Why Spongebob Peaked in 2004

Spongebob is a legendary cartoon that many say is past its prime. But when did Spongebob jump the shark? Spongebob jumped the shark pretty early according to IMDB.
Of the top 50 Spongebob episodes, how many do you think came out after 2004? Just Two. Krusty Towers and Squidward's birthday, which was a special with tons of promotion. Every other episode in the top 50 were from seasons 1-3. For context, Spongebob is on season 14 now.
When did Spongebob change? Steven Hillenberg, creator of Spongebob would say after the first movie. Hillenberg wanted to end the show there, but the Nickelodeon machine kept churning.
I looked at the 2nd episode of each season, you won't believe these ratings. Season 2? 8.8, Season 3, 9.1. Then the movie comes out. Season 4 got an 8.1 but watch this. Season 5 - 7.1, Season 6 - 6.2, and Season 7 a 4 point freaking 1!
For many, Spongebob never recovered from the 2000s slump. Do you prefer early spongebob?? #shorts #nickelodeon #spongebob #memes #funny #weird

[@gallicadlair81]

I don’t remember there being an episode focused on Squidward’s birthday, anyone want to clarify this?

[@TiredToonz]

Seasons 4-9 were the dark ages and season 10+ are pretty good

[@ElderMaxon147]

Bruh you lying out your ass because they are just so goofy like the faces and the bodies are way too animated and just become annoying season 4 and 5 were pretty decent

[@KmanEdits]

I wouldn’t say 4 to 5 and 9b were the dark ages. Would you agree?

[@crunchyballs-qw1ne]

Old SpongeBob 💀🙏 is the best

[@ultradragon999]

Ngl id say Fear of a Krabby Patty was better than Krusty Towers.

[@moonchester72]

yobgs haven't seen anything fromyou in coming up to a year you ok

[@YoBGS]

You just commented this on my video lol… yeah I’m okay just making shorts

[@bluexhunter3025]

Oof SpongeBob is definitely the best, but I’d say it fell down right around 2016, I still enjoyed some of the episodes that came after the movie, even the one about him surfing and ending up on a deserted island

[@the_tale_adventures]

Imo late season nine actually brought back some of that charm some of the newer episodes since then are pretty good I’d say around the seance one

[@crunchyballs-qw1ne]

Love that