People are sharing their favorite SpongeBob SquarePants episodes and moments after the show's creator, Stephen Hillenburg, died Monday at the age of 57 from ALS. Nickelodeon called Hillenburg a "beloved friend" in a statement to BuzzFeed News.
"We are incredibly saddened by the news that Steve Hillenburg has passed away following a battle with ALS," the network said. "He was a beloved friend and long-time creative partner to everyone at Nickelodeon, and our hearts go out to his entire family."
Hillenburg's death prompted an outpouring from fans of the wildly popular cartoon series on social media.
"The toons of my teens and the memes of my twenties," one person said, sharing a photo of SpongeBob and Patrick walking into the Bikini Bottom sunset.
The toons of my teens and the memes of my twenties. Thanks for the giggles Spongebob. RIP Stephen Hillenburg
Another person shared a clip of swirling jellyfish, from an episode of the cartoon, which to them captured the "fun spirit" of the show.
Jellyfish Jam was my all time favorite Spongebob episode, this clip from it isn't particularly funny, but the way it ended showcases the optimistic, fun spirit of Spongebob that I love so much. https://t.co/AymwB0rBfC
"This whole episode reminded me that no matter how old I get, I can always hang out with friends and have fun doing, even if we're just hanging out and being stupid," one person said, sharing a clip of Patrick, SpongeBob, and Mr. Krabs watching a washing machine.
@pazpaz A clip from my all-time favorite episode of Spongebob. This whole episode reminded me that no matter how old I get, I can always hang out with friends and have fun doing, even if we're just hanging out and being stupid. https://t.co/EaBL4GnkcZ
Others shared stills from episodes.
@ohyeahcan You like Krabby Patties don’t you Squidward? 😂😩
This fan shared a line from an iconic song and said SpongeBob brought "joy" to them.
"I'm a Goofy Goober, You're a Goofy Goober, yeah, We're all Goofy Goobers, yeah." Thank You Stephen Hillenburg, SpongeBob brought alot to joy to many people like me, SpongeBob will always be among my favorite characters, Rest in Peace. https://t.co/S7ISvYRN4R
Of course, people shared the wealth of memes from the show as a tribute too. Like the SpongeBob moment in this collection that's ideal for mocking your enemies.
Without #Spongebob, we wouldn't have been able to enjoy these memes RIP Stephen Hillenburg
"LMFAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO," one fan succinctly said about this clip.
LMFAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
This scene "perfectly captures how I felt upon hearing about Hillenburg's tragic passing," another said.
In honor of Hillenburg, I thought I'd share one of SpongeBob's most poignant scenes, and my favorite one of the show. It comes from the episode Patrick SmartPants, and it perfectly captures how I felt upon hearing about Hillenburg's tragic passing. R.I.P Stephen Hillenburg ❤ https://t.co/4EASydYuxg
"I remember watching this as a kid and falling over laughing," this person said, adding that the moment remains timelessly funny.
In honor of Stephen Hillenburg, Imma share with you all my favorite moment in Spongebob. I remember watching this as a kid and falling over laughing. Heck it's still hilarious to this day https://t.co/Q1NAOL3AHs
This writer shared a favorite joke.
This is still my favorite Spongebob moment, and IMO remains one of he funniest jokes ever written
"Bikini Bottom meant the world to me," another person said.
Some of my favorite childhood memories were SpongeBob: - performing at the Bubble Bowl. - selling chocolate. - delivering pizza with a less-than-enthusiastic Squidward. - meeting THE hash-slinging slasher. Thank you, Stephen Hillenburg. Bikini Bottom meant the world to me. https://t.co/MCaQWXiwYx
"Rest in Peace, Stephen Hillenburg," another fan said, with a photo of a black-and-white SpongeBob looking on at a glowing jellyfish.
Rest in Peace, Stephen Hillenburg