SpongeBob SquarePants: 15 Dark Fan Theories

Summary

• SpongeBob SquarePants
  has become a target for dark fan theories due to its surreal nature and bizarre plotlines.
• Some theories suggest that Mr. Krabs has dark secrets, like raising his daughter Pearl for slaughter, or selling his soul for supernatural powers.
• Other theories focus on the mental health of the characters, with suggestions that Patrick has Antisocial Personality Disorder and Mrs. Puff has PTSD.

The following contains discussions of drug use and mental illness

SpongeBob SquarePants is one of Nickelodeon’s most popular kids shows, but the surreal nature of its animation and some of its more bizarre plotlines have led to dark SpongeBob theories. The entire premise is strange, as the show follows a seemingly ageless, yet childlike sponge named SpongeBob SquarePants who lives in a pineapple with his snail Gary and works as a fry cook at the Krusty Krab. In the mix are his co-worker Squidward, best friend Patrick, boss Mr. Krabs, and the adventurous squirrel Sandy.

SpongeBob has aired some weird episodes over the years, with its most surreal installments occurring relatively early on in the show. Between its blend of adult and kids’ humor, odd subject matter, and occasionally freakish art style, SpongeBob has made itself a prime target for dark fan theories. These popular dark fan theories cause viewers to look back on beloved 90s cartoons in a new light. There are a ton of SpongeBob theories, but these are some of the creepiest the internet has come up with.

15 Mr. Krabs Adopted Pearl After Her Parents Were Killed By Whalers

A Crab Having A Whale As A Daughter Is Odd

Mr. Krabs is a crab, and his daughter is a whale, which adds to the hilarity of their father-daughter bond throughout SpongeBob and, of course, also means that they’re the center of many of the darkest SpongeBob SquarePants theories. Mr. Krabs is greedy, but as a single dad, he gives his only child everything she desires. Reddit user HomeSchool-Winner has one of the most unique SpongeBob theories as to how the two are related.

“Mr. Krabs was Pearl’s godfather due to a friendship with her whale parents, and they died in whaling tragedies, giving him custody.” This theory makes better sense due to their biological differences. However, this is one theory that won’t likely be proven. Animator Vincent Waller said that before he died, SpongeBob creator Stephen Hillenburg said he was against revealing how Pearl joined Mr. Krabs’s family, so the story was put on hold indefinitely.

14 Mr. Krabs Is Raising Pearl For Slaughter

Krabby Patties Could Be Made Of Whale Meat

When it comes to Mr. Krabs and his daughter, Reddit user walla_walla_rhubarb has come up with one of the most disturbing SpongeBob theories regarding the pair — having to do with the Krabby Patty secret formula. The user posits that whale carcasses can maintain an entire ecosystem, and believes Mr. Krabs happened upon Pearl’s mother’s carcass and built the entire Krusty Krab around it, using it in the secret formula and adopting Pearl in the process. Pearl is being raised for slaughter to make Krabby Pattys.

This won’t come true thanks to the fact that SpongeBob SquarePants won’t go into Pearl’s backstory in the cartoon to honor Stephen Hillenburg’s wishes. This theory was also disproven by animator Vincent Waller. He said, “The one thing I can tell you that Steve Hillenburg has let slip is there is absolutely no meat in the Krabby Patty. There is no animal product in there” (via CinemaBlend).

13 Patrick Has Antisocial Personality Disorder

Patrick Shows Several Symptoms

Patrick is one of the silliest characters in the series. However, he has a sad, dark side that garners a fair few dark SpongeBob theories. Jobless_Kermit theories that Patrick has “a condition known as Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD).” They write that Patrick has three of the seven symptoms: “Failure to conform to societal norms with lawful behavior,” “Impulsivity and failure to plan ahead,” and “Reckless disregard for the safety of self and others.”

It doesn’t help that when the strangler was caught in Bikini Bottom, Patrick was in jail with him. As for the theory, there are thoughts that Patrick has a learning disability of some sort, but the show has mostly avoided these situations. The closest it came was the season 1 episode, “Rock Bottom,” which dealt with severe anxiety issues when SpongeBob and Patrick ended up stranded at Rock Bottom, and severe depression set in for both characters.

12 Mr. Krabs’ Secret Ingredient Contains Whale Vomit

This Could Explain The Krabby Patties

There have been a lot of dark SpongeBob theories surrounding the Krabby Patty secret formula. NoTurnBackNow has an interesting theory concerning Mr. Krabs and “whale barf.” Simply, the theory is that Mr. Krabs harvests Pearl’s vomit as the secret ingredient of the Krabby Patty formula. They wrote:

” In the real world whale barf is worth a lot… However, we know that this industry does not exist in Bikini Bottom. “The secret ingredient has whale barf in it. Now everything makes sense.”

As animator Vincent Waller said, there is no animal product in the Krabby Patty formula, but would that include something like whale barf? Like Pearl’s backstory will never be revealed in the cartoon, it is not likely that this theory will be revealed either. It is a strange theory, but no stranger than other things that happen on the show, so it is up to the viewers to decide what to believe.

