SquarePants 4-D]].
+
*[[Tom Kenny]] as [[SpongeBob]]/[[Gary the Snail]]/French Narrator/[[Patchy the Pirate]]/[[Father SquarePants]]/[[Old Man Jenkins]]/[[Dirty Bubble]] (present)/Various Others
 +
 +
*[[Bill Fagerbakke]] as [[Patrick]]/Others
 +
 
 +
*[[Rodger Bumpass]] as [[Squidward]]/[[Dr. Gill Gilliam]]/[[Anchovies]]/Nematodes/Others
 +
 
 +
*[[Clancy Brown]] as [[Mr. Krabs]]/Others
 +
 
 +
*[[Doug Lawrence]] as [[Plankton]]/[[Larry the Lobster]]/Various Others
 +
 
 +
*[[Dee Bradley Baker]] as [[Squilliam Fancyson]]/[[Bubble Bass]]/[[DoodleBob]]/Various Others
 +
 
 +
*[[Guest Stars|Sirena Irwin]] as [[Mama Krabs]] (present)/Various Others
 +
 
 +
*[[Carolyn Lawrence]] as [[Sandy]]/Others
 +
 
 +
*[[Mary Jo Catlett]] as [[Mrs. Puff]]
 +
 
 +
*[[Jill Talley]] as [[Karen]]/Others
 +
 
 +
*[[Lori Alan]] as [[Pearl Krabs]]/[[Margie]]
 +
 +
*[[Brian Doyle-Murray]] as The [[Flying Dutchman]]
 +
 
 +
*[[Stephen Hillenburg]] as [[Potty the Parrot]]
 +
 
 +
*[[Paul Tibbitt]] as [[Gorilla]]/[[Potty the Parrot]]/[[Mama Krabs]] (past)/Others
 +
 
 +
*[[Frank Welker]] as [[Mystery]]/[[Gorilla]]/[[Clamu]]/Oysters
 +
 
 +
===Guest Stars===
 +
 
 +
''Click [[Guest Stars|here]] for the list of Guest Stars that have appeared in the show''
 +
 
 +
==See Also==
 +
*[[Inhabitants of Bikini Bottom]]
  
  
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{{Slogan}}
 
  
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[[Category:Spongepedia]]
+
[[Category:SpongePedia]]
 +
[[de:SpongeBob Schwammkopf (Serie)]]

Latest revision as of 02:02, 5 February 2012

From left to right: Clockwise from top left: Sandy Cheeks, SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Eugene H. Krabs, Squidward Tentacles, and Sheldon J. Plankton.

SpongeBob SquarePants is an Emmy-nominated American animated television series and media franchise. It is one of Nickelodeon's "Nicktoons" and is the most watched show on Nickelodeon of all time and SpongeBob is the most watch kid's TV show in history. In 2007, it was named by TIME as one of the greatest television shows of all time. Although its original network is Nickelodeon, SpongeBob is now broadcast across the world. It was created by former marine biologist and animator, Stephen Hillenburg, and is produced through his production company; United Plankton Pictures, Inc. SpongeBob has also appeared on sister network MTV2 for a short time in 2006.

Created by Stephen Hillenburg
Animation Directed by Tom Yasumi

Contents

[edit] Setting

Conch Street

SpongeBob SquarePants is a sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea, while his octopus neighbor Squidward Tentacles lives in an 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, much to Squidward's despair....

SpongeBob's house

Bikini Bottom

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. 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. Stephen 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.

Creatures

SpongeBob's house-pet is a snail named 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.

[edit] Characters

[edit] Popularity

SpongeBob SquarePants is the only cartoon to consistently make the Top 10 list in the Nielsen ratings, and is the first "low budget" 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 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 and 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 canceled despite gaining a cult following. The show debuted in 1999, and during that time, Pokémon was still the biggest craze. SpongeBob did not gain its popularity until around 2000, and it has remained popular since then.

[edit] 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. For example, SpongeBob tried to show his grandma that he was a mature adult by wearing sideburns and a 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 clam, 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. British rock singer David Bowie announced that he will be a special guest on the SpongeBob SquarePants episode Atlantis SquarePantis (aired on November 12, 2007).

The show became so popular with teenagers 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.


[edit] Cast

[edit] Regular Cast

[edit] Guest Stars

Click here for the list of Guest Stars that have appeared in the show

[edit] See Also

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