Debuting May 1, 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants is an animated series about a sentient sponge that grew into a media empire. The Onion looks back at the beloved cartoon show on its 20th anniversary.


U.S. military tests atomic weaponry in Bikini Atoll, leading to genetic abnormalities on the seafloor of Bikini Bottom.




Show creator Stephen Hillenburg decides on making it animated after several failed attempts to film fish acting and reciting dialogue.




Nickelodeon finally ends 18-month nationwide search for cartoonists capable of drawing characters shaped like a square and a star.




Production on third season halted while SpongeBob, Patrick, and Squidward hold out for $1 million per episode.




15-year-old Delaware resident John Weymouth has no idea whether he’s too old to be enjoying the show this much.




SpongeBob attacked by conservatives accusing the show of promoting an agenda of caring about living things in the ocean.




Scientists confirm significant portions of Bikini Bottom coral bleaching now irreversible.




Nickelodeon airs special episode where SpongeBob discovers the wreckage of Malaysian Airlines Flight 370.




Creative team realizes making a Broadway musical would be the perfect way to run this thing into the ground.




Damn, still holds up.