11 Each SpongeBob Character Is Addicted To A Drug

Drugs Could Explain The Character’s Personalities

One of the most plausible of the SpongeBob theories is that each SpongeBob SquarePants character is addicted to a drug and suffers from the after effects. YoungShakeWes told Reddit the weird episodes showing SpongeBob’s joyfulness, pain, and knowledge of the bizarre could be from “the effects of Speed.” This could be the case, but there are also other examples, such as hyperactivity and other afflictions.

Patrick’s laziness and drowsiness are theorized to be because he consumes marijuana, which has similar effects, and Squidward’s mood could be the result of heroin. Mr. Krabs may even be “the dealer.” With that said, the characters are never seen taking drugs, and just because the series is surreal, it does not necessarily lead to the theory that the characters are all on drugs. The idea of them being on drugs takes away from the imagination of the characters, so it is not likely the case.

10 Bikini Bottom Was Created Due To Nuclear Testing

The Characters Could Be Mutations From Nuclear Fallout

Another one of the more popular SpongeBob theories came from antinestio, suggesting Bikini Bottom was “under island Bikini Atoll, which is not only where nuclear weapons were tested but also what the bikini swimsuit was named after.” The actual bottom of Bikini Atoll on the Marshal Islands, where the US Government conducted 23 Nuclear tests during the Cold War, making SpongeBob and his aquatic friends the subject of Nuclear radiation exposure.

Alternatively, they could be the people previously working in the nuclear plant, now turned to aquatic mutations

Alternatively, they could be the people previously working in the nuclear plant, now turned to aquatic mutations, thus explaining the modern letter system, and attire of these supposed creatures cut from the real world. This is a theory that holds weight, as there were bombs set off underwater at Bikini Atoll, and when episodes show explosions, they are the same shape as a nuclear explosion. The series has never mentioned it, but it is as likely as any other explanation for their existence.

9 The Main Characters Are The Seven Deadly Sins

The Characters All Have Bad Traits

Cucumber_d told Reddit that the seven deadly sins, Sloth, Pride, Greed, Gluttony, Lust, Envy, and Wrath, could be represented by the main characters in one of the more popular dark Spongebob theories. They wrote:

”
It was 1. Greed- Mr. Krabs 2. Envy -Plankton 3. Sloth -Gary 4. Pride -Sandy 5. Wrath -Squidward 6. Gluttony -Patrick 7. Lust -SpongeBob
.”

They did edit their post so that Patrick was Sloth instead of Gary. With such memorable characters, they could very well be designed after these sins. Out of all the dark SpongeBob theories, this one is disturbingly easy to connect to the main characters. Honestly, there is no argument about which character lines up with which sin. While this is a little too dark for even SpongeBob SquarePants, it is easy to see the creators using these archetypes to form the character’s personality traits.

8 Squidward Has Been Placed As A Caretaker For SpongeBob By His Rich Parents

SpongeBob’s Parents Have A Deal With Squidward

Dirtspp posits one of the darker SpongeBob theories by suggesting that because of SpongeBob’s lapses in judgment, Squidward and SpongeBob’s parents have an understanding.

”
Spongebob’s parents knew Squidward from when he was still rolling in wealthy circles and reached out to him in his time of need, giving him a small loan to get back on his feet. In return, they asked him to keep a watchful eye on SpongeBob
.”

This could explain why Squidward doesn’t move away and is still happy at the same house for many years despite SpongeBob giving him so much torment and many reasons to move. There are several things in the series that could line up with this theory. Squidward was kicked out of his social circle after a bad clarinet performance and hit rock bottom. It makes sense that SpongeBob’s parents bought the house for their son (which explains why he does not need money) and they then hired Squidward to watch out for him.

7 Mr. Krabs Sold His Soul

Mr. Krabs Has Sold His Soul Eight Times Over His Life

Reddit user LapisLazuliisthebest did a deep dive to come up with one of the darkest SpongeBob theories, stating that Mr. Krabs sold his soul for supernatural powers. Citing the season 5 installment “Money Talks,” in which Mr. Krabs sells his soul to the Flying Dutchman to be able to talk to money, the user notes that the end of the episode reveals Krabs already sold his soul eight times, and the user believes he did this for supernatural abilities.

Using various episodes as proof, the user suggests that Krabs has powers such as detection, super strength, looking through a telephone, teleportation, and a few others. He could have even used his superhuman powers to develop the Krusty Krab formula as a success, which put his restaurant already above Plankton’s. The show admits that he sold his soul, so this theory is true, but what Krabs gained in exchange for it is what fans still have to decide for themselves.

6 Krabby Patties Are Made From Actual Crab Meat

Mr. Krabs Feeds Bikini Bottom His Own Species

Mr. Krabs is obsessed with money, and one of the darker SpongeBob theories suggests that he might’ve gone to great lengths to procure it. Why does he keep the formula so secret, away from even his cook and the public? Borg2525’s theory suggests:

”
Krabby Patties are made of crab meat, so Mr. Krabs is making people eat his own kind
.”

