"SpongeBob SquarePants" got its start 20 years ago today, May 1, 1999. Did you know the main character was originally named "SpongeBoy" and was designed with a green hat as part of his consistent look? The show's ceator, the late Stephen Hillenburg, had to change the name when it was discovered that "SpongeBoy" was actually copyrighted by a mop company (they also decided to lose the hat). "SpongeBoy Ahoy" was the show's original name and a pilot was supposedly developed in 1997 that never aired. Included in this post are some preliminary production images from that pilot episode... I think it all worked out for the best; "SpongeBob" has a much better ring to it... anyway, Happy Birthday, SpongeBob!!! #spongebob #spongebobsquarepants #nickelodeon #patricstar #squidward #mrcrabs #sandycheeks https://www.instagram.com/p/BxBqHBJg6yi/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=7lozxr472z48
