Everybody knows SpongeBob’s intended audience is kids.
In fact, the bright background and characters should be a dead giveaway.
But, if you ask me, I love SpongeBob!
And you’ll find many other adults like the Nicktoon too.
Yet, it might not be for the reasons you think…
Continue reading to discover:
- 3 songs that keep adults coming back to the show.
- 5 creepy fan theories adults enjoy about the Nicktoon.
- 11 weird things adults like about SpongeBob Squarepants.
- And so much more…
Is SpongeBob for adults?
Spongebob is for adults. They love its hidden adult jokes, pure innocence, and classic comedy. Grown ups even find the characters relatable. The music is also timeless. Plus, an opportunity to explore creepy fan theories is great.
11 things adults like about SpongeBob Squarepants
#1: Hidden adult jokes
Kids watching SpongeBob laugh because he’s over-the-top.
And whenever Squidward makes a witty remark, it’s tough not to giggle.
However, did you know that hidden adult jokes are everywhere?
For example, in one episode, Squidward isn’t manning the cash register.
As a result, SpongeBob needs to think of a solution fast.
So, he ends up inflating a balloon version of Squidward.
But, if you look closer, you can’t help but think…
“SpongeBob’s clearly blowing into a condom.”
And that’s obviously a nudge to all the adults watching. There’s no way a kid would ever understand the reference.
Plus, a study shows a good hearty laugh helps with stress.
So, you might want to give those favorite episodes a whirl again.
Read next: What Are The 13 Bad Words In SpongeBob? (Sailor Mouth)
#2: Pure innocence
SpongeBob is often oblivious to everything.
For example, the table sponge and his best friend, a starfish, fall for the shady salesman’s tricks. And end up buying new candy bar bags that they don’t need.
Or the time when he brings in Puffy Fluffy, a new pal for his snail Gary. Who turns out to be a monster trying to eat the poor guy and take his place.
In fact, even if trouble is staring him in the face…
He’ll probably find a way to make things seem like it’s all fine.
But, while you might assume it’s annoying…
Adults actually love the pure innocence of SpongeBob.
Real life demands quick thinking and being efficient all the time.
In contrast, SpongeBob Squarepants shows that even stupid ideas can work.
Only SpongeBob could ever fall ruin to the Flying Dutchman, a legendary ghost pirate. Get away with annoying his brains out and living to tell the tale.
And since he comes up with the funniest solutions…
Adults are both dumbfounded and happy that he lands on his two feet like always.
It tugs on those heartstrings in a cute and funky way.
#3: Classic comedy
More recent adult cartoons love going deep.
And when it comes to jokes, there’s always an even deeper meaning to get the gist.
In fact, if you miss a fine detail, these jokes will have trouble landing.
Worse, you’ll probably end up searching the web to understand…
However, SpongeBob sticks to classic comedy.
And while others think that slapstick and simple gags are in the past. Adults can’t get enough of them.
Who knew that even after decades’ worth of cartoons…
We’d still laugh at Patrick slipping on a banana peel.
Plus, there’s something about turning seaweeds into fake mustaches that never get old.
It feels childish and real enough to warrant a chuckle all the time.
#4: Relatable characters
Look, I’m not saying I identify as a greedy crab in love with money.
Plus, I don’t think I have the willpower to keep the Krabby Patty formula to myself.
But there’s a certain magic to all the characters from Bikini Bottom that make them relatable.
And while it might seem like a stretch for adults to see themselves in cartoons…
Some of the characters hit too close to home.
For example, some of SpongeBob’s antics can get pretty annoying.
He’s the only one who could ever play mini golf and destroy his neighbor’s house in the process.
As a result, Squidward’s so done with it and bursts.
And the only thing going through your mind…
“I would’ve probably done the same.”
#5: Timeless music
SpongeBob’s the last place you’ll be looking for any Billboard Hot 100 candidates. You can’t expect to top music charts with cartoon songs nowadays.
In fact, tastes and preferences have changed so much over the past few years.
But adults absolutely adore the music from SpongeBob. And they keep coming back to their favorite performances all the time.
Some of my favorite songs from the show include:
- F.U.N.
- Ripped Pants.
- The Campfire Song.
Plus, did you know that listening to music helps reduce stress?
A study shows it’s one of the best ways for pregnant women to relax.
So, if you’re feeling down, listening to some SpongeBob tunes might do the trick for you.
