Nickelodeon renews “SpongeBob SquarePants” for Cycle 16 and “The Patrick Star Show” for Cycle 4

Nickelodeon has renewed “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “The Patrick Star Show” for additional seasons, according to an announcement published June 9, 2026 by Deadline. The moves extend the long-running animated franchise’s production slate, with “SpongeBob SquarePants” set for Cycle 16 and “The Patrick Star Show” set for Cycle 4.

Deadline reports that “SpongeBob SquarePants,” starring Tom Kenny as SpongeBob SquarePants, has been renewed for Cycle 16. That renewal encompasses Seasons 18 and 19, with a total of 26 half-hour episodes. Kenny is the series lead and has voiced SpongeBob since the show’s debut.

For the spin-off, Nickelodeon renewed “The Patrick Star Show,” headlined by Bill Fagerbakke, for Cycle 4. Deadline says Cycle 4 covers Seasons 6 and 7, with 26 half-hour episodes in total. Fagerbakke voices Patrick Star in the wider franchise.

The latest renewal comes after Nickelodeon previously ordered additional runs for “The Patrick Star Show.” Variety reported in October 2024 that the series had been renewed for Seasons 4 and 5, a multi-season expansion that was also covered by TVLine and Animation World Network at the time. Those earlier renewals established that the network intended to continue producing the spin-off well beyond its initial run.

“SpongeBob SquarePants” has also seen earlier renewal coverage over the years, including a reported Season 15 renewal in 2023 ahead of the show’s 25th anniversary milestone. The June 2026 update, however, specifically identifies Cycle 16 for Seasons 18 and 19, along with episode counts for the new order.

Nickelodeon did not provide details in the Deadline report about story arcs, creative team changes, production start dates, or premiere timing for the renewed cycles. The announcement also did not specify whether the new seasons will be distributed first on linear television, streaming, or both, although the order represents an expanded commitment to the franchise’s continued episodic output.

Because the renewals are framed in terms of “cycles” and episode totals, the practical next step for audiences is the release schedule for the newly ordered seasons once production and post-production are completed. For Nickelodeon, the renewal indicates continued investment in a franchise that remains a core part of the network’s animation lineup, while also extending work for performers, writers, and production staff tied to the series and its spin-off.

For families and schools that rely on predictable kids’ programming blocks, the renewals also reduce uncertainty about near-term availability of new franchise episodes on Nickelodeon’s platforms. The orders further indicate that the network expects the franchise’s audience reach to remain stable enough to justify additional half-hour episodes across multiple seasons.