The Patrick Star Show - What We Know So Far

Throughout the 1990s, Nickelodeon was riding arguably the greatest creative high in the network's history. From animated hits like "Rugrats" to live-action endeavors such as "Kenan & Kel," its offerings were both entertaining and varied to appeal to viewers of all ages and interests. Discontent with this resounding success and diverse catalog, Nick found ways to enhance its pop-culture footprint wherever it could. This manifested itself in the introduction of what would become its most famous title, "SpongeBob SquarePants." Debuting on May 1, 1999, the late creator Stephen Hillenburg's aquatic cartoon soon rose in the ranks to become Nickelodeon's flagship series.

To this day, "SpongeBob SquarePants" remains a fixture on Nick — currently navigating its 13th season — but the show's tenure has seen the loveable yellow sponge leave the small screen more than once. SpongeBob (voiced by Tom Kenny) has jumped to the cinema on three separate occasions and has appeared in several video games, books, and more, over the years. As one would imagine, considering his status as the main character of the IP, SpongeBob is the focal point of all of these projects, leaving his undersea friends to occupy supporting roles. 

However, now 22 years removed from the premiere of "SpongeBob SquarePants," another Bikini Bottomite is about to get a spotlight of their own. As revealed by Deadline in March of 2021, SpongeBob's best friend, Patrick Star (Bill Fagerbakke) is primed to helm the aptly named "Patrick Star Show." 13 episodes are coming down the pipeline, and the creative team behind "SpongeBob" on the job, so here's what to expect from the impending spin-off.

At the time of this writing, it has been a few months since the initial announcement of "The Patrick Star Show" hit the internet. Thankfully, after enduring something of an information drought, the official SpongeBob SquarePants YouTube channel opened the floodgates. Not only did it post a brief teaser for the series, but the clip also gave us an idea of when we can all see what TV's favorite sea star will be up to next. No specific release date has been provided, but July of 2021 is the current timetable for its Nickelodeon arrival.

July is right around the corner, but there's still a fair amount of time to kill before then. If you're already caught up on "SpongeBob SquarePants," now is as good a time as any to check out the prequel to both it and "The Patrick Star Show," Paramount+'s "Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years." The CGI program jumps back in time to SpongeBob and the Bikini Bottom gang's time as kids at the titular Kamp Koral — putting their childhood adventures on full display. It'll likely set the stage for some of what we'll see on "The Patrick Star Show," so it may be worth checking out in the meantime if you feel so inclined.

When it comes to the cast of "The Patrick Star Show," calling it stacked wouldn't even begin to cover just how strong it is. First and foremost, Bill Fagerbakke will provide the voice of the titular starfish as he has since 1999, and he isn't the only "SpongeBob SquarePants" alum that has signed on. Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward Tentacles), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy Cheeks), Mr. Lawrence (Sheldon Plankton), and Clancy Brown (Mr. Eugene Krabs) are all set to reprise their iconic roles as well.

At the same time, "The Patrick Star Show" will feature a brand new cast of characters as the focus shifts from the classic "SpongeBob" crew onto Patrick's newly introduced family. Tom Wilson will voice his fun-loving dad, Cecil Star, and Cree Summer is set to portray his caring yet wacky mom, Bunny Star. Jill Talley is responsible for Pat's eight-year-old sister, Squidina Star, and their highly intelligent grandfather, GrandPat Star, will be brought to life by Dana Snyder. He's going to provide the voice of Squidward's grandmother, Grandma Tentacles, too.

This is only the main cast, so it's not out of the realm of possibility that more "SpongeBob" mainstays and fresh faces will pop up as the series progresses.

With the release date and cast in mind, one huge question remains: what is "The Patrick Star Show" all about? According to Variety, the setting for the sitcom-esque animated program is in-between the events of "Kamp Koral" and "SpongeBob SquarePants." Young adult Patrick allows his imagination to run wild and his penchant for crazy antics to get the best of him as he hosts his own variety show for his family and the neighborhood. Essentially, "The Patrick Star Show" is a show within a show, surely paving the way for some meta misadventures.

Though this is a promising premise, not all fans are completely sold on the concept of "The Patrick Star Show" itself. CBR recently compiled some social media reactions to it, and many drew comparisons to "Planet Sheen" — an ill-fated spin-off of fellow Nickelodeon favorite, "The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius," centering on the comedic side-character of Sheen Estevez (Jeffrey Garcia). That project ultimately tanked in all respects, leading some to worry that the structurally similar "Patrick Star Show" will suffer the same fate. There's no way to know for certain at this point, so all we can do is give it a fair chance when it comes out in July of this year.