View source for Season 4

{{D|the fourth season of the main series|Season 4}}
{{Season
|season = 4
|image = 4.jpg
|region1 = {{Time|September 12}}, {{Time|2006}} ([[Season 4 Volume 1|Vol. 1]])<br>{{Time|January 9}}, {{Time|2007}} ([[Season 4 Volume 2|Vol. 2]])<br>{{Time|November 13}}, {{Time|2012}} ([[The Complete Fourth Season|Complete set]])
|region2 = {{Time|November 3}}, {{Time|2008}}
|region4 = {{Time|November 7}}, {{Time|2008}}
|episodes = 20 (38 segments)
|premiere = {{Time|May 6}}, {{Time|2005}}
|finale = {{Time|July 24}}, {{Time|2007}}
|prev = [[Season 3]]
|next = [[Season 5]]
}}
The '''fourth season''' of the American animated television series {{SBSP}}, created by former marine biologist and animator [[Stephen Hillenburg]], was announced on {{Time|September 22}}, {{Time|2004}}.<ref name="renewal">[https://web.archive.org/web/20210410125345/https://www.nexttv.com/news/nick-soaks-20-more-spongebob-episodes-372518 Nick soaks up 20 more "SpongeBob" episodes]</ref>

A total of 20 half-hour episodes were produced for this season.

Season 4 premiered on {{Time|May 6}}, {{Time|2005}} with "[[Fear of a Krabby Patty]]" and "[[Shell of a Man]]," and ended on {{Time|July 24}}, {{Time|2007}} with "[[Squid Wood]]."

Unlike the previous seasons' DVDs, season 4's was split into volumes. The [[Season 4 Volume 1|volume one DVD]] was released in Region 1 on {{Time|September 12}}, {{Time|2006}}, the [[Season 4 Volume 2|volume two DVD]] was released in Region 1 on {{Time|January 9}}, 2007, the season set was released its entirety in Region 2 on {{Time|November 3}}, {{Time|2008}}, and on {{Time|November 13}}, {{Time|2012}}, the entire collection of episodes from season 4 was released on [[The Complete Fourth Season|DVD]] in Region 1.

==Production==
:''Full article on early episode production: [[Season 4/production (early episodes)]]''

Although series creator Stephen Hillenburg wanted the show to end after release of ''[[The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie]]'' to prevent it from "{{W|jumping the shark}}" and because ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' had peaked in popularity, [[Nickelodeon]] wanted more episodes to be produced in accordance with high ratings and series-based merchandise sales. Thus, the show was renewed for a fourth season.<ref>{{cite web|last=Heintjes|first=Tom|title=The Oral History of SpongeBob SquarePants|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607100735/http://cartoonician.com/the-oral-history-of-spongebob-squarepants/|work=Cartoonician|accessdate=February 15, 2018|date=September 21, 2012}}</ref> However, Hillenburg resigned as the showrunner and appointed [[Paul Tibbitt]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Bauder|first=David|title=SpongeBob Turns 10 Valued $8 Billion|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090722163434/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/14/spongebob-turns-10-valued_n_231304.html|accessdate=February 15, 2018|date=July 13, 2009}}</ref> 

On {{Time|May 16}}, {{Time|2004}}, former writer [[Jay Lender]] said on the now defunct ''SpongeBob Area'' that there would be more episodes made: "I believe Nickelodeon is making a handful of new episodes right now, 10 or fewer. Steve's involvement is limited, but the show is in good hands with Paul Tibbitt."<ref>[https://www.sbmania.net/forums/threads/new-episodes.268/#post-3344 New Episodes? Post #1 - SpongeBuddy Mania]</ref> Despite concerns over a possibly similar situation over what happened with ''{{W|The Ren & Stimpy Show}}'' and {{W|John Kricfalusi|its creator}}, Lender said "that's not what's happening here" and assured that "Steve and Derek are exactly as involved as they want to be with the new episodes."<ref name="sbm">[https://www.sbmania.net/forums/threads/new-episodes.268/#post-3451 New Episodes? Post #4 - SpongeBuddy Mania]</ref> Former writer [[Sam Henderson]] also stated that the show was back: "I know that SB is going back into production, but I'm not involved (at least I think). I know that Paul Tibbitt is in charge and Steve Hillenburg & Derek Drymon are not."<ref>[https://www.sbmania.net/forums/threads/new-episodes.268/#post-3357 New Episodes? Post #3 - SpongeBuddy Mania]</ref> He theorized that as to the reason of why these new episodes were being made was "that they want to be able to have an even 65. The real money in television is when a show is rerun in syndication, and 65 is the minimum amount to be eligible."<ref name="sbm" />

