Nickelodeon Renews "SpongeBob SquarePants" For 9th Season

One of TV's most popular animated characters will be returning for another year. According to "The Hollywood Reporter," "SpongeBob Squarepants" has been renewed for a ninth season. Nickelodeon has picked up another 26 episodes of the children's series, which includes the show's 200th installment. Nickelodeon executive Brown Johnson says "SpongeBob" is a great part of their lineup, stating, quote, "'SpongeBob's' success in reaching over 200 episodes is a testament to creator Stephen Hillenburg's vision, comedic sensibility and his dynamic, lovable characters." The ninth season of "SpongeBob Squarepants" will air in 2012.