Season 13

If you were looking for the article about the DVD, then see The Complete Thirteenth Season.

SpongeBob SquarePantsSeason 13
General information
No. of episodes:	26 (52 segments)
Premiere:	October 22, 2020
Finale:	November 1, 2023
DVD releases
Region 1:	December 5, 2023
Chronology
Previous:	Season 12
Next:	Season 14

The thirteenth season of the American animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants, created by former marine biologist and animator Stephen Hillenburg, was announced by Vincent Waller on Twitter on July 14, 2019.

On July 17, 2019, it was announced that there were originally supposed to be "13 half hours" in season 13. However, on August 11, 2021, it was announced that the number of episodes had been extended to "26 half hours."

Season 13 premiered on October 22, 2020 with "A Place for Pets" and "Lockdown for Love" and ended on November 1, 2023 with "Sandy, Help Us!" The season was released on DVD on December 5, 2023, 1 month and 4 days after it had completed its broadcast on television. The season was also released on Paramount+ on July 10, 2024, 8 months and 9 days after it completed its broadcast on television.

Production

The composition process for "Lockdown for Love."

Storyboarding for season 13 began in October 2019. Temporary storyboards for "Lockdown for Love" were finished on October 24, while the revised ones were finished on February 21, 2020. On May 26, 2021, Nickelodeon held a livestream on Twitch where animatic editor Estrella Capin showed the episode's composition process. Savannah Reeves was hired as a freelance storyboard artist for "Under the Small Top," working on the episode in March of 2020.

From August to October 2020, "Goofy Scoopers" was storyboarded. In September 2020, Andrew Overtoom began directing the season.

A storyboard drawing from "SpongeBob's Road to Christmas," by Benjamin Arcand.

In October 2020, background designer Rebekie Bennington was hired. Her first episode would be "Something Narwhal This Way Comes." That same month, on the 28th, Kaz posted on Facebook that he had finished writing a Christmas special for the show. This would turn out to be "SpongeBob's Road to Christmas." In November 2020, Michelle Bryan returned to the team as an animation director, with her first episode this season being "Goofy Scoopers." In December 2020, Benjamin Arcand posted a drawing from the episode on his Instagram. On November 30, 2021, Vincent Waller stated on his Twitter that the episode was in its final mixing phase.

Gloria Kum's drawing for her announcement that she had joined the SpongeBob team.

On March 22, 2021, Gloria Kum would be hired as a production assistant, with her first episode being "SpongeBob's Road to Christmas." She would also provide work on The Patrick Star Show.

Concept art for characters from "Potato Puff," designed by Ian Vazquez.

"Potato Puff" was the first episode to be supervised by Ian Vazquez, being promoted in July of 2021. On April 30, 2021, April "Pinkie" Davis posted a storyboard drawing of Incidental 70 from the episode. That April, Joe Crowley became a line producer, with his first episode being "SpongeBob's Road to Christmas."

Between April and June, the storyboards for "There Will Be Grease" were finished by Jordan Koch and Ibrahim Buenrostro.

A script page from "Captain Pipsqueak."

On May 11, 2021, a Q&A with Richard Pursel was hosted in the Art of SpongeBob Discord server. There, he confirmed that he would be writing an episode where Plankton joined the League of E.V.I.L. This would turn out to be "Captain Pipsqueak." The script for the episode was finished the following month. That May, Danny Giovannini would become a trial writer in addition to a script coordinator, with his first script being "Potato Puff." In June 2022, he would be promoted to a full-time writer, with his final episode as a script coordinator being "Abandon Twits."

In June 2021, Ibrahim Buenrostro was hired as a storyboard artist. His first episode would be "There Will Be Grease." Nancy Covarrubias Ramirez was also hired as a production assistant, first working on episodes this season. Eliza Herndon worked as a storyboard revisionist from June to October 2021, with her final episode of the season being "Wallhalla."

Preliminary designs for "Welcome to Binary Bottom."

The episodes "Welcome to Binary Bottom," "You're Going to Pay...Phone," and "A Skin Wrinkle in Time" aired as part of an event called The Tidal Zone. "Welcome to Binary Bottom" was in production around August 23, 2021. On November 7, 2022, Rebekie Bennington posted a background design from the episode on her website.

