SpongeBob’s 10 Funniest Episodes to Rewatch as an Adult

SpongeBob's 10 Funniest Episodes to Rewatch as an Adult

As a long-time fan of SpongeBob SquarePants, I must say that one of my favorite episodes has always been “Band Geeks.” Growing up, I felt just like Squidward – misunderstood and often overshadowed by those around me. But when I saw Squidward finally shine in the Bubble Bowl, it gave me a glimmer of hope that one day, my time would come too.


The title character, SpongeBob SquarePants, has an age that’s tricky to determine. He works and can even obtain a boating license, yet he’s sometimes dealt with like a child. This ambiguity might be what makes SpongeBob popular among fans from various age groups. Intriguingly, some episodes of SpongeBob become funnier when revisiting the show as an adult rather than when initially watched as a child.

Occasionally, I find myself chuckling at inside jokes and references within the series that seem to resonate more strongly with older viewers, as if we share a secret wink from the past. It’s fascinating to discover that some elements of the show, which I assumed were purely fictional, actually have real-world counterparts.

10 “Graveyard Shift”

Season 2, Episode 16

SpongeBob's 10 Funniest Episodes to Rewatch as an AdultSpongeBob's 10 Funniest Episodes to Rewatch as an AdultSpongeBob's 10 Funniest Episodes to Rewatch as an Adult

The “Graveyard Shift” is an eerie tale that unfolds when Mr. Krabs decides to keep the Krusty Krab open round-the-clock. SpongeBob is thrilled at first, thinking he’ll never have to leave the restaurant again. But as the nights grow longer, SpongeBob becomes uneasy, and this only makes Squidward more mischievous by spinning a chilling ghost story. However, things take a sinister turn when Squidward’s story seems to materialize in reality. Luckily, everything eventually has a rational explanation, except for Count Orlock playing tricks with the lights.

Featuring a Cameo From a Silent Movie Star

People who have ever worked late into the night might find themselves relating to Squidward, who seems unenthusiastic about the situation from the beginning, or SpongeBob, who is initially thrilled about the new job opportunity but eventually finds it exhausting. Mature audiences may also appreciate the nod to Nosferatu in the story’s clever ending, as some viewers have mistakenly believed that character was created specifically for the show.

9 “Sailor Mouth”

Season 2, Episode 18

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In a less than conventional lesson, SpongeBob and Patrick pick up some colorful underwater slang. However, their newfound phrases, which are more appropriate for the deep sea rather than Bikini Bottom, land them in hot water when they use them publicly. This leads to an unintentional outburst of sailor talk over the intercom by SpongeBob. Trying to correct their behavior, Mr. Krabs steps in, but a rousing game of “Eels and Escalators” proves too tempting for the duo to resist.

The Dolphins Sure Are Chirpy Today

In this series, different noises are employed to depict various swear words, and some older spectators might find themselves inserting the missing words while following the narrative. It is said that the voice actors even cursed during the recording, but their utterances were later censored in the final edit to preserve the correct inflections. Eventually, these seemingly random sounds culminate in a hilarious punchline: it appears as though Mr. Krabs’ mother has just sworn, but it turns out to be Old Man Jenkins’ boat instead.

A humorous exchange in the show could be misunderstood by younger viewers is when Mr. Krabs claims there are 13 underwater swear words, but Squidward replies that he thought it was seven. This seems to allude to George Carlin’s well-known comedy routine, “The Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television.”

8 “Mid-Life Crustacean”

Season 3, Episode 15

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In the tale of “Mid-Life Crustacean“, we witness the struggles of Mr. Krabs, who feels a longing for his youthful days. Yet, his mood brightens when he discovers that SpongeBob and Patrick are planning an exciting evening out, persuading them to let him join. Unfortunately, their definition of “fun” differs greatly from Mr. Krabs – they propose activities like visiting the laundromat or engaging in a role-playing game similar to Dungeons & Dragons. Frustrated, Mr. Krabs suggests the somewhat contentious “panty raid.” However, this plan backfires when they decide to visit Mr. Krab’s mother’s house instead.

“Are You Feeling It Now, Mr. Krabs?”

As someone who has lived through different stages of life, I can attest to the truth behind the saying that young people yearn for adulthood and older individuals long for their youthful days. Having experienced both perspectives, I find myself drawn more towards content that resonates with my current age group – adult viewers. For instance, the concept of a midlife crisis is something I can relate to much more than a “panty raid,” which seems foreign to me as an experience I’ve never encountered in my life. Growing up, it was fascinating to learn about such expressions, but now, they hold less interest compared to topics that directly speak to the challenges and joys of being an adult.

That said, there are bound to be adult viewers who think SpongeBob and Patrick’s idea of a night on the town still feels pretty fun. Of course, there are also those who identify with the old fish hanging by the cemetery to get some ice cream.

7 “Squidville”

Season 2, Episode 6

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In the town of “Squidville,” Squidward has chosen to leave his life between a rock and a pineapple, opting instead for a neighborhood populated by beings similar to himself. Not long after, he finds great pleasure in simple pleasures such as eating canned bread and listening to clarinet music in the park. However, it seems that either monotony or a sense of boredom sets in, causing him to become discontent with his new lifestyle. After enjoying some SpongeBob-inspired antics with a leaf blower and realizing that he is not tied down to the community, he decides to return to his old residence.

“Tentacle Acres! Where Happiness Is Just a Suction Cup Away!”

The tale showcases various motifs, including the belief that the grass seems greener on the other side. Yet, it underscores a key point: everyone can benefit from adding some zest to their lives to truly experience existence. Interestingly, Squidward’s joy at returning home is so immense that SpongeBob and Patrick fail to recognize him upon their search in the town. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that some viewers were taken aback to discover that canned bread is not just a fictional concept.

