I can't believe it's been 10 whole years since SpongeBob SquarePants came bounding enthusiastically into our living rooms, but it's true! To mark the occasion, tonight VH1 will air Square Roots: The Story of SpongeBob SquarePants, an original SpongeBob SquarePants TV documentary. Then, from July 17-19, Nickelodeon will air a 50-hour "event," hosted by Patchy the Pirate, which "will include an unprecedented 11 SpongeBob premieres and a top-10 countdown of celebrities' favorite SpongeBob episodes."

Here are a few more details on tonight's documentary, produced by Wordplay's Creadon O'Malley:

Commissioned by Nickelodeon to commemorate the anniversary of the series' first episode, the documentary chronicles the beloved character's journey to international pop culture icon status and showcases the series' impact on everyone from President Barack Obama, kids across the globe and San Quentin inmates who readily sing its catchy theme song. The one-hour documentary, features an opening song from Avril Lavigne and commentary from creator Steve Hillenburg, cast and crew members, industry experts, fanatics and celebrities like LeBron James, Ricky Gervais and Rosario Dawson.

Aww. I can't wait to tune in for this. Technically SpongeBob SquarePants is a kids' show, but it's so clever and witty, I actually watch it fairly regularly with my friends because it often makes me laugh way more than certain adult comedies do. I used to think Squidward was my favorite character but I also have a major soft spot for the evil schemer, Plankton.

Are you a SpongeBob fan? Do you have a favorite character or episode?