History Heartwarming / SpongeBobSquarePants

* "Welcome to the Bikini Bottom Triangle," After seeming like such a heartless jerk for so long, when Mr. Krabs see's [=SpongeBob=] feeling weak due to a lack of [[TrademarkFavoriteFood Krabby Patties]], he is incredibly worried and instantly [[ItMakesSenseInContext asks the giant vacuum cleaner to spare one for him]].

** The scene with the Flying Dutchman appearing and claim he going take everybody’s souls starting with [=SpongeBob=]'s because he found his costume insulting. Sandy shouted “[=SpongeBob=]!” in a concerned worried way.

* The scene with the Flying Dutchman appearing and claim he going take everybody’s souls starting with [=SpongeBob=]'s because he found his costume insulting. Sandy shouted “Spongebob!” in a concerned worried way.

** The look on Squidward's face after [=SpongeBob=] starts singing. That wide-eyed, open-mouthed, uncomprehending shock that the band's actually kicking ass. That is the look of a man, thoroughly broken by life, who is suddenly hit square in the face with the realization that what he thought was going to be the worst moment of his life is actually going to be the ''best'', and from the '''bane of his existence'''. His dancing and enjoying the performance immediately after definitely plays into it too, topped off with the episode concluding on his triumphant FreezeFrameEnding as well.

** The look on Squidward's face after [=SpongeBob=] starts singing. That wide-eyed, open-mouthed, uncomprehending shock that the band's actually kicking ass. That is the look of a man, thoroughly broken by life, who is suddenly hit square in the face with the realization that what he thought was going to be the worst moment of his life is actually going to be the ''best'', and from the '''bane of his existence'''. His dancing and enjoying the performance immediately after definitely plays into it too, topped off the with episode concluding on his triumphant FreezeFrame as well.

** The look on Squidward's face after [=SpongeBob=] starts singing. That wide-eyed, open-mouthed, uncomprehending shock that the band's actually kicking ass. That is the look of a man, thoroughly broken by life, who is suddenly hit square in the face with the realization that what he thought was going to be the worst moment of his life is actually going to be the ''best'', and from the '''bane of his existence'''.

* "Patty Hype". Even though it was simply a greedy attempt on Mr Krabs' part to have the Pretty Patty stand for himself, it's still heartwarming to see him give [=SpongeBob=] ownership of the Krusty Krab. When [=SpongeBob=] is given the key, he's smiling so wide and is so stunned that he can't even move his legs, which is followed by the customers [[CrowdSurfing carrying him back]] to the Krusty Krab while he proclaims that "dreams do come true" and the scene is presented as him being sent to heaven, which is followed up by [[GoodTimesMontage a full montage]] of him happily frolicking in the restaurant.

** It's pretty telling that, when Squidward believes that he and [=SpongeBob=] are going to be killed, he actually picks up [=SpongeBob=] and hugs him close, as if attempting to protect him. [[BigBrotherInstinct And this is coming from the guy who normally hates when SpongeBob hugs him]].

* While [=SpongeBob=] has a strong friendship with Patrick, there's still something very wholesome about his relationship with Sandy. Despite being two different creatures from land or sea, they stick by each other's side through thick and thin and enjoy each other's company. Heck, when they first met, [=SpongeBob=]'s first instinct was to try and help 'save' Sandy from a giant clam, and [=SpongeBob=] always tries to selflessly help Sandy feel more at home in Bikini Bottom. They even enjoy practicing karate together, defend each other when need be, and Sandy occasionally laughs at some of [=SpongeBob=]'s jokes (except the time he used "squirrel jokes" that offended Sandy, until [=SpongeBob=] came to his senses and put her feelings before everyone else's).

** Unlike season 1's "Walking Small," this is an episode where someone tells [=SpongeBob=] how to assert himself correctly while still being nice, and it ''works''. Kind of meta, but throughout the majority of the show, [=SpongeBob=] has a problem of being a doormat to other people and keeping his frustration bottled up until he ends up being a jerk. In this episode it appears that he's actually ''learned'' something. Good for you, Spongie!