In August 2021, Chu-Hui Song joined Nickelodeon Animation; she would provide work on the season starting with "Potato Puff." From this same month to September 2021, Bryan Sims worked as a background design supervisor.

From October 2021 to June 2022, Brad Sutton worked as a background painter for this season.

The drawing Gloria Kum posted while announcing her departure.

On March 4th, 2022, Gloria Kum announced that it was her last day on SpongeBob, accompanied with a drawing of Patrick crying, leaving "Wallhalla" as her final episode. Stephanie Wolf was promoted in her place as a production assistant, with her first episode being "Salty Sponge."

In August 2022, Stephanie Wolf was promoted to production coordinator, with her first episode in this role being "Delivery to Monster Island."

On May 2, 2022, the rough storyboards for "The Flower Plot" were completed by Dan Becker.

On May 23, 2022, Jane Walker was hired as a freelance background designer. Her first episode was "Salty Sponge."

On July 4, 2022, Benjamin Arcand posted a drawing of SpongeBob to his Twitter. Dave Cunningham replied that he had started plussing "Hot Crossed Nuts" that week.

A background painting from "Spatula of the Heavens," painted by Amy Lewis.

On July 16, 2022, Amy Lewis confirmed she had been hired as a background painter. The first episode she worked on was "Salty Sponge."

On July 19, 2022, Vincent Waller confirmed the existence of "Salty Sponge" and "Karen for Spot."

On September 20, 2022, "Squidferatu" and "Slappy Daze" were completed.

In October 2022, Hena Hong resumed work on the series as a background layout designer. The first episode she is credited for under this role is "Arbor Day Disarray."

Between October and November 2022, "SquidBird" was plussed. Freelance artist Evan Ross helped on the episode.

By November 1, 2022, Christian White has finished plussing his scenes from "SpongeBob on Parade." From November 2022 to January 2023, Joann Chang worked as a storyboard artist for "Sandy, Help Us!" and "Squidiot Box."

A layout drawing from "Friendiversary." The moray eel and anglerfish in the front row are based on background designer Sterling Richter and her friend Sara "Serval" Fisher.

On November 21, 2022, the recording script for "Swimming Fools" was finished.

"Arbor Day Disarray" and "Ain't That the Tooth" are two of the few episodes of the season to premiere out of order, due to not being finished by Arbor Day. The episodes were delayed to make room for "Dopey Dick" and "Plankton and the Beanstalk." On March 3, 2023, Vincent Waller confirmed "Arbor Day Disarray" had been through its final mixing phase, while "Ain't That the Tooth" was still being animated. On April 27, 2023, the final mix for the episode was approved.

The final episode Ian worked on this season, "Big Top Flop," is his first as a supervising director rather than a storyboard supervisor. He was promoted to this role in November 2022.

Promotional images

Drawn by Eliza Herndon, featuring SpongeBob and Patrick happily prancing around with their Pigulon figure, while Squidward rebuilds his house with bricks.

Drawn by Ian Vazquez, featuring Narlene and Pearl.

Drawn by Ian Vazquez, featuring a classic cartoon-styled, zoomed in picture of Q.T.-π.

Drawn by Eliza Herndon, showcasing a joyful Slappy enjoying his favorite TV show.

Drawn by Ian Vazquez, featuring a vampire's coffin sinking into the water. The German text on the bottom of the image translates to "a symphony of comedy."

Created by the official Nickelodeon Twitter account, featuring various incarnations of Nosferatu frightening SpongeBob and Squidward.

Created by the official Nickelodeon Twitter account. A Halloween-themed poster highlighting the best Nickelodeon friendship squads, with SpongeBob and Squidward being candidates.

Drawn by Eliza Herndon, featuring SpongeBot catching a jellyfish in his hand net.

Created by the official SpongeBob SquarePants Instagram account, promoting the premieres of episodes "Abandon Twits," "Wallhalla," "Salty Sponge," and "Karen for Spot."

Created by the official SpongeBob Instagram account, featuring poses from "Abandon Twits," "Wallhalla," "Salty Sponge," and "Karen for Spot."

Drawn by Ian Vazquez, featuring a fish closing down her rental nook.

Drawn by Ian Vazquez, showcasing SpongeBob slipping on an ice block back in "No Weenies Allowed" from his point of view.

Drawn by Ian Vazquez, showcasing the insides of the Salty Spitoon back in 2002.

