SpongeBob SquarePants is a highly rated series.
SpongeBob SquarePants is an American animated television series created by marine biologist and animator Stephen Hillenburg for Nickelodeon . The series ' popularity has made it a media franchise , as well as the highest rated series to ever air on Nickelodeon , and the most distributed property of MTV Networks . It has received worldwide critical acclaim since its premiere and gained enormous popularity by its second season . Despite its widespread popularity , the series has been involved in several public controversies , including one centered on speculation over SpongeBob 's intended sexual orientation , and another focusing on the perceived declining quality of the show 's content since the release of the first film . SpongeBob SquarePants (character) . The character has received positive critical response from media critics and achieved popularity with both children and adults , though he has been involved in public controversy .