Why are SpongeBob Memes so Popular Issue #37 Sex, Lies, and Catfish By: Eric
There has always been a heavy presence of the Nickelodeon animated series SpongeBob SquarePants. It has been a mainstay on Nickelodeon and children’s television for almost two decades, but ever since the beginning of memes in the mid-2000s, this yellow sponge has been a consistent mainstay. I should know, as someone who has shitposted online ever since I had access to the Internet. I remember the days when iconic quotes like “No, This is Patrick,” and “CHOCOLATE!” were often uttered. I remember the days when Patrick had the spotlight with “Patrick Hates this Channel” and “Surprised Patrick” were everywhere. I remember the days when the Handsome
Squidward episode came out, and his face populated Internet message boards the world over. Honestly, just about every episode from the first three seasons had some famous quote or gag associated with it. But while other properties and franchises had died off, SpongeBob continued to grow and grow, to the point where just about every other month had a new meme. I remember it very vividly in 2015 with “Confused Mr. Krabs.” 2016 would later see “Caveman Spongebob.” 2017 saw “Mocking Spongebob.” And in 2018, within just a few weeks, there are not one, not two, but three different Spongebob memes. “Evil Patrick,” “Tired Sponge-
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