[[Kaz]] was called up by Paul Tibbitt to return at some point as well: "Paul called me a few weeks ago to work on a SpongeBob or two. He said he wouldn't be ready for me until late June and July. Of course I said YES. He told me that Nickelodeon ordered four new half-hours. Ten makes more sense -- ----, why not do one more whole season? I believe the characters are strong enough work out 24 more stories. I'm not sure what Paul Tibbitt is thinking about. I know that Carl Greenblatt (my second writing/storyboard directing partner) did a freelance storyboard for one of the new episodes under Paul Tibbitt. [this would end up being the season premiere "[[Fear of a Krabby Patty]]"] There's no gag order on information as far as I know."<ref name="sbm" /> However, by July 2004, he never got the call back and eventually went off to work on ''{{W|Camp Lazlo}}''.<ref>[https://www.sbmania.net/forums/threads/its-official.523/post-7929 It's official! - SpongeBuddy Mania]</ref>

On {{Time|July 5}}, 2004, Jay Lender responded to two emails about a new season he had gotten from both of SBM's moderators, now confident that there would be new episodes, and (as Kaz said) there would be four half-hours.<ref>[https://www.sbmania.net/forums/threads/its-official.523/#post-7454 It's official! - SpongeBuddy Mania]</ref> As far as he was aware, the show would still be staffed by series veterans, production began a few months before, and these episodes were likely part of the fourth season. It was likely that these episodes weren't coming before the movie, (although stranger things had happened) and it was possible that they wouldn't even come at all (Lender said "Nick would be crazy not 
to make more but I wouldn't bet my life on them following through---they're famously fickle about these things.")<ref>[https://www.sbmania.net/forums/threads/its-official.523/#post-7465 It's official! post #3]</ref> 

However, by September 2004, the season was publicly announced, gaining a 15 or 16-episode extension to make another 20-episode season.<ref name="renewal" /> In November 2004, [[Tom Kenny]], [[Bill Fagerbakke]], and the rest of the crew confirmed that they had completed four new episodes for broadcast on Nickelodeon in early 2005,<ref name="10Secrets1">{{cite web|title=10 secrets of SpongeBob SquarePants|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-11-19/news/0411200079_1_spongebob-and-patrick-spongebob-creator-stephen-hillenburg-starfish-friend-patrick|work=The Chicago Tribune|accessdate=August 18, 2013|date=November 19, 2004}}</ref><ref name="10Secrets2">{{cite web|title=Ten secrets of the SpongeBob movie|url=http://www.today.com/id/6494823/ns/today-entertainment/t/ten-secrets-spongebob-movie/#.UVTqlxf-GZc|work=Today|accessdate=August 18, 2013}}</ref> and planned to finish about 20 total for the then-fourth season.<ref name="10Secrets1" /><ref name="10Secrets2" /> In particular, Kenny said, "Kids were happy watching them for the 3,000th time. It was the parents who've been busting my chops for new episodes."<ref name="S41">{{cite web|title=SPONGEBOB READY FOR HIS FOURTH TV SEASON|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-132083790.html|work=The Cincinnati Post|accessdate=November 2, 2013|date=May 2, 2005|location=Cincinnati, OH}}</ref> He remarked that it would be "the same show, the same sponge."<ref name="S41" />

