The iconic underwater duo, SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star, began not as characters in a hit cartoon but in the pages of an educational comic book created by marine biologist Stephen Hillenburg. Published in 1989, The Intertidal Zone was designed to teach children about marine life and featured early versions of many familiar Bikini Bottom residents. In this comic, SpongeBob was a more amorphous, blob-like sea sponge, while Patrick was a five-eyed starfish.
After leaving his teaching job in 1987 to pursue a career in animation, Hillenburg adapted his comic and its characters into a pitch for a television show. He created a seven-minute pilot and, along with a Hawaiian shirt and underwater props, presented it to Nickelodeon executives. To avoid confusion with a trademarked mop, he changed the main character’s name from “SpongeBoy” to SpongeBob SquarePants.
The executives loved the concept but wanted the main character to be a child attending school. Hillenburg, who envisioned SpongeBob as an adult, compromised by having him attend Mrs. Puff’s Boating School — fulfilling their request while keeping SpongeBob’s adult personality.
Patrick Star, voiced by Bill Fagerbakke, evolved into the lovable, dimwitted starfish fans know today. His friendship with SpongeBob is the heart of the series. Patrick’s role as a well-meaning but clueless best friend often leads the pair into wild and hilarious misadventures.
The series officially premiered on May 1, 1999, during the Kids’ Choice Awards, and its sixteenth season is set to premiere on June 27, 2025. The wholesome and naive nature of SpongeBob, combined with Patrick’s goofy antics, has resonated with audiences of all ages. Hillenburg himself was surprised by the show’s popularity among adults. The cartoon’s long-lasting success is a testament to the simple, joyful friendship between SpongeBob and Patrick — a duo that continues to bring laughter to millions around the world.
Student Opinions
Kal Brown: “Patrick, because his doctor squitch soap smells good.”
Colin Risk: “SpongeBob, because he has sponge square pants.”
Ava Wiegand: “SpongeBob, because it was random.”
Ethan Otto: “Patrick, because he is smart.”
Luke Spangler: “SpongeBob, because he is the main character, yo.”
Max Brown: “Patrick — he’s fat, and we do not body shame people. I like fat people just like Kal.”
So… who do you think is better?
