SpongeBob SquarePants premiered 20 years ago today

USA Today

The Nickelodeon kids' show quickly became a phenomenon after its May 1, 1999 premiere. Why does SpongeBob endure 20 years later? "How, exactly, did an anthropomorphic sponge, a lazy starfish, a greedy fast-food restaurant-owning crab, a squirrel and a fastidious squid become cultural icons?" asks Kelly Lawler. "For folks in their late 20s and early thirties who were among the first SpongeBob viewers, the cartoon series earned a dedicated following by treating the kids who watched it as adults. Nothing about SpongeBob is ever cutesy or condescending. Its characters are adults, if a little juvenile in their behavior. And SpongeBob makes adulthood seem fun and appealing. Its version is what kids themselves would dream up: Working at your favorite place, hanging out with your friends all the time and living in a cool pad with your pet. Even if it's underwater." Nickelodeon plans to celebrate the 20th anniversary with SpongeBob specials this summer.