SpongeBob SquarePants is now the longest-running animated series for children -.

Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants now has its own piece of animated TV history, becoming the longest-running animated children’s series ever, after surpassing Arthur over the weekend.

SpongeBob SquarePants first aired in 2000 and has consistently brought us laughs and antics from the underwater world of Bikini Bottom ever since. While this does not mean SpongeBob SquarePants is the longest-running animated show, as that includes The Simpsons and South Park – two series SpongeBob will probably never catch – it does show how influential SpongeBob is.

SpongeBob continues to deliver new episodes, as well as movies such as the Plankton movie that will be released soon, and also games. The question is whether an animated series for children will ever again knock the yellow sponge off his throne?