



In addition to this, underwater worms bark exactly like dogs, and are kept on chains. Although Gary only speaks in a few episodes, the characters have shown an ability to understand him. SpongeBob's house-pet is a snail named Gary, who meows like a cat.

SpongeBob and Patrick live on both sides of Squidward Tentacles, a highly arrogant and egotistical octopus who dislikes them (especially SpongeBob) because of their annoying habits and is quite open about it. SpongeBob's other neighbor and best friend is a pink and highly idiotic starfish named Patrick Star, who lives under a rock. SpongeBob SquarePants is a sea sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea, while his squid neighbor, Squidward Tentacles, lives in a moai. In 2007, TIME magazine named it one of the greatest television shows of all time. The show reached popularity shortly after the beginning of its second season and has remained popular since. The series star is a character who is a sea sponge, but in shape and color his body more closely resembles a kitchen sponge. The "official" series premiere followed on July 17, 1999, with the second episode, " Bubblestand / Ripped Pants. The pilot episode first aired in the United States on Nickelodeon after the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards on May 1, 1999. The series is set in the Pacific Ocean, in the fictional city of Bikini Bottom and on the surrounding lagoon floor. It is the second longest-running Nicktoon, next to the Rugrats. It was created by artist, animator and former marine biologist Stephen Hillenburg, and is produced through his production company, United Plankton Pictures Inc. Although its original network is Nickelodeon, SpongeBob is now broadcast around the world. It is currently Nickelodeon's, and is among Nicktoons Network 's most-watched shows. SpongeBob SquarePants is an American animated television series and media franchise.
