SpongeBob SquarePants is a show that is renowned for its absurdity, and its running gags are a significant aspect of this. These recurring bits allow the show to create a distinct narrative world, demonstrating its unique comedic language and setting. They also provide a sense of continuity and familiarity, making the audience feel at home. Whether it’s Plankton getting stepped on, SpongeBob and Sandy over-dressed for karate, or Patchy the Pirate appearing, these gags are fundamental to the show’s surreal sense of humor.
One of the standout running gags is Plankton’s perpetual punishment at the hands of Mr. Krabs. The crab’s remarkable aim and Plankton’s various reactions create a comical dynamic that rarely becomes stale. This gag is significant to the show’s rivalry between Mr. Krabs and Plankton, and its significance is undeniable. Another example of a well-executed running gag is the Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy storyline, which parodies the old Batman series with alliterative words and phrases popping up on screen.
SpongeBob’s terrible driving skills are also a staple of the show, and his inability to operate a vehicle without crashing is both hilarious and relatable. This gag has been present since season one and has become an integral part of his character. Mr. Krabs’s obsession with money is another recurring bit, with the crab’s love of wealth displayed in various ways throughout the series. From his sentimental fondness for an ancient dime to his willingness to take on a giant clam for his millionth dollar, Mr. Krabs’s behavior is both comedic and endearing.
SpongeBob SquarePants (Via IMDB)
Someone screaming “My leg!” has become a legendary running gag in SpongeBob, with the audience rarely seeing the injury but only its cause. This gag has been used in various episodes, often to comedic effect. SpongeBob’s tendency to frustrate his neighbor, Squidward, is another reliable wellspring of humor. Squidward’s bad art and mediocre clarinet playing are also recurring gags, with the character’s inflated sense of self-esteem adding to the comedy.
The French Narrator, who provides a soothing voiceover, is another underrated running gag. The narrator’s descriptions of time, which range from single appearances to repeated ones, help structure the show and set the tone for a good laugh. Finally, someone exploding without any explosives present is a staple of the show, with Squidward being the most frequent victim. This gag has become a familiar part of SpongeBob’s humor, often used to comedic effect in various episodes. SpongeBob’s running gags are a key aspect of the show’s humor and charm, and their daily doses of silliness bring joy to viewers’ routines.