Drawn by Ian Vazquez, highlighting the Spitoon's various patrons.

Promo art for "Ain't That the Tooth," featuring various criminals from throughout the series' run.

Promotional art created as a part of the recent "SpongeBob Universe" initiative, with episodes like "Hot Crossed Nuts," "Friendiversary," and "Mandatory Music" being set to debut in summer 2023.

Promo art for Sir Urchin and Snail Fail.

Art made by Jeff Shea for "Friendiversary," thanking viewers for watching the new episodes.

Promotional art for "Big Top Flop," drawn by Ian V.

Wrap party

• The season 13 wrap party was announced by April "Pinkie" Davis on December 23, 2023, and occurred on January 18, 2024. It was originally supposed to occur in November of the previous year.
  • Images are sourced from Amy Lewis' Twitter account.

Amy Lewis with Bill Fagerbakke #1

Amy Lewis with Bill Fagerbakke #2

Collective crew shot

LED SpongeBob light

List of episodes

Title card	#	Title	U.S. airdate	U.S. viewers (millions)
	268a	"A Place for Pets" (tr • ga)	October 22, 2020	0.85
	Customers bring pets into the Krusty Krab, and Mr. Krabs learns pets are more profitable than owners.
	268b	"Lockdown for Love" (tr • ga)	October 22, 2020	0.85
	When Plankton ruins a date with Karen, she puts the Chum Bucket on lockdown until he proves his affection.
	269a	"Under the Small Top" (tr • ga)	April 16, 2021	0.59
	Squidward's house becomes infested with a mail-order flea circus meant for SpongeBob.
	269b	"Squidward's Sick Daze" (tr • ga)	April 16, 2021	0.59
	Squidward fakes being sick to get out of work, but his agony only begins when SpongeBob arrives to care for him.
	270a	"Goofy Scoopers" (tr • ga)	February 25, 2022	0.42
	SpongeBob and Patrick make it their mission to reunite the recently fired robot band from Goofy Goober's.
	270b	"Pat the Dog" (tr • ga)	July 9, 2021	0.56
	Patrick is sent to the pound for acting like a worm, but he will only be able to leave if SpongeBob can train him.
	271a	"Something Narwhal This Way Comes" (tr • ga)	November 19, 2021	0.49
	Two familiar faces from SpongeBob's past visit Bikini Bottom, but they bring a big problem along with them.
	271b	"C.H.U.M.S" (tr • ga)	November 19, 2021	0.49
	After falling down the drain, Plankton finds an unlikely ally in the sewers.
	272	"SpongeBob's Road to Christmas" (tr • ga)	December 10, 2021	0.44
	SpongeBob and Patrick venture to the North Pole to give Santa a present.
	273a	"Potato Puff" (tr • ga)	April 22, 2022	0.44
	Mrs. Puff's new substitute teacher gives SpongeBob a crash course in driving.
	273b	"There Will Be Grease" (tr • ga)	April 29, 2022	0.40
	Mr. Krabs and Plankton must work together after discovering a well of miracle-grease under their restaurants.
	274a	"The Big Bad Bubble Bass" (tr • ga)	May 6, 2022	0.39
	Karen tells the fairytale of a nerd trying to steal an action figure from his three little neighbors.
	274b	"Sea-Man Sponge Haters Club" (tr • ga)	May 6, 2022	0.39
	Squidward hosts a secret 'We Hate SpongeBob Club' at his house.
	275a	"Food PBFFT! Truck" (tr • ga)	May 13, 2022	0.38
	SpongeBob and Squidward try to sell Krabby Patties from a food truck in the darkest depths of the ocean.
	275b	"Upturn Girls" (tr • ga)	May 13, 2022	0.38
	Pearl and Narlene have a whales' day out in the big city.
	276a	"Say Awww!" (tr • ga)	May 20, 2022	0.32
	Frustrated that he's seen as cute instead of evil, Plankton builds a robot to punish anyone who says 'aww!'
	276b	"Patrick the Mailman" (tr • ga)	May 20, 2022	0.32
	Patrick crushes the mailman, so he and SpongeBob deliver the mail around Bikini Bottom.
	277a	"Captain Pipsqueak" (tr • ga)	July 22, 2022	0.37
	Plankton joins the League of E.V.I.L.
	277b	"Plane to Sea" (tr • ga)	July 22, 2022	0.37
	SpongeBob and Patrick take Squidward on a plane to a tropical resort.
	278a	"Squidferatu" (tr • ga)	October 14, 2022	0.23
	Squidward ventures to Nosferatu's castle after accidentally receiving his mail.
	278b	"Slappy Daze" (tr • ga)	October 14, 2022	0.23
	Nosferatu's minion Slappy kills some time around Bikini Bottom.
	279a	"Welcome to Binary Bottom" (tr • ga)	January 13, 2023	0.31
