Why Are SpongeBob's Background Cast The Main Characters in China?

Why Are SpongeBob's Background Cast The Main Characters in China?

Known for their drooping eyelids, frowns, and general air of unamusement, the over 300 background characters (also known as “incidentals”) from the cartoon show SpongeBob SquarePants have suddenly risen to main character status in China this summer. Referred to on Chinese social media as “Bikini Bottom residents” (比奇堡居民), the ostensible unremarkability of these fish is exactly what has propelled them to viral fame. While the trend gained major a…