==List of episodes==
<onlyinclude>
{{EpList/top}}
{{EpList
|Name = Fear of a Krabby Patty
|Prod = 61a
|Date = {{Time|May 6}}, {{Time|2005}}
|Views = 3.81<ref name="return">[https://archive.ph/0L9If Broadcast and Cable Nielsens: Week Ending May 8, 2005]</ref>
|Desc = The [[Krusty Krab]] opens up for 24 hours as part of {{Link|Plankton}}'s plan, and it causes {{Link|SpongeBob}} to become afraid of {{Link|Krabby Patties}}.
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Shell of a Man
|Prod = 61b
|Date = {{Time|May 6}}, {{Time|2005}}
|Views = 3.81<ref name="return"/>
|Desc = {{Link|Mr. Krabs}} molts and loses his shell just before meeting up with his Navy buddies, so {{Link|SpongeBob}} dresses up in it and takes his place.
}}
{{EpList
|Name = The Lost Mattress
|Prod = 62a
|Date = {{Time|May 13}}, {{Time|2005}}
|Views = 3.34<ref name="mattress">[https://archive.ph/GAsQe Broadcast and Cable Nielsens: Week Ending May 15,** 2005 <small>''**Mistakenly listed as May 8, 2005.''</small>]</ref>
|Desc = {{Link|SpongeBob}}, {{Link|Patrick}}, and {{Link|Squidward}} try to get back {{Link|Mr. Krabs}}' lost mattress.
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Krabs vs. Plankton
|Prod = 62b
|Date = {{Time|May 13}}, {{Time|2005}}
|Views = 3.34<ref name="mattress"/>
|Desc = {{Link|Plankton}} sues {{Link|Mr. Krabs}} over an injury, and {{Link|SpongeBob}} serves as Krabs' lawyer.
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Have You Seen This Snail?
|Prod = 63
|Date = {{Time|November 11}}, {{Time|2005}}
|Views = 7.93<ref name="snail"> [https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/16/arts/arts-briefly-cowboys-and-snail-score.html?scp=141&sq=SpongeBob&st=nyt/ Arts, Briefly; Cowboys and Snail Score]</ref>
|Desc = {{Link|Gary}} runs away from home after being neglected by {{Link|SpongeBob}}.
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Skill Crane
|Prod = 64a
|Date = {{Time|May 20}}, {{Time|2005}}
|Views = 3.26<ref name="ratings"> [https://archive.ph/0BATH Friends (NBC): Ratings Recap]</ref>
|Desc = {{Link|Squidward}} attempts to win a prize from the [[Skill crane (machine)|skill crane]].
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Good Neighbors
|Prod = 64b
|Date = {{Time|May 20}}, {{Time|2005}}
|Views = 3.26<ref name="ratings"/> 
|Desc = {{Link|SpongeBob}} and {{Link|Patrick}} annoy {{Link|Squidward}} on his Sunday off.
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Selling Out
|Prod = 65a
|Date = {{Time|September 23}}, {{Time|2005}}
|Views = 2.53<ref name="ratings"/> 
|Desc = {{Link|Mr. Krabs}} retires and leaves the [[Krusty Krab]] under new management.
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Funny Pants
|Prod = 65b
|Date = {{Time|September 30}}, {{Time|2005}}
|Views = 2.85<ref name="ratings"/> 
|Desc = Fed up over {{Link|SpongeBob}}'s constant laughter, {{Link|Squidward}} tricks him into thinking he lost it.
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Dunces and Dragons
|Prod = 66
|Date = {{Time|February 20}}, {{Time|2006}}
|Views = 8.56<ref name="dragons"> [https://web.archive.org/web/20220906024123/https://apnews.com/article/217534d9a5910d3062502d1843fa2180/ Ratings for Basic Cable Networks - Associated Press]</ref>
|Desc = {{Link|SpongeBob}} and {{Link|Patrick}} end up in the Middle Ages, and have to go on a quest to defeat [[Planktonamor]].
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Enemy In-Law
|Prod = 67a
|Date = {{Time|October 14}}, {{Time|2005}}
|Views = 2.08<ref name="ratings"/> 
|Desc = {{Link|Plankton}} falls in love with {{Link|Mr. Krabs}}' mother, [[Betsy Krabs]].
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Mermaid Man & Barnacle Boy VI: The Motion Picture
|Prod = 67b
|Date = {{Time|October 7}}, {{Time|2005}}
|Views = 2.68<ref name="ratings"/> 
