After a long hiatus, South Park is back and blowing up the charts. Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the animated hit has been creating controversy since 1997. Over the decades, it gained a reputation for its unflinching willingness to tackle topical issues. With only six days to produce each episode, they are often connected with the day’s news.
The latest divisive South Park episode saw the show targeting the Trump administration, the influence of religion on public schools, and censorship in the media. It was so widely recognized that the episode earned a rebuke from the White House, which prompted Parker and Stone to share an insincere apology.
According to a report by FlixPatrol, the controversy has been good for the series. It has returned to its place as the #1 series on Paramount+, and it also took the top spots on Amazon and iTunes. It is the #1-rated Paramount+ show in a variety of countries, including the United States, Canada, France, Brazil, and Australia.
What This Means For South Park
The Show Hasn’t Skipped A Beat
South Park season 26 concluded in March 2023, and it took two years for Parker and Stone to return with season 27. While originally set to arrive in early July, the premiere date was delayed to July 23, due to a contractual dispute with Paramount. After settling for a $1.5 billion deal with Paramount, the show returned to screens everywhere.
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South Park Season 27 Trailer: Democracy Being Torn Down, Diddy, Planes Crashing, & A Haunting Version Of “Blame Canada”
A trailer has been released for South Park season 27, teasing plenty of planes crashing, Diddy in space, and a new rendition of “Blame Canada.”
South Park season 27 is now airing as planned, and the season opener proved that the show has not lost its bite. The first episode aired on Comedy Central, and news quickly began to spread about its decision to target the current White House, Paramount, and religious figures. As it always has, the show gained viewership through the controversy.
South Park has won five Primetime Emmy Awards and even had an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.
Despite rumors that Paramount could strike back against the show, it inked a 50-episode deal with Parker and Stone, which includes a five-year streaming guarantee. As the Paramount-Skydance merger continues, it appears that both companies may be forced to bear the brunt of all of South Park‘s divisiveness.
Our Take On South Park’s Return To Success
It Was About Time For A Resurgence
After a long wait between seasons, South Park is finally back. Yet, while the season’s success is unsurprising, it does represent a return to form for the entire show. Recent seasons have avoided delving too far into politics, even regularly using Mr. Garrison as a stand-in for Trump. This premiere hints at a major change for the series.
Rather than shying away from its more controversial elements, Parker and Stone are back to ushering in a direct and topical response to ongoing political events. Given that the White House directly responded to the episode, this 10-episode season should see a continued satirical response from TV’s most controversial show.
Source: FlixPatrol
South Park
8/10
- Release Date
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August 13, 1997
- Showrunner
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Trey Parker
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Karri Turner
Liane Cartman / Wendy Testaburger / Mrs. Crabtree (voice)
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Matt Stone
Kyle Broflovski / Kenny McCormick (voice)