** In a meta example, this was Aaron Springer's final episode before he moved on to ''WesternAnimation/GravityFalls''. Springer had a turbulent career in Season 5-7, but he also wrote greats like Karate Choppers, Band Geeks, and more recently Treats!. Once you realize that he had been with [=SpongeBob=] since Season 1 (13 years) and this heartwarming episode is his finale, it qualifies as a TearJerker.
* In a bizarre way, Squidward finally finding a happy memory in "Are You Happy Now?" -- chainsawing every Paper Mache [=SpongeBob=] in sight.

** In a more straightforward way, [=SpongeBob=]'s actual concern and (failed) attempts to help Squidward be happy. Especially when he states "At least we know [Squidward] is still alive".

** The look on Squidward's face after [=SpongeBob=] starts singing. That wide-eyed, open-mouthed, uncomprehending shock that the band's actually kicking ass. That is the look of a man, thoroughly broken by life, who is suddenly hit square in the face with the realization that what he thought was going to be the worst moment of his life is actually going to be the ''best'', and from the '''bane of his existence.'''

*** Bubble Bass in particular stands out since unlike Plankton and Squidward, we have ''never'' seen him get along with [=SpongeBob=]. Further adding to this is that Bubble Bass wants the party to be Mermaid Man themed, showing he actually knows [=SpongeBob=] is a huge fan of the old superhero and they possibly may have bonded over similar interests.

* It's a staple of kids' shows for the protagonist to be annoyed and/or embarrassed by their parents, [[AvertedTrope but it's a totally different story with SpongeBob]]. His parents are cute as a button and he's always excited to see them, and always calls them to tell them about his life and accomplishments.

** Also at the end of Squidwards concert the audience is cheering and throwing roses meaning his performance must have been great.

* In "To [=SquarePants=] or not to [=SquarePants=]," when Sponegbob "Roundpants" tries to start a new life, he follows Squidward around trying to learn the ropes of working at the Krusty Krab. Squidward is at first annoyed with [=SpongeBob=] following him around, but there is something uplifting about watching Squidward being so proud of [=SpongeBob=], even it's becuase he' so proud of [=SpongeBob=] being a slob like him, and treating him like his best friend.

* In "Mermaid Pants", when [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick show up at the Krusty Krab dressed as Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy, Mr. Krabs, of all people, reveals himself to be a closet comic book geek and closes down for the day just so he and a relucant Squidward can play with them.

** Five months after his passing, a special memorial ceremony for Stephen Hillenburg was held at the Nickelodeon Animation Studios in Burbank, California. During the ceremony, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLuh_6QW5es they brought out Tom Kenny (voice of Spongebob) to perform an emotional rendition of "The Best Day Ever" with The Hi-Seas]]. The tribute also doubles as a TearJerker since the keyboardist is crying while peforming the song.

** It is more PlayedForLaughs, but Mr. Krabs being an OverprotectiveDad to Pearl is a nice change of pace from his usually self-centered self.

-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' Yellow!
-->'''Patrick:''' Pink!
-->'''[=SpongeBob=] and Patrick, tearfully:''' You ''do'' care!

* [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick making up in "The Fry Cook Games" is equal parts hilarious and heartwarming.

* Gary and [=SpongeBob=]'s reunion at the end of "Have You Seen This Snail?" There’s a reason why it provides the page image.

'''Squidward:''' Well, I hate the smell of burning Krabby Patties even more. Please come back and fry cook again!

* Gary and [=SpongeBob=]'s reunion at the end of "Have You Seen This Snail?"

* Several evangelical Christian groups in America criticized the show for advocating homosexuality after a [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnD8BYjZiW0 music video]] featuring [=SpongeBob=] was supported by the ''[[http://www.wearefamilyfoundation.org/ We Are Family Foundation]]'' ([[SugarWiki/{{WAFF}} coincidence]]), an organization dedicated to mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation of cultural diversity - which [[NamesTheSame shares its name with a similar organization that supports gay rights]]. Although [[WordOfGod Stephen Hillenburg said [=SpongeBob=] was asexual]], John H. Thomas, the United Church of Christ's general minister and president, said the United Church would welcome [=SpongeBob=] into their ministry:

* In "Culture Shock," Squidward mentions to Mr Krabs that the talent show would bring in a lot of money, as well as make Pearl a star. Mr Krabs, who, as we all know, is obsessed with money, is more happy at the idea of his daughter becoming a star.

