Nickelodeon’s hit animated series SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS made a strong comeback to China Central Television (CCTV) Kids Channel ranking as number-one across all Children/Teenage Programs/Channels in 15 key cities reaching 20.5 million of home viewers.

The remarkable return of SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS marks the 10th anniversary of this multi-awarded series. Telecast across CCTV Kids Channels since 25 December 2008 at 9pm, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS bowled-out all cartoon programs, finishing number-one among kids aged 4-14 according to CSM Media Research Dec 25, 08 - Feb 4, 09. 45% of SPONGEBOB’s audiences are aged 4-14, with 25-44 year old viewers following not far behind at 33%. Measuring 15 key cities across the country, the top cities tuning into the popular yellow sponge are Xi’an with the highest average rating of 11.1, followed by Fuzhou with an average rating of 6.09, Wuhan with an average rating of 5.92, Tianjin with an average rating of 5.38 and Shenyang with an average rating of 5.22 and Chengdu with an average rating of 5.21. (Data source: CSM Media Research -– Dec 25, 08-Feb 4, 09)

• SPONGEBOB ranks #1 of all Children/Teenage Programs/Channels in 15 key cities in China
• CCTV Kids Channel is #1 of all CCTV Channels (4-14)
• CCTV Kids Channel ranks #4 of all CCTV Channels (Female 25-34)
• 45% of SPONGEBOB’s viewers were under age 14; 33% of SPONGEBOB’s viewers were aged 25-44
• Performance of SPONGEBOB (premier) in Xi’an is the most outstanding among the 15 key cities
• Cartoon World ratings were much higher when airing SpongeBob compared to its previous show

SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS first aired in China on CCTV in 2006 with resounding success in ratings within the 4-14 and 25-44 age groups. It was also shown from September to December 2007.

Over the past ten years, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS has emerged as a pop-culture phenomenon and one of the most popular series in kids’ television history. Starting as an underground hit with teens and young adults to one of the hottest licenses in the marketplace today, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS has generated more than US$ 7.5 billion in retail sales and is widely distributed around the world, syndicated to more than 171 countries in 25 languages.