If your childhood took place in the early 2000s, you more than likely watched the many classic shows on Nickelodeon like “Drake and Josh,” “The Fairly OddParents” and “Rugrats.” If you were really cool, then there’s no doubt “SpongeBob Squarepants” played a major role in your early years.

He’s everyone’s favorite sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea. He’s been an American icon for over two decades. And now the show needs to come to an end.

Most children’s television shows do not last as long as “SpongeBob” has. If they’re popular enough, they last for four or five years, sometimes longer but other times not. 

Since airing on television May 1, 1999, the series grew into an instant hit. Creator Stephen Hillenburg injected his marine biology knowledge into the show’s concepts and characters. 

Besides SpongeBob’s constant annoying yet joyous attitude, the show features so many other unforgettable sea creature personalities like Patrick Star Squidward and Mr. Krabs.

 Other great characters include, Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy, Larry the Lobster and The Flying Dutchman.

Not only do the characters make the show entertaining, but most of the early episodes serve as the reason “SpongeBob” will go down as one of the greatest shows in the history of cable television. Fans cannot forget many classic episodes like when SpongeBob and his friends join a marching band; SpongeBob and Patrick go camping and Squidward turns the Krusty Krab into a five-star restaurant. 

In the more recent years of the show, episodes have not been like the originals. Maybe they appeal to a much younger audience now, but to us kids who grew up in the 2000s, it stabs a knife into the heart of our childhood. 

Even though the show was one of Nickelodeon’s finest hours, the company did not pass up the opportunity to build the franchise. The show sprouted many business ventures like two films released to the big screen, video games and even a new Broadway musical. 

If the show were to end sometime soon, there’s no doubt that “SpongeBob” would remain a household name. He will be remembered as one of the most beloved cartoon characters in history alongside the likes of Mickey Mouse, Charlie Brown and Scooby-Doo. 

The best things in life cannot last forever. The same goes for television shows. At some point, Nickelodeon needs to pull the plug on “SpongeBob” once and for all. In doing so, it would not only help the company in making room for its other shows, but would save the popularity of America’s favorite sponge. 

Whenever the ending comes, I’m ready.

Noah is a sophomore in LAS.

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