All SpongeBob, All the Time

By Jon Lafayette

It’s hard to believe it was only 10 years ago that SpongeBob SquarePants emerged from his pineapple under the sea and soaked up the kids’ television market.

Now, since too much of a good thing is never enough, Nickelodeon has launched a new Web site dedicated to all things emanating from Bikini Bottom for both kids and adults.

The site, now in beta form at www.spongebob.com, features more than 300 searchable “SpongeBob” video clips from every episode of the series. There also will be a selection of full-length episodes from each season and brand-spanking-new episodes that will be made available immediately after they premiere on cable.

Users will be able to play more than 100 SpongeBob-themed games online and subscribe to the “Daily Affirmation,” which provides SpongeBob’s thought of the day.

But wait, there’s more.

The site will have age-appropriate community tools, enabling users to create personalized profiles and playlists, engage in chats and comment on videos and games.

“‘SpongeBob’ has been a gift that keeps on giving to kids and adults alike with its infectious sense of humor, joy and boundless optimism,” said Cyma Zarghami, president of Nickelodeon and the MTVN Kids & Family Group. “After 10 years, the show remains on top of its game and at the top of the ratings, and we’re paying tribute with all kinds of content across our platforms to give our audience ample opportunity to enjoy ‘SpongeBob’ throughout the year.”

Among the other ways Nickelodeon is marketing “SpongeBob’s” July anniversary with the network are a week of new episodes in March, one of which features Dennis Quaid as Mr. Krab’s grandfather; a special in April entitled “SpongeBob vs. the Big One” with guest voice Johnny Depp as Jack Kahuna Laguna; and a movie event in November that pays homage to the finale of “Seinfeld” by confining four key characters in a giant freezer.