People have grafted a ton of dark themes onto SpongeBob, Patrick, and all their equally cheery underwater pals, suggesting their sunny dispositions are masking some serious trauma.

FAN THEORY
Discover some of the most fascinating fan theories for season 3 and beyond of Max’s hit fantasy series, ‘House of the Dragon.’
It’s no surprise that paintings like ‘The Scream,’ ‘The Starry Night,’ and ‘Mona Lisa’ have been subject to myriad interpretations over the years—some more bizarre than others.
These theories about The Bard’s works range from the almost believable to the the utterly outlandish.
Was Russell’s dad actually in Pixar’s “Up” all along? This interesting fan theory says yes.
Did 'Friends' actually take place in a psych ward? Was it just one long promotion for Starbucks? Here are all the wildest 'Friends' fan theories.
More than 30 years after the world was first introduced to Mr. Bean, some fans are wondering if they know this delightful oddball at all.
‘The Simpsons’ writers are not shy about using the show to shut down some of the very ridiculous fan theories viewers have floated.
Were the Maitlands murdered at the beginning of ‘Beetlejuice’? One fan theory says yes.
To infinity ... and further.
A compelling theory about 'The Blair Witch Project' offers an opportunity to watch the movie in a whole new—but equally terrifying—way.
‘The Sopranos’ featured one of the most divisive series finales of all time—and various fan theories have only made it more complicated.
An Easter Egg in 1997’s ‘Scream 2’ gave some fans hope that Matthew Lillard’s character is alive and well.
The supernatural drama on 'Stranger Things' is practically endless, which has left plenty of room for wild speculation. Fortunately, fans have been only too happy to oblige—and share their theories online.
To be fair, Krasinski didn’t get to hear all the evidence.
From Tom Petty to The Eagles, fans have concocted some pretty bizarre—and very, very dark—theories about hit songs.
The world of 'Seinfeld' grows even more bizarre when you account for some of these wild fan theories viewers have offered.
Alas, it still doesn’t explain why Grandpa Joe could suddenly walk after all those years being bedridden.
Ever wonder why we’ve never seen Ginger? Or why Bob talks to his food? Just ask the show's most dedicated viewers, who have concocted these 10 fascinating fan theories.