Nickelodeon
Alternate broadcasts have become all the rage in the sports world in recent years, and the NFL has attempted to target a younger demographic by teaming up with Nickelodeon and Disney for some unconventional productions—and anyone who enjoyed watching a SpongeBob SquarePants character roast Russell Wilson on live TV will love what the former is cooking ahead of Super Bowl.
Earlier this season, we were treated to some good, old-fashioned corporate synergy when ESPN+ aired a Toy Story-themed game between the Falcons and the Jaguars. The technology that was harnessed did leave a bit to be desired at times, but it was still a pretty innovative experiment that was met with a positive reception.
That simulcast was put together a couple of years after Nickelodeon joined forces with the NFL for the aptly named “NFL on Nickelodeon,” which made its grand debut when the Saints and the Bears faced off in a wild card matchup on January 10, 2021.
Last year, that slime-centric approach was harnessed on Christmas Day, and we were treated to one of the funniest moments of the season when Patrick Star failed to miss a beat by making fun of Russell Wilson for throwing an interception.
That format will return this Christmas, but over the summer, the two parties behind it announced it will also be an option when Super Bowl LVIII rolls around. According to Variety, they’re going all in on the SpongeBob SquarePants front, as the outlet reports the broadcast will be helmed by the voice actors who lend their talents to the show.
SpongeBob and Patrick be the co-hosts, Sandy Cheeks will serve as a sideline reporter, and Larry the Lobster will offer additional commentary (two characters from Dora the Explorer will apparently be playing the role of Gene Steratore by serving as rules experts).
Here’s to hoping we’ll also be treated to a rendition of “Sweet Victory” during the halftime show.