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Paramount Global's Nickelodeon, in partnership with CBS Sports, was among the television channels to broadcast this year's Super Bowl LVIII event — and it had more in store than people could think.
Leveraging augmented reality and adding a touch of comedy, the "Super Bowl LVIII Live from Bikini Bottom" coverage had the internet abuzz with its fresh take on one of the biggest sporting events of the year.
We've rounded up the most memorable viral moments that just might set the stage for Super Bowls to come.
Celebrities as Deep Sea Critters
As part of the broadcast's gimmicks, Nickelodeon poked fun at celebrities by reimagining them as fish and other deep sea critters from the beloved cartoon.
Among the personalities were NBA star Lebron James as LePrawn James, Hollywood action star Vin Diesel as Fin Diesel and American pop sensation Billie Eilish as Billie Eelish.
Nickelodeon broadcast celebs at Super Bowl LVIII 😂 pic.twitter.com/TO4szVLrYS
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 12, 2024
"The Nickelodeon SuperBowl is unhinged," one X user wrote, sharing screenshots of Olivia Codrigo, Pirihanna and Megan Thee Sturgeon from the broadcast.
A Full Version of the 'Sweet Victory' Performance
In light of the Big Game, Nickelodeon released a full-version of the Spongebob Squarepants song "Sweet Victory" — a track performed by SpongeBob and his friends in an episode that parodied the Super Bowl and its champions.
Aside from refreshed animations, the music video also featured plays from the Kansas City Chiefs adorned in bubbles and jellyfish, including celebratory shots of Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes and more.
Full version of SpongeBob performing ‘Sweet Victory’ at the #SuperBowl 🎤 pic.twitter.com/hwAleIdKlg
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) February 11, 2024
SpongeBob Characters' Live Report
Early February, the TV giant announced through a press release that voice actors Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke and Carolyn Lawrence would reprise their cartoon roles as sports reporters for the big event.
Nickelodeon’s #SuperBowl broadcast has Sandy Cheeks as a sideline reporter.
— Pop Base (@PopBase) February 12, 2024
pic.twitter.com/tQBfmjOXRj
While Spongebob and Patrick sat behind the booth alongside CBS Sports analyst Nate Burleson and announcer Noah Eagle, the eclectic Sandy Cheeks made her debut as a sideline reporter and provided game commentary in between plays.
"That referee there, he's the boss. Kinda like Mr.Krabs at the Krusty Krab, except the referee wears a white hat and isn't talking about money all the time," the squirrel hilariously quips.
On top of providing laughs, Sandy Cheeks also explained the game in a language that children will understand, grooming the next generation of football fans.
The success of Nickelodeon's broadcast this year may be a sign of more Bikini Bottom-themed Big Games to come.
Editing by Katherine 'Makkie' Maclang
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