SpongeBob SquarePants
IP Character
SpongeBob SquarePants
Nickelodeon  ·  United States
SpongeBob SquarePants
Brand Nickelodeon
Designer Stephen Hillenburg · United States

SpongeBob SquarePants is the title character of Nickelodeon's landmark animated series, created by marine science educator and animator Stephen Hillenburg. Debuting on May 1, 1999, SpongeBob is an eternally optimistic, hardworking sea sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea in the fictional underwater city of Bikini Bottom. He works as a fry cook at the Krusty Krab, cherishes his friendships with starfish Patrick Star and squirrel Sandy Cheeks, and navigates daily life alongside his grumpy neighbor Squidward Tentacles. Over more than two decades on air, SpongeBob SquarePants has grown into one of the most recognized animated franchises in television history, generating an estimated $13 billion in retail sales worldwide. The franchise has expanded into feature films, multiple spin-off series, a Tony Award–winning Broadway musical, and a vast universe of collectible merchandise including blind box figures, vinyl plush, and limited edition art toys. SpongeBob's crossover appeal to children and adults alike, paired with his timeless visual design, has made him one of the most sought-after IP collaborations in the designer toy market.

About SpongeBob SquarePants

SpongeBob SquarePants is Nickelodeon's iconic animated sea sponge, created by Stephen Hillenburg and debuting in 1999. One of the world's best-selling blind box collectible IPs, with over $13 billion in global retail sales.

Designer: Stephen Hillenburg

Stephen Hillenburg (1961–2018) was an American marine science educator, animator, director, and cartoonist best known as the creator of SpongeBob SquarePants. He studied marine biology at Humboldt State University before pursuing animation at the California Institute of the Arts. Drawing on his deep passion for ocean life and his love of comics, Hillenburg developed SpongeBob SquarePants as a pitch for Nickelodeon in 1997. The series premiered in 1999 and rapidly became the network's highest-rated show, eventually growing into one of the most successful animated franchises in history. Hillenburg served as the series' showrunner and executive producer until his passing in November 2018, maintaining creative oversight of the characters and world he built throughout his life.

Complete Collection

TOYSEZ maintains a complete database of all SpongeBob SquarePants blind box series and collector guides.