Spongebob Squarepants has been entertaining kids and the young at heart for 17 years now. Just this month, rumors and memes began circulating on social media that the popular Nickelodeon cartoon would be cancelled on October 17. Despite no official announcement from Nickelodeon, fans who grew up with the series expressed their disappointment and disbelief, some even posting comments and queries on Nickelodeon's Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages.

Luckily, Snopes disputed the rumors. The site disclosed, 'We contacted Nickelodeon for further information about the purported cancellation of SpongeBob SquarePants. A representative of the cable channel told us "No, the show isn't cancelled."'

Nickelodeon also posted on its official (Spongebob Squarepants) Facebook and Twitter pages, "Breaking News: October 17th is nothing more than a Monday. SpongeBob is NOT being cancelled! #SpongebobForever.

The enduring popularity of Spongebob Squarepants and his Bikini Bottom friends could be attributed to his appeal for all ages, kids and adults alike. The show, which is currently on its ninth season, first premiered in 1999. The cartoon was created by Marine biologist and animator, Stephen Hillenburg, and features various sea creatures.

It is probably the most profitable franchise for the Nickelodeon, earning billions in ad revenues and licensing partners worldwide. It has spawned two movies, the first Spongebob Squarepants movie was released in 2004, and the second movie, Sponge Out Of Water, was just released last year.

According to Morning Ledger, Nickelodeon has also confirmed in two separate tweets that Seasons 10 and 11 had been approved. It also said that the Season 10 premiere will be shown on October 15 with an episode titled Whirlybrains, featuring the guest voice of Ed Asner. This episode will see Spongebob and Patrick getting addicted to the idea of drones and will want to fly their brains like tiny drones.

It's a huge sigh of relief for die-hard fans of Spongebob Squarepants, now that the rumors of its cancellation has been revealed as a hoax. Hopefully, we'll be seeing more shenanigans of Spongebob, Patrick, Sandy, Squidward, Mr. Krabs, Plankton and all the denizens of Bikini Bottom.

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