Nickelodeon, the kids network giant just ordered 26 new episodes for its beloved series SpongeBob Squarepants. Season 12 will kick off in 2019, the 20th anniversary year of the show. Deadline confirms all of our favorite Bikini Bottom characters are set to return to the small screen… and the big screen. mxdwn TV recently reported on Nickelodeon’s plans to produce third feature film, which will also premiere sometime in 2019.
Airing in over 208 countries and translated in over 55 languages, SpongeBob reins as the most distributed property for Viacom, owner of Nickelodeon. Nick says the series has remained its most-watched kids program for 15 years. The voiceover cast is also set to return, featuring Tom Kenny as SpongeBob, Bill Fagerbakke as Patrick Star, Carolyn Lawrence as Sandy Cheeks, Roger Bumpass as Squidward, Clancy Brown as Mr. Krabs and Mr. Lawrence as Plankton.
“What delightful news- Patrick lives!,” Fagerbakke exclaimed. “Working with such a talented cast, production team and brilliant and indefatigable creative staff all under such steady stewardship from Nickelodeon is such a gift. I feel so privileged to be part of a touchstone for an entire generation, as goofy as my part may be.”
Season 11 of the nautical kids series is set to premiere this summer, with creator Stephen Hillenburg back again to executive produce. This batch of episodes will bring back past-season characters including the pencil-drawing Doodle Bob, Bubble Buddy a creation and co-hort of SpongeBob’s, Cave SpongeBob from Season 1, and the super-villain known as Man Ray.