A Critical Look at the Humor of SpongeBob SquarePants
Location
Access Type
Open Access
Entry Number
27
Start Date
4-7-2021 1:30 PM
End Date
4-7-2021 1:45 PM
Department
Communication Studies
Abstract
This study takes a critical approach to the humor of the Nickelodeon cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants. This cartoon has been on since May of 1999. In this study, seasons one, six, and twelve were analyzed for the humor in each episode, specifically the characters involved, what was said, and the events surrounding the humorous moments. The analysis showed that the humor has changed over time from being simple to being more explicit. It also noted that the show’s title character, SpongeBob SquarePants, was the character involved in most humorous events in season one, but more characters had their own humorous moments in the later seasons as the show evolved. Finally, this study found that events surrounding pain and SpongeBob’s laugh remained consistent throughout seasons one, six, and twelve.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Cheryl Jorgensen-Earp
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A Critical Look at the Humor of SpongeBob SquarePants
This study takes a critical approach to the humor of the Nickelodeon cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants. This cartoon has been on since May of 1999. In this study, seasons one, six, and twelve were analyzed for the humor in each episode, specifically the characters involved, what was said, and the events surrounding the humorous moments. The analysis showed that the humor has changed over time from being simple to being more explicit. It also noted that the show’s title character, SpongeBob SquarePants, was the character involved in most humorous events in season one, but more characters had their own humorous moments in the later seasons as the show evolved. Finally, this study found that events surrounding pain and SpongeBob’s laugh remained consistent throughout seasons one, six, and twelve.