6 “I Had an Accident”

Season 3, Episode 16

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An Unwanted Mishap

“Indoors, Indoors…Indoors!”

For individuals who have come to appreciate solitude, the quirky manner in which SpongeBob adapts to life indoors might seem amusing and familiar. Some fans even join in singing SpongeBob’s catchy “Indoors” tune. Nonetheless, this episode is renowned for its absurd humor, featuring a live-action gorilla on a pantomime horse, which leaves a real-life family to switch off the program.

5 “Chocolate With Nuts”

Season 3, Episode 12

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With “Chocolate With Nuts,” SpongeBob and Patrick embark on a business venture, taking charge of their lives as entrepreneurs. Along the way, they learn various sales tactics, including deception to sell their product and being duped into another multi-level marketing scheme. However, they manage to secure a favorable deal at the last moment.

“Thank You for Your Patronage.”

As someone who has spent years working on commission and struggling to establish myself in the business world, I can wholeheartedly relate to this episode. The story resonates with me because it captures the daily grind of trying to make a sale while dealing with difficult customers. It’s a common challenge that many self-employed individuals face, and the message is clear: take the time to listen to your clients, even if they seem demanding or unreasonable at first. If SpongeBob and Patrick had simply given the man screaming “Chocolate” a chance to explain his needs, they could have made a sale and shortened their long day. This episode serves as a valuable lesson for anyone trying to succeed in business – patience and understanding can go a long way.

4 “Walking Small”

Season 1, Episode 18

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At the shores of Goo Lagoon, Little Plankton dreams of opening a fresh eatery. However, due to his petite stature, he’s often overlooked. Desperate for aid, he enlists SpongeBob to clean up the beach by encouraging him to become more decisive. At first, SpongeBob’s kindness hinders this plan, but Plankton manages to persuade him to act rudely, causing everyone to leave. Distraught, SpongeBob vows to make amends and invites everyone back to the beach once more.

“It’s Too Cute! It’s… It’s Disgusting!”

For anyone who has been pressured to toughen up, a story where kindness saves the day in the end can be part of the episode’s charm. On the other hand, the episode’s final punchline, SpongeBob getting to play volleyball with everyone by becoming the volleyball, could be seen as saying being a pushover isn’t such a good idea, either. That said, there are bound to be viewers who even find Plankton crawling away at the happy ending somewhat relatable.

3 “Krusty Krab Training Video”

Season 3, Episode 10

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Training Video at the Krusty Krab” is an unconventional episode from SpongeBob SquarePants, where SpongeBob and his colleagues guide viewers through a day-to-day rundown of the Krusty Krab’s operations. Along the way, viewers are tantalized with the prospect of discovering the secret recipe for the beloved Krabby Patty. However, the episode concludes right before the narrator reveals this information, likely to prevent sneaky Plankton from obtaining a copy of the video.

Cue the William Tell Overture

The video portrays SpongeBob as an excellent worker and Squidward as someone struggling to meet expectations. However, it’s important to note that Squidward, while appearing lazy in the video, is also shown dealing with issues like Patrick forgetting his order. As such, anyone who has worked a similar job might empathize with his situation. In fact, many restaurant workers may have encountered training videos just as peculiar as this one.

2 “Pizza Delivery”

Season 1, Episode 5

SpongeBob's 10 Funniest Episodes to Rewatch as an AdultSpongeBob's 10 Funniest Episodes to Rewatch as an AdultSpongeBob's 10 Funniest Episodes to Rewatch as an Adult

In the context of “Pizza Delivery Scenario“, it happens that a client unexpectedly calls the Krusty Krab to place an order for a pizza. Eager to generate income, Mr. Krabs delegates Squidward and SpongeBob for this task, even though they are delivering an improvised pizza. Unfortunately, their delivery location turns out to be remote, forcing them to walk. Fortunately, SpongeBob’s knack for pioneer skills becomes useful during their journey, but things take a turn for the worse when they eventually reach the customer.

“Krusty Krab Pizza Is a Pizza for You & Me”

Known for his pickiness, the customer rejected the pizza, alleging that SpongeBob had overlooked his drink, an item he didn’t seem to have ordered in the first place. This oversight left SpongeBob in tears. However, in a surprising display of kindness, Squidward, angered by the situation, retaliated by tossing the pizza at the customer and subsequently comforted a tearful SpongeBob. In today’s world where delivery services are abundant and customers often seek reasons for refunds, many food service workers who identify with the character of Squidward might now view him as their champion.

1 “Band Geeks”

Season 2, Episode 15

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In this story, Squidward encounters his long-time rival, Squilliam, who persuades him to organize a performance for the Bubble Bowl event. However, the residents of Bikini Bottom lack musical talent, leading to a series of disagreements as they are forced into forming a band. Fortunately, SpongeBob encourages them to work together and put on a decent show for Squidward. Although Squidward hasn’t exactly helped them in the past, they decide to pretend he did. In an unexpected turn of events, Bikini Bottom outshines everyone else with an energetic performance of “Sweet Victory,” stealing the spotlight in the end.

“The Winner Takes All…”

As a longtime fan of the series, I’ve noticed that many kids initially perceive Squidward as the villain. However, as we grow older, it’s not uncommon to find ourselves feeling sympathy for SpongeBob’s long-suffering neighbor. For me, watching an episode where Squidward finally gets a happy ending is truly satisfying. It’s even more enjoyable considering that Squidward often finds himself on the losing end when dealing with his rival, Squilliam, later in life.

Right now, you can watch SpongeBob SquarePants on Paramount+. Meanwhile, the most recent SpongeBob movie, “Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie,” is available for streaming on Netflix.

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2024-08-16 02:02