SpongeBob Squarepants and Patrick Star Named as Hosts for 2024 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards

Oh, sweet victory: this year’s Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards are going to be a special one, and the channel won’t be welcoming a human host. Nope, they’re getting two undersea creatures to tackle the event… SpongeBob Squarepants and Patrick Star. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the just-announced plans for the iconic SpongeBob Squarepants 25th Anniversary.

The awards will air “live” on Saturday, July 13, at 8 pm ET / PT from Bikini Bottom, aka the home of SpongeBob and friends. And picking up on their highly popular live hosting of NFL games, Tom Kenny (the voice of SpongeBob) and Bill Fagerbakke (the voice of Patrick) will be on hand to host the slime-filled extravaganza. Per PR from the channel, this “marks the first time animated characters will host a full-length awards show.” I could swear Roger Rabbit hosted the Oscars one year, but perhaps I dreamt that. Additional nominees, presenters, and celebrity appearances will be announced soon, and presumably they won’t all be animated.

“SpongeBob SquarePants’ combines creator Stephen Hillenburg’s love of the ocean with his passion for animation and love of quirky character comedy,” said Tom Kenny via press release provided to The Parent Watch. “From its first splash, SpongeBob has resonated with people of all ages, and I’m truly grateful to celebrate 25 years of positivity, optimism, and nautical nonsense. Our entire cast and crew look forward to celebrating SpongeBob’s Silver Jubilee with our friends and fans across the globe!”

Added Bill Fagerbakke, “When I first saw the pilot episode ‘Help Wanted’ in 1998, I was thrilled. I felt flushed with a childlike joy. This celebration of creativity, uniquely layered humor and playful delight have characterized SpongeBob SquarePants for the past 25 years. To portray Patrick, who still makes me laugh, amidst my stellar castmates and brilliant creative team is a gift beyond measure.”

As mentioned, this hosting gig is just the tip of the jellyfish net when it comes to Nickelodeon’s anniversary plans (the show premiered July 17, 1999). Some select upcoming events:

SpongeBob SquarePants Anniversary Specials: Nickelodeon will release all-new episodes of the series starting this July. Highlights include the return of Kevin C. Cucumber, a jellyfishing champion, “journey through different eras of Bikini Bottom, travel 2000 years into the future with Plankton and more.”

Paramount+ Adds Episodes: In July, Paramount+ will add SpongeBob Squarepants seasons 1-13, Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years, Season 1 of The Patrick Star Show, several theatrical films, and the above-mentioned anniversary specials.

Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie: A brand new movie starring the undersea squirrel will premiere on Netflix on August 2. 

Play Like a Sponge UK Shorts: A short-form series tying into the Paralympics that will debut this August.

The Krabby Patty Kollab: Though light on details, North America and London will be treated to the real-life Krabby Patty for the first time at various restaurants and locations.

San Diego Comic-Con: More like Sponge Diego Comic-Pants, am I right? I am not, but there will be a slew of experiences and giveaways at the annual pop culture event.

The SpongeBob Musical Contest: Between September 2024 and December 2025, ten schools or youth groups in Canada — but not Quebec — and the US, will get a free license to perform The SpongeBob Musical, which is a fantastic show and I’m very jealous.

Science of SpongeBob 3.0: The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County will hold a science exhibit celebrating undersea creatures.

SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride: An interactive dark ride tour through Bikini Bottom is now open in Circus Circus.

Aquarium Experience: Aquariums all over the world will celebrate the denizen of the pineapple under the sea with SpongeBob experiences featuring scavenger hunts, episode screenings, and more.

Italy’s Mirabilandia Amusement Park: Mirabilandia amusement park in Emilia Romagna, Italy will feature a day celebrating SpongeBob, some time in July.

Colombia’s Parque Arauco Malls: Similarly, the Parque Arauco malls in Columbia will feature an experience in both July and August.

In addition, Funko, Crocs, Overtime, Loungefly, Noreen Seabrook, FYE and many more will release products tying into the anniversary. Whew! That’s a lot for a little sponge. As SpongeBob would say, though, “I’m ready!” Are you?