|Desc = {{Link|SpongeBob}} and {{Link|Patrick}} find out that a [[Mermaid Man]] and [[Barnacle Boy]] movie is in production using actors, so they make their own with the real heroes.
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Patrick SmartPants
|Prod = 68a
|Date = {{Time|October 21}}, {{Time|2005}}
|Views = 2.73<ref name="ratings"/> 
|Desc = {{Link|Patrick}} gets smarter after falling off a cliff and knocking his head off.
}}
{{EpList
|Name = SquidBob TentaclePants
|Prod = 68b
|Date = {{Time|November 4}}, {{Time|2005}}
|Views = 3.28<ref name="ratings"/>
|Desc = Thanks to {{Link|Sandy}}'s faulty invention, {{Link|SpongeBob}} and {{Link|Squidward}} get morphed together.
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Krusty Towers
|Prod = 69a
|Date = {{Time|April 1}}, {{Time|2006}}
|Views = 5.83<ref name="towers"> [https://archive.ph/7DZcP Broadcast & Cable Nielsens: Week Ending April 2, 2006]</ref>
|Desc = {{Link|Mr. Krabs}} turns the [[Krusty Krab]] into [[Krusty Towers (building)|a hotel]].
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Mrs. Puff, You're Fired
|Prod = 69b
|Date = {{Time|April 1}}, {{Time|2006}}
|Views = 5.83<ref name="towers"/>
|Desc = [[Mrs. Puff]] gets fired and is replaced by a [[Sergeant Roderick|stricter teacher]].
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Chimps Ahoy
|Prod = 70a
|Date = {{Time|May 5}}, {{Time|2006}}
|Views = 2.16<ref name="ratings"/> 
|Desc = {{Link|Sandy}}'s [[Chimpanzees|bosses]] visit to see her inventions, but if they don't like anything, she must leave [[Bikini Bottom]].
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Ghost Host
|Prod = 70b
|Date = {{Time|May 5}}, {{Time|2006}}
|Views = 2.16<ref name="ratings"/> 
|Desc = The [[Flying Dutchman]] stays with {{Link|SpongeBob}} to reclaim his dignity.
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Whale of a Birthday
|Prod = 71a
|Date = {{Time|May 12}}, {{Time|2006}}
|Views = 2.85<ref name="ratings"/> 
|Desc = {{Link|Mr. Krabs}} sends {{Link|SpongeBob}} to get {{Link|Pearl}} a birthday present.
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Karate Island
|Prod = 71b
|Date = {{Time|May 12}}, {{Time|2006}}
|Views = 2.85<ref name="ratings"/> 
|Desc = {{Link|SpongeBob}} becomes "king of [[karate]]" and travels to [[Condo Island|Karate Island]] with {{Link|Sandy}}.
}}
{{EpList
|Name = All That Glitters
|Prod = 72a
|Date = {{Time|June 2}}, {{Time|2006}}
|Views = 3.37<ref name="ratings"/> 
|Desc = {{Link|SpongeBob}} breaks [[SpongeBob's spatula|his spatula]], and is forced to replace it.
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Wishing You Well
|Prod = 72b
|Date = {{Time|June 2}}, {{Time|2006}}
|Views = 3.37<ref name="ratings"/> 
|Desc = {{Link|Mr. Krabs}} opens a [[The Eugene Krabs Memorial Wishing Well|wishing well]].
}}
{{EpList
|Name = New Leaf
|Prod = 73a
|Date = {{Time|September 22}}, {{Time|2006}}
|Views = 2.58<ref name="ratings"/> 
|Desc = {{Link|Plankton}} turns the [[Chum Bucket]] into a gift shop.
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Once Bitten
|Prod = 73b
|Date = {{Time|September 29}}, {{Time|2006}}
|Views = 3.05<ref name="ratings"/> 
|Desc = {{Link|Gary}}'s biting causes the Bikini Bottomites to think that he has a disease.
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Bummer Vacation
|Prod = 74a
|Date = {{Time|October 13}}, {{Time|2006}}
|Views = 3.10<ref name="ratings"/> 
|Desc = {{Link|Mr. Krabs}} forces {{Link|SpongeBob}} to take vacation time off work.
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Wigstruck
|Prod = 74b
|Date = {{Time|November 17}}, {{Time|2006}}
|Views = 2.64<ref name="ratings"/>
|Desc = {{Link|SpongeBob}} finds a wig and starts wearing it.
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Squidtastic Voyage
|Prod = 75a
