SpongeBob SquarePants

In this double‑bill, SpongeBob orders a product designed to teach him how to say no to others. The device is supposed to build his confidence, but instead it implants a catchy tune that loops endlessly in his mind, refusing to fade.

The Abrasive Side/Earworm is a programme listed as an episode‑type entry in the series catalogue. It falls under the broader genre of an episode, meaning it is a self‑contained instalment rather than a full series. The title itself hints at a two‑part structure, which is confirmed by its presentation as a double bill. In this particular installment, the central character, SpongeBob, decides to purchase a device that promises to teach him how to refuse requests from others. The intention is to give him the confidence to say “no” when he feels pressured. However, soon after acquiring the product, SpongeBob finds himself plagued by an incessant tune that loops in his mind, effectively turning the learning tool into a source of distraction. The episode’s format as a double bill means the story is split into two distinct segments. The first segment follows SpongeBob’s attempt to gain assertiveness through the purchased gadget, while the second segment shifts focus to the unintended consequence of the catchy song that becomes lodged in his head. This structure allows each narrative thread to develop its own comedic premise within the same broadcast slot. Overall, the double‑bill layout gives the episode a clear division between the lesson‑learning plot and the earworm gag, offering viewers two separate but related comedic situations centred on SpongeBob’s attempts to manage personal boundaries and the quirky side‑effects of his new purchase.