Two 'SpongeBob SquarePants' episodes removed over 'inappropriate' storyline

Two episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants have reportedly been removed from Paramount Plus and Amazon Prime due to their “inappropriate” content.

As reported by Deadline, a SpongeBob SquarePants episode which centers on a virus storyline has been pulled from the beloved cartoon series' current 12th season due to its semblance to the real-life global pandemic. 

“The ‘Kwarantined Crab’ centers on a virus storyline, so we have decided to not air it due to sensitivities surrounding the global, real-world pandemic,” Nickelodeon told Deadline. 

The controversial episode reportedly features a health inspector who quarantines all customers inside the Krusty Krab restaurant after discovering a case of "clam flu".

Prior to "Kwarantine Krab," IGN earlier reported that the cartoon show’s "Mid-Life Crustacean" episode was also taken “out of circulation” since 2018 after the network determined that “some story elements were not kid-appropriate.” 

According to an IMDB plot summary, the episode, which first premiered in 2003, features Mr. Krabs, who is going through a mid-life crisis. After realizing that he’s getting old, he decides to join SpongeBob and Patrick's “wild night out” which eventually ends up in a “panty raid.”

First aired on July 17, 1999, SpongeBob Squarepants has reigned as the number one animated series for kids on TV for the past 18 years. The show generated a universe filled with beloved characters, pop culture catchphrases and memes, theatrical releases, consumer products, a Tony award-winning Broadway musical and a global fan base.

Apart from the popular cartoon series, Nickelodeon has also launched a SpongeBob prequel series Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years, as well as a spinoff featuring his best bud titled The Patrick Show.

(Image from IMDB)