	In an alternate reality, Bikini Bottom is inhabited entirely by robots.
	279b	"You're Going to Pay...Phone" (tr • ga)	January 13, 2023	0.31
	Mr. Krabs installs a cursed payphone in the Krusty Krab.
	279c	"A Skin Wrinkle in Time" (tr • ga)	January 13, 2023	0.31
	GrandPat travels through time and space to get back home.
	280a	"Abandon Twits" (tr • ga)	January 20, 2023	0.32
	The Krusty Krew builds a boat for their penny-pinching captain.
	280b	"Wallhalla" (tr • ga)	January 20, 2023	0.32
	SpongeBob discovers a crazed castaway living in his walls.
	281a	"Salty Sponge" (tr • ga)	January 27, 2023	0.27
	SpongeBob works the grill at the toughest joint in town.
	281b	"Karen for Spot" (tr • ga)	February 3, 2023	0.24
	Karen looks after Spot while Plankton goes out of town.
	282a	"Arbor Day Disarray" (tr • ga)	June 27, 2023	0.11
	Sandy gives her friends special saltwater trees, but they need more attention than she expected.
	282b	"Ain't That the Tooth" (tr • ga)	June 28, 2023	0.13
	SpongeBob and Patrick mistake a burglar for the tooth fairy.
	283a	"Ma and Pa's Big Hurrah" (tr • ga)	March 10, 2023	0.21
	When SpongeBob's parents come to visit, their thirst for thrills comes as a big surprise.
	283b	"Yellow Pavement" (tr • ga)	March 17, 2023	0.21
	SpongeBob and Squidward star in Mrs. Puff's educational driving film.
	284a	"The Flower Plot" (tr • ga)	March 24, 2023	0.30
	The Chum Bucket is replaced by a flower shop with a charming new owner.
	284b	"SpongeBob on Parade" (tr • ga)	March 31, 2023	0.26
	The Krusty Krab enters a float in the annual Bikini Bottom Parade.
	285a	"Delivery to Monster Island" (tr • ga)	April 7, 2023	0.21
	SpongeBob and Plankton must work together to survive an island of deadly monsters.
	285b	"Ride Patrick Ride" (tr • ga)	June 19, 2023	0.21
	SpongeBob teaches Patrick how to ride a bike.
	286a	"Hot Crossed Nuts" (tr • ga)	June 20, 2023	0.19
	Sandy's homemade snack becomes a big hit at the Krusty Krab.
	286b	"Sir Urchin and Snail Fail" (tr • ga)	June 21, 2023	0.15
	SpongeBob and Patrick's favorite comedy duo has a falling out on live television.
	287a	"Friendiversary" (tr • ga)	June 22, 2023	0.13
	SpongeBob celebrates the anniversary of his friendship with Squidward, but the latter does not.
	287b	"Mandatory Music" (tr • ga)	June 26, 2023	0.18
	Squidward's lack of talent lands him in a court-ordered music class.
	288a	"Dopey Dick" (tr • ga)	June 29, 2023	0.19
	Fishmael Tentacles joins a crew of sailors hunting down the great white jellyfish.
	288b	"Plankton and the Beanstalk" (tr • ga)	July 17, 2023	0.21
	Jack Plankton finds a magic bean that takes him to a land of giants.
	289a	"My Friend Patty" (tr • ga)	July 18, 2023	0.26
	SpongeBob befriends a sentient Krabby Patty whose only wish is to be eaten.
	289b	"FUN-Believable" (tr • ga)	July 19, 2023	0.18
	Rube hosts an episode of Fun-Believable with Rube where he explores little known oddities and attractions around Bikini Bottom.
	290a	"Spatula of the Heavens" (tr • ga)	July 20, 2023	0.19
	SpongeBob embarks on an epic journey to have his beloved spatula reforged by the legendary Guru Greasetrap.
	290b	"Gary's Playhouse" (tr • ga)	August 7, 2023	0.31
	SpongeBob builds a snail-house outside for Gary to play in.
	291a	"Swimming Fools" (tr • ga)	August 8, 2023	0.24
	SpongeBob builds a pool in his backyard and Squidward tries to resist taking a dip.
	291b	"The Goobfather" (tr • ga)	August 9, 2023	0.20
	Mr. Krabs must reckon with the Goobfather after he adds "Patty Whips" to the menu at the Krusty Krab.
	292a	"SquidBird" (tr • ga)	August 10, 2023	0.25
	Squidward gets left with a mess when SpongeBob and Patrick use carrier clams to send messages to each other.
	292b	"Allergy Attack!" (tr • ga)	October 30, 2023	0.13
	After cooking his kazillionth Krabby Patty, SpongeBob believes he's developed an allergy to them.
	293a	"Big Top Flop"	October 31, 2023	0.13
	When the circus comes to town and steals his customers away, Mr. Krabs tries to sabotage the show.
	293b	"Sandy, Help Us!"	November 1, 2023	0.08
	Sandy spends the day solving everyone's issues, only to return home to her own monster of a problem.

