SpongeBob Squarepants: 10 Things You Never Knew About The Long-Running Cartoon

The little yellow sponge known as SpongeBob made his first appearance on Nickelodeon back in 1999 and is still going strong in 2020. SpongeBob SquarePants focused on SpongeBob and his day-to-day life in Bikini Bottom. He lived in a pineapple with a pet snail named Gary and lived next door to his unknown nemesis Squidward and his best friend Patrick. Along the way, we meet other lovable characters that make SpongeBob’s life whole.

In the summer of 2019, it was announced that SpongeBob SquarePants would be renewed for a 13th season, bringing even more adventures and giggles to TV. But before season 13 and the new movie The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run drop, keep scrolling to learn 10 things you might not have known about SpongeBob SquarePants.

10 Spongiforma Squarepantsii

In the summer of 2011, a new species of fungus was found in one of Borneo’s forests. It looked just like a sea sponge, felt like one, and even had a “musty smell” to it, according to BBC. The San Francisco State University researchers that discovered the strange mushroom were inspired by SpongeBob and decided to name it Spongiforma squarepantsii. 

9 Does SpongeBob Remind You Of Anyone?

SpongeBob is emotional, excitable, lovable, and is tries his absolute hardest in everything he does. SpongeBob always wants to be liked and to be doing something he enjoys doing. He spreads cheer to everyone, including those who are irritated by him.

Derek Drymon (one of SpongeBob’s creative directors) noted that creator Stephen Hillenburg wanted SpongeBob to embody Pee-Wee Herman’s “boyish” flair. He was also inspired by the attitudes of Jerry Lewis and Stan Laurel.

8 Step Aside, Rugrats

Before SpongeBob SquarePants came along, Rugrats was the longest-running series of all time. Rugrats lasted for nine seasons, 172 episodes, and inspired three movies and various spinoffs.

However, after being renewed for a 13th season, SpongeBob SquarePants has blown the adorable baby show out of the water. To date, SpongeBob SquarePants has 262 episodes to its name.

7 Season 4, Episode 20’s Title Has An Ironic Name…

In the episode “Best Day Ever,” SpongeBob sets out to have the best day ever with his friends. He planned on working a few hours at the Krusty Krab, go jellyfishing with Patrick, learn karate with Sandy, and end the day with Squidward’s clarinet recital.

Sadly, his day falls apart when his friends have bad days, which inevitably rubbed off on SpongeBob. His day becomes better after his friends encourage him that he made their days brighter and that his “best day ever” was helping his friends. Ironically, however, the episode “Best Day Ever” was episode 20 in season 4: aka 4/20.

6 Is Bikini Bottom Real?

Bikini Bottom is the name of SpongeBob’s village and, believe it or not, was inspired by a real area in the Pacific Ocean. The Conversation states that Bikini Bottom is supposed to be below the islands of Pikinni Atoll. Back in the ’40s and ’50s, the US used these islands as a testing site during the Cold War, which resulted in an explosion leaking large amounts of radiation. The islands were evacuated for safety but it’s been theorized that the oddness of Bikini Bottom (i.e. a talking sponge) is because it’s been affected by the test site on Pikinni Atoll.

5 There’s A Reason Why SpongeBob Lives In A Pineapple

Viewers learn in the first sentence of the SpongeBob theme song that he’s a sponge who lives in a “pineapple under the sea.” But why? Why on earth does this adorable sponge live in a pineapple?

According to the creator, he imagined SpongeBob enjoying the smell of a pineapple. Pineapples are also very significant in Polynesian culture, which has a heavy influence on the show and how Bikini Bottom looks.

4 SpongeBob’s Creator Is A Marine Biologist

Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of the most beloved sponge in history, is much more than a creative genius; he’s also a marine biologist. After teaching at the Orange County Marine Institute, he began working in animation for Nickelodeon’s Rocko’s Modern Life. But after doodling a few different variations of sponges with faces on them, Hype noted that he wanted to create “an innocent who is surrounded by more cynical beings.” Considering SpongeBob’s boss is Mr. Krabs (a judgmental, money-grubbing crab) and his neighbor is Squidward, it’s safe to say his idea was a hit.

3 The Creator Stepped Down As Showrunner After The First Movie Because He Thought SpongeBob Had Ran Its Course

With SpongeBob being Nickelodeon’s longest-running show and most successful show, it’s hard to imagine it slowing down. The series already has five movies to its name! However, back in 2004 when Stephen Hillenburg started working on the first SpongeBob movie, he was ready to call it quits on the show. The movie was supposed to wrap up the series but Nickelodeon had other plans. Just because Hillenburg thought the show had run its course doesn’t mean Nickelodeon felt the same way.

Hillenburg stepped down as showrunner but the show continued on with him being the executive producer. Hillenburg eventually made his way back to SpongeBob by the time the second film came out.

2 Patrick Star Is Goofy For A Scientific Reason

Do starfish have brains? They don’t, but they do have a central nervous system that allows their senses to guide them. They can sense touch, light, and their general status but they do not have brains that can help them calculate and plan their motives in nature. Due to this fun fact, this could be the potential reason why Patrick Star is, well, dumb. There’s even an episode called “Patrick SmartPants,” where Patrick has a head injury and becomes incredibly intelligent because of it.

1 Wait, How Long Does It Take To Create One Episode!?

The world of SpongeBob SquarePants is filled with bright colors, fun animation, tropical tunes, and adventurous storylines. But did fans know that it takes roughly nine months to accomplish an episode of SpongeBob? Writing coordinator for Nickelodeon, Melissa Webster, said “From beginning to end, it takes ten or eleven months to create one eleven-minute long episode.” Considering the show has over 200 episodes, imagine how much time and money goes into creating SpongeBob!

About The Author

Lynn Gibbs
(1665 Articles Published)

Lynn is a nomad who travels the globe on the hunt for her next adventure with her husband. A lover of being outside (and finding the best latte in town), Lynn is typically hiking, walking, or jogging when she’s not focusing on her love of writing. When it comes to shows streaming on Netflix or anything Bravo-related, Lynn’s your gal.

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