Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years
Faithful SpongeBob prequel has same fun, slapstick humor.
Parents say
Based on 9 reviews
Kids say
Based on 14 reviews
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Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years is a SpongeBob SquarePants spin-off series that follows younger versions of all the original characters while they're at summer camp. The show's humor, antics, and tone are very reminiscent of the original, which makes Kamp Koral similarly appropriate for an elementary-aged group. Expect lots of slapstick violence used for laughs, rudeness and insults between characters, and gross-out humor. Kamp Koral stays true to the SpongeBob franchise; kids who love the absurd fun in the original will enjoy this prequel, too.
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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, Ocean Creatures
- TV rating: TV-Y7
- Last updated: February 26, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
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SpongeBob SquarePants
Edgy, frenetic animated comedy highlights friendship, fun.
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SpongeBob SquarePants: The Great Patty Caper
Cartoon collection is as funny and absurd as always.
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SpongeBob's Big Birthday Blowout
Bikini Bottom crew visits dry land in funny TV special.
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The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie
Movie spin-off is very similar to the edgy animated TV show.
For kids who love whacky cartoons
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