"Help Wanted" is an American animated television pilot episode. The first episode of the American animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants, it was produced in 1997 and originally aired on Nickelodeon in the United States on May 1, 1999, following the television airing of the 1999 Kids' Choice Awards. The episode follows the protagonist, an anthropomorphic sponge named SpongeBob SquarePants, attempting to get a job at the local restaurant called the Krusty Krab. However, he is tasked to find a seemingly non-existent high-caliber spatula because the owner, Mr. Krabs, considers him unqualified for the position. Eventually, crowds of ravenous anchovies stop by the Krusty Krab and demand meals. SpongeBob SquarePants returns from his errand, having fulfilled the request of Mr. Krabs and found a mechanical spatula. He utilizes the spatula to fulfill the anchovies' hunger. SpongeBob is then welcomed by Mr. Krabs as a Krusty Krab employee.