'SpongeBob SquarePants' to hit China TV

BEIJING, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- The Nickelodeon TV network is sending its popular cartoon "SpongeBob SquarePants" on a fast boat to China, it was reported Tuesday.

State-run China Central Television will premiere "SpongeBob" in late December to celebrate the one year anniversary of its CCTV Children's Channel, The Hollywood Reporter said Tuesday.

"SpongeBob" is Viacom's most widely distributed property ever, The Reporter said. "SpongeBob" is aired in 170 markets in 24 languages, and the move into China -- and an estimated 120 million households -- will add another market and another language.