#6: Warm feeling of nostalgia
SpongeBob Squarepants was the childhood of many people.
Everyone has memories of sitting on the couch and having a great time.
And while others might think movies and road trips are better for reminiscing…
Adults love SpongeBob even more for the nostalgia factor.
Plus, some people love rewatching their favorite episodes when possible.
For example, SpongeBob teaching Squidward how to catch jellyfish gets me every time.
I can’t help but burst out laughing because he manages to fail so bad it’s comical.
In fact, I’m guilty of playing the SpongeBob Squarepants Movie multiple times.
So, if you’re in the mood for a throwback yourself…
You might want to listen to the Goofy Goober Rock again:
#7: Perfect for memes
Funny images and GIFs have become the lifeblood of the internet.
They are everywhere…
From forums to your phone’s image gallery.
You can’t even go two clicks without seeing a pop culture reference to some old movie or somebody saying…
“Literally me.”
However, what most people don’t know about SpongeBob is his grip on meme culture.
You can even say that he predicted what the internet would be like.
Plus, clips from the Nicktoon turn into top-grossing memes from time to time.
In fact, a study shows how they’ve transformed into a modern speech act.
When you think about it, it’s pretty absurd how a low-quality image can become viral…
But it’s also hilarious seeing SpongeBob everywhere too.
#8: No complicated plot
Complexity is good for a story.
It helps flesh out characters and make tragic backstories feel more alive.
Plus, most shows available today almost always revolve around one.
But is it necessary for a good show?
Of course not.
SpongeBob Squarepants is a living testament that not everything needs an unexpected reveal.
You don’t need twists and turns at every corner to find something entertaining…
And many adults would agree as well.
In fact, if SpongeBob had a grand story plot. It might even hurt the Nicktoon.
Thrilling moments and realistic character development are good. But they would be out of place in a kid’s cartoon.
Sometimes, all you want is a bit of fun and a few jokes to unwind…
And some people need to get with the program!
#9: Source of self-confidence
SpongeBob is no life coach.
In fact, he might need one himself considering all the problems he juggles.
However, this yellow sponge is a great source of self-confidence. And many adults love the Nicktoon for that same reason.
Of course, he can’t come out of the TV to help with your taxes…
But if you’re looking for motivation, you’re in the right place.
He manages to weave a coherent narrative no matter how crazy an episode gets. Along with ending with a beautiful message to learn.
You see, SpongeBob and his gang always face tough challenges.
It’s pretty astonishing how well they’ve kept together at this point.
Yet, that’s why we love the show. It boosts you with that warm fuzzy feeling of thinking…
“Hey, I can get through anything too.”
#10: 11-minute escapism
Nobody likes thinking about problems 24/7.
And you never know what to expect as an adult.
Some of us are even one bad decision away from a problem that coffee can’t solve…
And yet, that’s where SpongeBob Squarepants shines. It gives us a chance for escapism, even if it’s just a few minutes.
For example, SpongeBob and King Neptune’s cook-off is a beautiful episode.
And it doesn’t get crazier than a mere table sponge beating a Roman god for the title of best fry cook in the seven seas.
Sure, there might be alternatives. But nobody comes close to the cheerfulness SpongeBob episodes can provide.
So it’s no surprise why adults love this Nicktoon so much.
#11: Creepy fan theories
SpongeBob Squarepants may seem like a harmless kids’ show.
In fact, I don’t even recall this Nicktoon ever using any kind of jumpscares.
Well, apart from Nosferatu, a scary vampire flipping a light switch and popping out of nowhere.
However, the creepy fan theories surrounding this Nicktoon can get pretty scary.
And while it might not be on the level of your favorite horror films…
It’s one of the weirdest reasons why adults love the show.
It helps add depth and mystery to the colorful background of Bikini Bottom.
Also, it introduces more spice to the show…
Even if you can easily debunk a lot of them or write them off as internet creepypastas.
Some of my favorite creepy fan theories include:
- Everyone’s wearing a disguise in the “skin”.
- Squidward’s alternate universe of the “red mist”.
- Krabby patty’s secret ingredient in the “crab meat”.
- Bikini Bottom’s origins and inhabitants in the “nuclear testing”.
- What SpongeBob’s main cast actually depicts in the “seven deadly sins”.
Plus, a study proves that people love sensation-seeking. And that explains why we crave these creepy theories in the first place, despite being so scary.