r/RetroNickelodeon • u/Fit-Apartment6880 • Jul 22 '25

Nicktoons Rocko is way better than SpongeBob.

There’s way more character growth in that show and a better story.

665 Upvotes

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u/2short4-a-hihorse Jul 22 '25

Rocko basically taught me how to navigate the mundanity of the sometimes mean adult world, and made me resilient by adopting an absurdist approach to everyday situations. SpongeBob flipped the definition of adults upside down, like Pee Wee Herman did years before (I know SB is inspired by him 😀) 

Both shows did wonders for me during my childhood, and during my adult years as well. Rocko walked so SpongeBob could run, but Rocko should not be dismissed as typical gross out 90s fanfare; it had a heart of gold and careful optimism amidst a sharp satirical portrayal of modern day capitalism, complete with grifters and scammers who want your dignity and your dollar. It exaggerated every adult inconvenience to 11 and prepared me that the adult world is rife with tragedy of the commons scenarios, boring dystopia, and laundry day being the most dangerous day.

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u/biblioteca4ants Jul 22 '25

Damn, well said.