Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? The Texans and Chargers, apparently!
SpongeBob Squarepants, Patrick Star and friends will be calling the action on an alternate broadcast as Houston and Los Angeles go head-to-head in an NFL wild card matchup Saturday.
The animated depiction of the playoff game will transport audiences back to Bikini Bottom with Nick-ified graphics, advanced augmented reality and appearances by handfuls of characters from the Paramount universe, like Sonic, Dora and the Fairly OddParents.
Here’s everything you need to know about Nickelodeon and CBS Sports’ slime-filled alternate telecast, including TV channel and streaming options for the game.
Where to watch Texans vs. Chargers SpongeBob broadcast
- TV channel: Nickelodeon
- Live stream: Fubo
You can watch the animated SpongeBob broadcast of the wild card matchup between the Texans vs. Chargers on Nickelodeon or live stream it via Fubo, which will also carry the traditional CBS broadcast of the game.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers so you can try the service before you buy.
For a limited time, you can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $49.99, a $30 savings. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Texans vs. Chargers start time
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 11
- Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
The Texans and Chargers will kick off at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Jan. 11. The game will be played at NRG Stadium in Houston.
What is the SpongeBob broadcast?
The alternate telecast of Saturday’s matchup will enhance the action between Houston and Los Angeles in real time, transforming NRG Stadium into Bikini Bottom with eye-catching graphics. This Nickelodeon wild card game collaboration marks the sixth of its kind, the most recent a SpongeBob-themed alt-cast of Super Bowl 58 last February.
In this playoff broadcast, SpongeBob and Patrick Star will collaborate in the announcer’s booth, while Sandy Cheeks and sports analysts Nate Burleson and Dylan Schefter report live on the sidelines. Of course, make sure to keep an eye out for other iconic Nickelodeon characters throughout.
NFL playoff schedule 2025
Wild Card Weekend
Saturday, Jan. 11
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| No. 5 Chargers at No. 4 Texans | 4:30 p.m. | CBS, Fubo |
| No. 6 Steelers at No. 3 Ravens | 8 p.m. | Prime Video |
Sunday, Jan. 12
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| No. 7 Broncos at No. 2 Bills | 1 p.m. | CBS, Fubo |
| No. 7 Packers at No. 2 Eagles | 4:30 p.m. | Fox, Fubo |
| No. 6 Commanders at No. 3 Buccaneers | 8 p.m. | NBC, Fubo |
Monday, Jan. 13
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| No. 5 Vikings vs. No. 4 Rams* | 8 p.m. | ESPN, ABC, Fubo |
* – at Glendale, Ariz.
Related Links
