For years, Patrick Star has entertained viewers as one of the supporting characters in Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants franchise. Now, the loveable starfish will get the spotlight in Nickelodeon's spin-off series, appropriately titled The Patrick Star Show.
Created by the late Stephen Hillenburg based on ideas from his unpublished educational book about undersea life, SpongeBob SquarePants debuted in the summer of 1999 and the series gained acclaim followed by a legion of fans. Since then, the success of the SpongeBob SquarePants franchise has led to multiple feature films and numerous video games based on the series. Most, if not all, of these projects, have included Patrick Star, the dim-witted but big-hearted best friend of SpongeBob SquarePants.
Now, Deadline reports that Nickelodeon is finalizing deals for The Patrick Star Show with Bill Fagerbakke set to reprise his role as the voice of the titular starfish. The spin-off will reportedly involve Patrick hosting his own late-night talk show and will also revolve around members of his family. While The Patrick Star Show is said to feature a largely new talent to provide the voices of newcomers to the SpongeBob franchise, cast members from the original series are expected to reprise their roles for occasional appearances.
According to the outlet's sources, voiceover recordings for The Patrick Star Show have already started and the series is expected to receive a 13-episode order. Although a representative for Nickelodeon reportedly declined to comment on the original report, the company has already announced plans to expand the franchise with projects that include a prequel series for CBS All Access titled Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years.
Fans of all ages have been amused by the antics of SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star for years, with the latter character being just as popular if not more so than his yellow friend. Still, some might be worried that Patrick Star is better suited as a supporting player and that his slow nature may not be as amusing when it's the focus of the show.
Still, SpongeBob SquarePants fans are also probably relieved to be getting any kind of positive news regarding the franchise. This could be especially true if they're still reeling from The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run skipping theaters and heading straight to premium video on demand in early 2021.
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run will be released on VOD and CBS All Access in early 2021.
Source: Deadline