Explaining the secrecy behind the Krabby Patty formula and why crabs are not seen at all in the show, this theory may be mildly plausible. Considering that Krabby Patty’s secret formula is the show’s biggest mystery, audiences are bound to fill in the blanks. However, like the theory about whale carcasses, this has already proven to be a false theory. Steve Hillenburg said there was no animal meat or animal byproduct in the Krabby Patty, so it is a 100% vegetarian burger.

5 The Krabby Patties Are Made From A Crab Meat Substitute

Mr. Krabs May Have Found A Vegan Substitute

A counter-theory working in Mr. Krabs’ favor is that he actually found a vegan crab meat substitute, and his customers can enjoy the deliciousness of crab meat while he is free from guilt. This also explains the failure of the chum bucket, as the people dislike the actual fish meat, while they have a perfectly good substitute in the crabby patty, thus explaining why Plankton wants to become the boss and take Krab’s formula ever so desperately for the secret meaty substitute, his key to success.

Out of all the theories about the Krabby Patties, this was the one that had the most likelihood of being true. Since Steve Hillenburg said there were no meat products in the Krabby Patties, there is a great chance that the secret formula is a vegan one, as that is the only other explanation. Since they are called Krabby Patties, it is clear there is a “crab meat” substance in the patties, and since these underwater sea creatures are not eating each other, they are almost surely eating a substitute.

4 SpongeBob Is A War Veteran, Suffering From PTSD

SpongeBob Shows Signs Of Military Training

Between SpongeBob waking up at the same time every day, following the same schedule and timeline, and sporting the same attire, there were bound to be some strange SpongeBob theories to explain his incredibly regimented behavior. One dark SpongeBob SquarePants theory actually offers an explanation — SpongeBob was in the military and is suffering from PTSD. Reddit user Little_Toni suggests:

“Mr. Squarepants is an ex-army soldier who has PTSD and was sent back because of battle fatigue and now he tries to live a full life as a fry cook.
”

His verbal pattern, calling people of higher authority “sir,” and showing tremendous respect to all his elders sounds like military training, which he can’t seem to shake off, no matter how hard he tries. However, while this is an interesting theory, creator Hillenburg said that this was not what he had in mind when creating this character (via The Guardian):

“I wanted SpongeBob to love his job. I always imagined a kid going into McDonald’s and seeing a guy cooking and thinking it was the best job in the world: ‘You can eat hamburgers all the time!'”

Squidward Could Be Based On Hitler

SpongeBob tends to tackle some dark issues, which has led to some incredibly dark theories — including that the entire show thematically represents Germany before and during the Second World War. DrakeGrayson has a theory that SpongeBob SquarePants represents, “Pre-WWII Germany,” with Squidward as a failed artist and an all-out jerk, as Adolf Hitler, wanting to get rid of his neighbors.

Patrick represents the innocents caught up in the catastrophe, and Sandy, with her Texas heritage and admirable tenacity, represents the United States. Mr. Krabs represents Europe, looking down upon Hitler for his atrocious acts. This theory is a wild one, but it is almost surely wrong. As Hillenburg said, he wanted to just create a character who loved his life, and having Squidward there as someone who hated his life was a good antithesis. Besides, Squidward did many good things when he needed to and is in no way similar to Hitler most of the time.

2 Every Character Has A Mental Illness

The Character’s Personalities Represent Different Disorders

Another one of the more popular SpongeBob theories suggests that everyone in Bikini Bottom has a mental illness or a disorder. StrawberryUwUgirl believes that “Everyone in SpongeBob is a personified walking mental illness attribute.” SpongeBob doesn’t always make sense and acts erratically. The theorist suggests SpongeBob is “addicted to codependency,” instead of to a substance.

A few examples include that Patrick has “Dissociative identity disorder,” which explains the multiple sides he shows throughout the show. Mrs. Puff has “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder” due to her consistent car crashes. It is easy to see these disorders in many of the characters, but at the same time, these are also tics and traits that characters have in almost every work of fiction, whether in books, movies, or TV shows. It is also dangerous to categorize disorders into random traits, so this is a theory that will probably never play out.

1 It’s All An Incredibly Sophisticated Representation Of Global Warming

SpongeBob Himself Could Represent The Results Of Global Warming

One of the more particularly dark
SpongeBob
theories suggests that the whole show of
SpongeBob
is an intricate metaphor for global warming.

One of the more particularly dark SpongeBob theories suggests that the whole show of SpongeBob is an intricate metaphor for global warming. One Redditor wrote, “Spongebob represents the waste and pollution that is made in the world, and as Global Warming theorizes; pollution causes greenhouse gases that warm the Earth and would inevitably cause global flooding.” With SpongeBob being a kitchen sponge and not a sea sponge, the user could be on to something.

There are other things in the cartoon that line up with this dark SpongeBob SquarePants theory. On top of SpongeBob himself being pollution, Mr. Krabs represents big businesses and large corporations that don’t care about the waste and environmental harm that comes from his business. Patrick lives under a rock and is oblivious to the problems, like many people around the world. Squidward is the artist and is mostly ignored, and Sandy, one of the smart ones, is still set in her ways and isn’t willing to change.