Tom Kenny Explains Why SpongeBob Is in So Many Memes

Why SpongeBob Is Still Influencing Internet Humor

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It’s been 20 years since the first episode of SpongeBob SquarePants aired on Nickelodeon, and in that time the anthropomorphic sea creature has become a household name. Apart from being one of the most successful children’s shows of all time, the series has also spurred dozens of memes, YouTube mash-ups, and general internet shenanigans.

So how did this unassuming cartoon become the face of internet comedy? We turned to SpongeBob voice actor Tom Kenny, the show’s former executive producer Paul Tibbitt, and New York’s resident meme expert Madison Malone Kircher to find out.

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Why SpongeBob Is Still Influencing Internet Humor