Nickelodeon Commemorates Decade of SpongeBob SquarePants

July 1, 2009 6:54 a.m. EST

Burbank, CA (CNS) - SpongeBob SquarePants, the much loved sea sponge who "lives in a pineapple under the sea", marks his 10th year on cable television this month. From July 17-19, Nickelodeon and its sister channel VH1will air 50 hours of cartoonish fun to celebrate the show's decade-long run.

Birthed in 1999 by Steve Hillenburg, schooled in both marine biology and experimental animation, and written/director by Paul Tibbitt, the goofball cartoon quickly swelled into a pop culture craze. SpongBob and his fellow denizens of Bikini Bottom, including pals Patrick Star and Squidward Tentacles, established a cherished place in America's television watching routine.

Patchy the Pirate will host the "Ultimate SpongeBob SpongeBash Weekend" featuring a fresh catch of 11 "SpongeBob" episodes. To coincide with the celebratory weekend, VH1will broadcast an hour-long documentary titled "Square Roots: The Story of SpongeBob SquarePants."

Produced by Creadon O'Malley (Wordplay, I.O.U.S.A), "Square Roots" will dive in the origins of the series, character development and the variables of its success. Creator Steve Hillenburg will be joined by celebrity fans such as Avril Lavigne, LeBron James, Ricky Gervais and Rosario Dawson, who will be on hand to help chronicle life and times of "SpongeBob SquarePants", the number-one fanatically loved animated program attracting 70 million viewers monthly.

"Ultimate SpongeBob SpongeBash Weekend" Schedule:

- Tuesday, July 14 @ 9 pm (ET/PT) - "Square Roots: The Story of SpongeBob SquarePants" will air on VH1 - Friday, July 17 @ 8 pm (ET/PT) - A 50 hour "SpongeBob" marathon will commence with brand-new episode "To SquarePants or Not to SquarePants." - Saturday, July 18 @ 10 am (ET/PT) - 10 most memorable SpongeBob episodes selected by fans on Nick.com - Saturday, July 18 @ 8 pm (ET/PT) - The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie - Sunday, July 19 @10 am (ET/PT) - Top 10 countdown of celebrity chosen episodes - Sunday, July 19 @ 7 am (ET/PT) - 10 fresh premieres wraps up the weekend

On top of the 10 year anniversary hullabaloo, SpongeBob and company staying busy by connecting with fans on Twitter, Facebook and iTunes. The endearing pink sea sponge will also help to advance Nick's pro-social campaign by appearing its The Big Green Help oceans and water conservation PSAs.