There are so many threads complaining of a decrease in the show's quality, but there is no actual evidence of this. The show has been on since 1999 and with that the fanbase as matured. In Spongebob's first few years the show was still discovering itself and the fanbase, but has since found its niche. The show continues to soar in the ratings with Pest of the West receiving 10.0/3.5 million with kids 2-11, a 11.3/2.4 million kids 6-11 and a 7.3/1.6 million tweens 9-14 in its premiere airing. Since the shows premiere the adult fanbase has increased 85% while most shows of this age have already been canceled or have lost a great deal of its fanbase. I am from the P1 generation of fans which have watched the show since 1999 and on and I notice a difference in the humor at points, but that does not by any means it is declining. The fans and the media are constantly changing so with that Spongebob must alter some aspects of the show. During its first season the comedies were based upon light family-hearted humor as seen in past Nickelodeon hits. Nickelodeon wanted a very Conservative show that would lack any offense at all, but has since had a more liberal approach to the show by allowing more adult oriented jokes. Nickelodeon was in the formation of becoming a credible network and by doing so had a variety of low-key humor in which the show relied more on plot then humor. The show now appeals to both humor and plot which are the strongest aspects of the show's success and marketing strategy. This is also to appeal to the show's older fanbase which are now in their teen and adult years. The simple answer to these individuals of the show's decreasing quality is simple - change the channel.

I don't think Nickelodeon has "the show" that carries a plot. Its impossible to have a program that lacks a plot. If the show lacked a plot there would be nothing to it and the characters would just sit in abyss for the length of the show. Avatar relies on both plot, drama, and adventure. Spongebob relies on plot, humor, and adventure. Furthermore, I don't believe you can compare to completely different programs.

I agree. In fact, I think the show is getting better.

The show is really bad now. There is obvious evidence at this. Just look at the plot for say... "The Inmates of Summer" SpongeBob wants to go to camp, and doesn't want to leave Patrick. So, patrick comes along, but they accidently get in an inmates' boat. Compare that to:

"The Camping Episode"
SpongeBob and Patrick go camping.

Yeah, the simpler the plot the funnier the episode is and the better. Newer episodes try to give in depth plots and spongebob was never meant for that.

Spongebob has no real plot and it never was meant to have one. It's just about the wacky adventures of a quirky sponge and his friends.

No offense dude, but how about you space more next time?

I think the only thing that matters is if the show is entertaining.