Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year of the Gregorian calendar that started on a Wednesday. Only 6 episodes aired this year because of the hiatus. The creators needed time for film production is the reason for the 2003-2004 hiatus.
- January 24 - The Great Snail Race and Mid-Life Crustacean premiered.
- March 21 - The Sponge Who Could Fly premiered.
- July 26 - Gary Takes a Bath premiered. Shanghaied re-aired in it's normal 16 minute form.
- October 4 - Born Again Krabs and I Had an Accident premiered.