* The end of the episode "C.H.U.M.S." has [=SpongeBob=] saving Mr. Krabs from Plankton's chum monster (which had eaten him) without even realizing it. Mr. Krabs, who was crying out for him to help him earlier, hold him in his arms while calling him his ''little hero'' and kisses him on the nose.

* For as greedy as he can be (particularly in the later episodes), Mr. Krabs shows that he truly loves [=SpongeBob=] like a son. Also, he and Squidward, despite fighting and arguing, show that they have a sort of brotherly relationship.
* [=SpongeBob=] is a terrible driver and fails his driving test every year, but he loves his driving teacher Mrs. Puff, has nothing but admiration for her, and is always happy to see her. Even throughout the controversial episode, "Demolition Doofus."

-->'''Squidward:''' Well, this one's on the HOUSE! (''[[PieInTheFace shoves pizza in Tom's face]]'')

** From the same episode, Mermaid Man saying with complete sincerity, "For a pain in the neck, he's a pretty nice kid!" It's telling that for however annoying [=SpongeBob=] can be, Mermaid Man (nor even Barnacle Boy) seem to have any actual hostility toward the little sponge, like Squidward and Mrs. Puff.

** Also, just before they start playing, Spongebob is clearly nervous, and Mr. Krabs outright says he's going to be sick. Then the music starts, and they give it their all for Squidward.

** And the thing is? This speech ''works.'' When we next see the group, they're all playing music perfectly together- from Larry to Plankton to Mr. Krabbs to ''Patrick,'' everyone is working together when normally the episode would just have them fall apart humorously.

* In “The Lost Mattress” in the beginning Mr. Krabs snapped at [=SpongeBob=] but quickly apologize when he saw how [=SpongeBob=] was about to cry. He explains that he’s just crabby cause he’s having trouble sleeping on his mattress that is old and lumpy.

* "Whale of a Birthday": After Pearl's birthday ends up as a ShoddyShindig as usual, [=SpongeBob=] saves everything last minute by bringing all the gifts he got for Pearl with Mr. Krabs' credit card, including hiring Boys Who Cry to perform.

* Remember in "Rule of Dumb" when Patrick goes mad with power, and he has that altercation with his reflection, and he realizes what he's done, and tries so desperately to get the crown away?

** A great majority of the episode, actually. [[NiceGuy SpongeBob]] spends the whole episode trying to help Squidward get ready for his date, which was pretty nice of him, and even Squidward appreciates the gesture. At the end, Squidward finaly snaps at [=SpongeBob=]'s weird, annoying ways, and blows up at him. Squid's date sees, and Squidward dejectedly assumes that the gal no longer likes him. But she said, with admiration, that she appreciates a man who "doesn't suffer fools," and they proceed to go on their date.

* In "Lost and Found", when the lost aged kids reunites with their parents.
* In “Patrick’s Coupon” not only does Squidward (of all people) stop Mr Krabs from swindling Patrick out of his free ice cream coupon, he outright calls Mr Krabs out on how dishonest and low it is to try, even for him.

* In "Appointment TV", after [=SpongeBob=] is unable to see the lost Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy episode he's been so dying to see due to his friends using him for favors (causing his VCR to overload and his house to be set on fire) and becomes a depressed wreck, Sandy, Patrick, Mr. Krabs, Squidward, Gary, Plankton, Mrs. Puff, and Larry band together to create a Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy play to cheer [=SpongeBob=] up, which [=SpongeBob=] loves.

* The end of the episode "C.H.U.M.S." has [=SpongeBob=] saving Mr. Krabs from Plankton's chum monster (which had eaten him) without even realizing it. Mr. Krabs, who was crying out for him to help him earlier, takes him in his arms while calling him his ''little hero'' and kisses him on the nose.