Air Times: Daily on Nick (Check listings for times)
Episode Length: Approx. 30 minutes for two stories
Target Age Group: Ages 6-11 years
Network: Nickelodeon
SpongeBob SquarePants - Overview
Originally created for kids ages 6-11, the cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants became a pop culture phenomenon. According to Nickelodeon, the show has been the number one animated kids' show on television for over five years (as of 2007), but millions of viewers in every age category tune in to watch the cartoon every month.
In the cartoon, SpongeBob the sea sponge dwells with his underwater neighbors in the deep-sea town of Bikini Bottom. SpongeBob's house looks like a giant pineapple, and his closest acquaintances include his best friend Patrick the Starfish, Sandy Cheeks the squirrel (who lives in an underwater air bubble), and his co-worker Squidward. SpongeBob works as a fry cook at a fast food type joint called the Krusty Krab.
Within highly imaginative storylines, the show's humor centers around silly situations in the daily life of the very childlike main character SpongeBob. Most of his amusing escapades also involve his very dim-witted best pal, Patrick.
SpongeBob SquarePants - Guide Review
As noted above, SpongeBob SquarePants was originally created for kids ages 6-11, yet I can remember hearing guys talk about watching the show all the time when I was in college. That says something. Yes, the show is highly imaginative, clever, and even I must admit, sometimes funny; however, that doesn't mean I want my kids to watch it.
Characters in the cartoon sometimes use words like "stupid" or "jerk" that parents may not want kids to repeat. Also, most of the humor in the show stems from situations that occur solely due to the fact that SpongeBob and Patrick are just really unintelligent. With SpongeBob, it is more of a naivete at times, but Patrick is usually characterized as being completely dense.
Physical humor also plays a role in this cartoon, which is one of the reasons SpongeBob is shown at least once in almost every episode wearing just his underwear.
For older kids and teens, SpongeBob SquarePants may be better than some other TV viewing options, but parents of young children may want to preview the show before letting kids watch.
