Common Sense Media Review
By Ashley Moulton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Faithful SpongeBob prequel has same fun, slapstick humor.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 12 parent reviews
Parents say this show is overwhelmingly criticized for being poorly made and inappropriate for children, with several reviewers highlighting episodes that discuss nudity and adult topics. While some find it tolerable and suggest it retains some of the original humor, many others regard it as a lazy cash grab that strays far from what made the original series enjoyable.
- poor quality
- inappropriate content
- lazy production
- lost charm
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 17 kid reviews
Kids say the show seems inappropriate for younger audiences, with themes and humor that some parents believe promote negative behavior and disrespect the original creator's wishes. Despite mixed reactions, some still find the animation appealing and believe it may entertain slightly older children, although many critiques point out the show's lack of originality and overall quality compared to its predecessor.
- inappropriate content
- negative themes
- disrespect to creator
- mixed quality
- appealing animation
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
The characters of the SpongeBob SquarePants franchise are young summer campers in KAMP KORAL: SPONGEBOB UNDER YEARS. The original cast reprises their roles as kid-versions of SpongeBob (Tom Kenny), Patrick (Bill Fagerbakke), Sandy Squirrel (Carolyn Lawrence), and camp counselor Squidward (Rodger Bumpass). Mr. Krabs (Clancy Brown) also returns as the grumpy Kamp Koral Kamp Director. Young SpongeBob is, unbelievably, even more enthusiastic and excitable as a kid sponge. He approaches everything with his trademark gusto, whether it's trying to earn his Jellyfish Fishing badge or win a game of tag. His loyal friends Patrick and Sandy are there to support him when things go wrong, and new characters Nobby and Narlene the narwhals round out SpongeBob's silly bunkmates. The stories take nonsensical and fantastical turns, but by the end of each episode, all is right in the world of Lake Yuckymuck and Kamp Koral.
Is It Any Good?
Like the original SpongeBob, there's a lot to love, if also an equal amount of iffy example setting. The CG animation updates the series from the 1999 O.G., and offers some richly colorful and fun settings. 3D characters make some of SpongeBob's fleeting injuries (jellyfish stings, etc.) even more gross (a possible pro for some kids). There are some real laugh-out-loud moments for both kid and adult viewers, and SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy's earnestness continues to be heartwarming. The plots are absolutely absurd, and truly wonderful in their weirdness. That said, the Squidward, Mr. Krabs, and Plankton characters are always grouchy and sometimes downright mean, and there's no shortage of slapstick violence. Many of the physical gags are so over the top that parents might not mind them (because they don't mirror the real world at all), but the mean-spiritedness will feel real to kids. If kids and parents like the original, the Kamp Koral prequel will deliver much of the same.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about SpongeBob's enthusiasm and curiosity. Is there anything that gets you as excited as SpongeBob gets?
Which characters would you want to be friends with in real life? Which ones would not be good friends in real life, and why?
Families can talk about all of the silly injuries that befall the characters. Do you think it's okay for kids to see stuff like that on TV? Does it matter that it's just a pretend cartoon? Why or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date : March 4, 2021
- Cast : Tom Kenny , Bill Fagerbakke , Rodger Bumpass , Clancy Brown , Carolyn Lawrence , Mr. Lawrence , Carlos Alazraqui , Kate Higgins
- Network : Paramount+
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , Animals ( Ocean Creatures )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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