Trivia

• This season is the most in-order in terms of airing in the proper packaging order for the main series, with every episode (excluding "Goofy Scoopers," "Arbor Day Disarray," and "Ain't That the Tooth") having aired after the previous.
  • However, season 2 of The Patrick Star Show is the most in-order season in terms of its episodes airing in the proper packaging order of the franchise overall.
• This season marks a brief return of various former SpongeBob crew members, including Richard Pursel, Ben Gruber, Heather Martinez, Bill Reiss, Benjamin Arcand, Adam Paloian, and Ryan Kramer.
  • This season also sees a brief return of various former SpongeBob cast members, including Christopher Guest, Brian George, and Steve Buscemi, however Christopher Guest and Brian George returned with new characters to voice while Steve Buscemi returned to voice a character he already voiced in a previous episode.
• The episodes "Lockdown for Love," "Delivery to Monster Island," and "Spatula of the Heavens" were all storyboard driven.
• This is the first season for several things:
  • The first full season without Stephen Hillenburg's involvement following his passing in 2018; he remains credited as the series creator and executive producer.
    • At least one Season 12 episode entered pre-production after Hillenburg's death, as "Patrick's Tantrum" began being scripted in January 2019..
  • The first season to have concurrent spin-off shows being produced alongside the main series. As a result, many episodes contain references to their content.
  • The first season to not have an episode obtaining 1 million viewers.
  • The first season to not premiere any episodes on a Saturday or Sunday.
  • The first season since season 2 to have only one special.
    • Coincidentally, both specials are Christmas-themed.
  • The first season since season 5 to have an episode with three segments (with this being the 279th episode).
  • The first season to have episodes simulcasted on the Nicktoons channel during premieres.
  • The first season to not end with a 15-minute extended episode and a 7-minute short since season 9.
  • The first season not to play any of Steve Belfer's tracks.
  • The first season not to play "Seaweed", "Comic Walk", "Dramatic Impacts", "Monster Wave", "Alien Spacecraft", "Bikini Bottom Police", "Dancing The Hula" or "The Creature".
  • The first season to have an episode obtain below 100k viewers on premiere.
• The episodes "A Place for Pets" and "Lockdown for Love" are the only ones to be aired and copyrighted in 2020.
• This season took the second longest amount of time to be produced, after season 9, with 268 being copyrighted in 2020, 269-272 being copyrighted in 2021, 273-278 being copyrighted in 2022, and 281-293 being copyrighted in 2023.
  • This was due to Kamp Koral season 1 and The Patrick Star Show season 1 being produced at the same time as this season and sharing many of the same crew members.
• This season was announced on the main series' 20th birthday.
• The episode "Sandy, Help Us!" is so far the least viewed on its premiere day.
• This season currently has the most segments of any season in the main series, with 52 segments.
  • This is also the second season to have exactly twice as many segments as there are episodes, with the first being season 10.

Videos

SpongeBob's Best of Season 12 & 13 Marathon for 50 MINUTES! - Nicktoons

60 MINUTES of SpongeBob's First & Latest Scenes 🧽 - @SpongeBobOfficial