Throughout television history, there have been countless children's shows, but few have had the long-lasting impact and legacy that SpongeBob SquarePants has. The series has over 250 episodes and two movies, showcasing just how popular it has proven to be with people over the years.
The episodes are always fun, bright, and family-friendly, with the characters all having the usual over the top personalities that come with children's television. However, the brilliant aspect of this show is the fact that the characters are all quite relatable, having different positive and negative traits that mean they're not all as likeable as each other. But, which of these undersea creatures are the most likeable?
Squidward Tentacles
While the show really wouldn't be the same without SpongeBob's cynical neighbor, Squidward is easily the least likeable character on the show. Everyone knows somebody like Squidward, though, which is what makes him quite appealing to adult audiences, as he is just constantly grumpy and always has something to moan about.
Whether it's complaining about living next to SpongeBob or groaning about work, Squidward is just never happy. Because of that, it is very easy for him to be the least likeable character on the show, even though deep down he does care about his friends.
Mr. Krabs
Mr. Krabs can be quite a jolly character when he wants to be, but he is a stereotypical business owner who is all about the money. He's incredibly greedy when it comes to his finances, and he's not always the fairest boss, often pushing his employees to their limits.
The way he treats others can be quite cruel at times, even mistreating until she puts on the waterworks. This is when Mr. Krabs' softer and more sensitive side is showcased, but his main trait is being money-obsessed, which doesn't make him particularly likeable.
Plankton
Plankton is considered to be the main villain of the series, and, as the owner of the Chum Bucket, he is always doing everything possible to steal the all-important Krabby Patty formula. Of course, he never succeeds, and the fact he tries to steal does make him very despicable.
But, deep down, Plankton is a very emotional and sensitive character who is clearly just in the need of a little company and care at times. When that side of him is shown, he is quite sympathetic until he goes back to being a maniacal villain.
Mrs. Puff
Mrs. Puff is one of the most sensible characters within the show. As the driving instructor for Bikini Bottom, she is someone who gets her patience tested on a consistent basis. Mrs. Puff is kind and is patient to a point, but, when she is pushed to her edge, she can really lose her cool.
Her angry moments when she snaps really do make her one of the least likeable characters on the show, yet she can also be very funny with her dry comments, especially to adult audiences, which does make her likeable, as well.
Pearl Krabs
Pearl Krabs is a really fun character who is very sensitive. She's the daughter of Mr. Krabs, and, because of that, she doesn't really tend to want for anything, even if she has to throw a tantrum to get what she wants. Her tantrums can become a little annoying, and those angry moments aren't positive.
However, Pearl is also very kind at times, always looking out for people and making sure that they're okay, and that is something that does make her more likeable than others.
Gary
Gary is SpongeBob's pet snail and is someone who is often just used in a supporting role throughout the series. However, that doesn't stop Gary from being incredibly likeable and fun, with his cat-like meows being hilarious throughout the show.
Gary is incredibly loyal to those he cares about, particularly to SpongeBob, as he's always there to cheer him up and make happy. He also gets to showcases some real intelligence at points, as well, which makes him a lot of fun.
Karen
Karen might be the wife of Plankton, who is the main villain of the show, but that doesn't mean that she is evil as well. Karen is actually very kind and caring, and, while she helps Plankton with his schemes, she does always try to push him to be kinder and sweeter than he is.
Karen is also incredibly intelligent, which is another trait that makes her a very likeable character. There's just something about this character that is very fun and likeable, which is why she often pops up on the show.
SpongeBob SquarePants
The lead character of the series and someone who has become one of the most iconic television characters of all time, SpongeBob SquarePants is incredibly likeable, as he is just a big ball of energy, always on the go, and always bringing positivity to anyone he comes across.
Of course, there are times when SpongeBob can quite irritating—mainly for adult viewers—with his high pitched laugh becoming quite tiresome at points. However, that's all part of his childlike charm, and the fact he is always willing to help anybody and never really causes arguments showcases why he's so likeable and fun.
Sandy Cheeks
Sandy Cheeks is one of the lead characters in the show and someone who is often brought a long for any major adventures the group takes. She's someone who is often the brains behind the operation and actually thinks things through a little more before jumping into action, which instantly makes her a likeable character.
Sandy is loyal and always there for her friends, happily sticking up for anybody that she feels the need to. While there are small moments when Sandy can be a little grumpy, especially when hibernating, she's very funny and certainly likeable.
Patrick Star
He might not be the smartest character in the show—in fact, he's the least intelligent—but what he lacks in brains, Patrick Star more than makes up for in heart. He's incredibly loyal and is someone who is always there for absolutely everybody in Bikini Bottom.
Patrick just wants to have a good time wherever possible, and he's always happy to do something daft if it means cheering others up. He is always up for an adventure and is willing to lend a hand, and he doesn't really have a bad bone in his body, which makes him the most likeable character in the series.