SpongeBob SquarePants is an American animated télévision series, created par marine biologist and animator Stephen Hillenburg. Much of the series centers on the exploits and adventures of the titre character and his various Friends in the underwater city "Bikini Bottom." The series' popularity has prompted the release of a media franchise, contributing to its position as Nickelodeon's highest rated show, the most distributed property of MTV Networks, and among Nicktoons Network's most-watched shows.[1]

The pilot episode of SpongeBob SquarePants first aired in the United States on Nickelodeon on May 1, 1999, following the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards. The "official" series premiere followed on July 17, 1999, with the seconde episode, "Bubblestand/Ripped Pants." The montrer reached popularity shortly after the beginning of its seconde season and has remained populaire since. A feature film of the series was released in theaters on November 19, 2004. The series is currently in its seventh season and celebrated its tenth anniversary on July 17, 2009. SpongeBob has recently been renewed for an eighth season, which will make it the longest running montrer in Nickelodeon's history, surpassing Rugrats upon the completion of the 26th episode that season.