|Date = {{Time|October 6}}, {{Time|2006}}
|Views = 3.17<ref name="ratings"/> 
|Desc = {{Link|SpongeBob}} and {{Link|Patrick}} shrink themselves so they can retrieve a clarinet reed stuck in {{Link|Squidward}}'s throat.
}}
{{EpList
|Name = That's No Lady
|Prod = 75b
|Date = {{Time|November 25}}, {{Time|2006}}
|Views = 2.99<ref name="ratings"/>
|Desc = {{Link|Patrick}} disguises himself as a woman to avoid getting kicked out of town.
}}
{{EpList
|Name = The Thing
|Prod = 76a
|Date = {{Time|January 15}}, {{Time|2007}}
|Views = 3.60<ref name="thing"> [https://web.archive.org/web/20070205200532/http://tv.zap2it.com/tveditorial/tve_main/1,1002,272%7C%7C%7Ccable,00.html/ Cable Series by Total Households, week of 01/15/07-01/21/07]</ref>
|Desc = {{Link|SpongeBob}} and {{Link|Patrick}} think {{Link|Squidward}} is an animal and call him "Smelly."
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Hocus Pocus
|Prod = 76b
|Date = {{Time|January 15}}, {{Time|2007}}
|Views = 3.60<ref name="thing"/>
|Desc = {{Link|SpongeBob}} thinks he turned {{Link|Squidward}} into [[Squidward the Ice Cream Cone|an ice cream cone]].
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Driven to Tears
|Prod = 77a
|Date = {{Time|February 19}}, {{Time|2007}}
|Views = 4.99<ref name="patrick"> [https://web.archive.org/web/20070307154614/http://tv.zap2it.com/tveditorial/tve_main/1,1002,272%7C%7C%7Ccable,00.html/ Cable Series by Total Households, week of 2/19/07-2/25/07 - Zap2it]</ref>
|Desc = {{Link|Patrick}} gets his driver's license, and rubs it in {{Link|SpongeBob}}'s face.
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Rule of Dumb
|Prod = 77b
|Date = {{Time|February 19}}, {{Time|2007}}
|Views = 4.99<ref name="patrick"/>
|Desc = {{Link|Patrick}} becomes a mean tyrant when he is crowned king.
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Born to Be Wild
|Prod = 78a
|Date = {{Time|March 31}}, {{Time|2007}}
|Views = 4.42<ref name="sbmania2"> [https://www.sbmania.net/forums/threads/weekly-spongebob-ratings.100/page-14#post-247308/ Weekly SpongeBob Ratings, Page 14]</ref><ref name="kca2007">[https://archive.ph/t7y60 Broadcast & Cable Nielsens: Week Ending April 1, 2007]</ref>
|Desc = {{Link|SpongeBob}} and {{Link|Patrick}} are convinced that a [[Mild Ones|ferocious biker gang]] is coming to [[Bikini Bottom]].
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Best Frenemies
|Prod = 78b
|Date = {{Time|March 31}}, {{Time|2007}}
|Views = 4.42<ref name="sbmania2"/><ref name="kca2007"/>
|Desc = {{Link|Mr. Krabs}} and {{Link|Plankton}} team up to infiltrate the new [[Kelpshake]] restaurant.
}}
{{EpList
|Name = The Pink Purloiner
|Prod = 79a
|Date = {{Time|February 19}}, {{Time|2007}}
|Views = 5.39<ref name="patrick"/>
|Desc = {{Link|SpongeBob}} thinks {{Link|Patrick}} stole [[Ol' Reliable|his jellyfishing net]].
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Squid Wood
|Prod = 79b
|Date = {{Time|July 24}}, {{Time|2007}}
|Views = 3.91<ref name="ratings"/>
|Desc = {{Link|SpongeBob}} makes a [[Mini Squidward|miniature]] {{Link|Squidward}}, who everyone likes better than the real Squidward.
}}
{{EpList
|Name = Best Day Ever
|Prod = 80a
|Date = {{Time|November 10}}, {{Time|2006}}
|Views = 6.66<ref name="bestratingsever"> [https://web.archive.org/web/20240305035646/http://www.ratingsryan.com/2020/08/broadcast-cable-nielsens-20061112.html Broadcast & Cable Nielsens: Week Ending November 12, 2006]</ref>
|Desc = {{Link|SpongeBob}}'s "best day ever" doesn't go as planned.
}}
{{EpList
|Name = The Gift of Gum
|Prod = 80b
|Date = {{Time|February 19}}, {{Time|2007}}
|Views = 5.39<ref name="patrick"/>
|Desc = {{Link|Patrick}} gives {{Link|SpongeBob}} a [[Gummy|glob of gum]] for [[Best Friends Day]], but SpongeBob wants to get rid of it.
|Last = TRUE
}}
{{EpList/bottom}}
</onlyinclude>

==Trivia==
*This is the first season for several things:
**The first season of the main series to not premiere while the previous season was still airing, having premiered seven months after [[season 3]] ended.
**The first season to not include a framing device hosted by [[Patchy the Pirate]] in the double-length episodes.
***This is also the first season since the first where Patchy does not appear outside of the special opening for double-length episodes.
**The first season to have Paul Tibbitt as the showrunner. Because of this, he is credited as a supervising producer in every episode beginning with this season up to the [[season 9]] episode "[[SpongeBob You're Fired]]."
***Despite Stephen Hillenburg lending the showrunner role over to the former, he had a small advisory role in which he reviewed each episode and offered suggestions to the show's production crew.
**The first season to have [[Barry Anthony Trop|Barry Anthony]] compose music for the show. He would continue to compose new music for future seasons until he retired in 2014, and later passed away in 2016.
**The first season whose DVD release is split into volumes.
**The first season to be fully released on DVD before finishing its television broadcast.
**The first season not to play "[[Stars and Games]]," "[[War Blower]]," "[[Paradise Isle]]," or "[[Maui Beach]]" (if the [[The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie|first movie]] counts as [[season 3]]).
*Starting with this season:
**Episodes now have their sisters normally premiere as 11-minute increments and rarely premiere them together, which was used earlier with "[[Hooky]]"/"[[Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy II]]" and "[[Shanghaied]]"/"[[Gary Takes a Bath]]."
**The episodes become PAL-pitched in some countries. The only exceptions are "[[The Lost Mattress]]"/"[[Krabs vs. Plankton]]" and "[[Enemy In-Law]]"/"[[Mermaid Man & Barnacle Boy VI: The Motion Picture]]."
**SpongeBob's cheeks face outward instead of inward.
*This is the last season to have episodes released on [[List of VHS tapes|VHS]].
*This is the first season since [[Squilliam Fancyson]]'s debut to not feature him. His next apperance is [[Season 6]]'s [[House Fancy]].
*Tuck Tucker's first and only episode from this season he worked as writer and storyboard director was "Best Day Ever". he later worked on the next season before his departure in December 2020.

==Videos==
<gallery widths="180" captionalign="center" position="center">
SpongeBob Season 4 Marathon 🧽 - 2 HOURS of the Best Episodes - @SpongeBobOfficial
One Moment from EVERY SpongeBob Episode in Season 4 🧽 - @SpongeBobOfficial
SpongeBob Season 4 in 60 SECONDS! -shorts
</gallery>

==References==
{{Reflist}}
[[de:Staffel 4]]
[[es:Temporada 4]]
[[id:Daftar episode musim 4]]
[[pl:Sezon 4]]
[[ru:Четвёртый сезон мультсериала «Губка Боб Квадратные Штаны»]]