After a long hiatus,South Parkis back and blowing up the streaming 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 topical events.
The latestdivisiveSouth Parkepisodesaw the show targeting the Trump administration, the influence of religion on public schools, and censorship in the media. It was so widely recognized thatthe episode earned a rebuke from the White House, which promptedParker and Stone to share an insincere apology.
According to a report byFlixPatrol, the controversy has been good for the series. It has returned to its place asthe #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 Parkseason 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 reachinga $1.5 billion deal with Paramountfor the streaming rights, the show returned to screens everywhere.
South Parkseason 27is 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 Global, and religious figures. As it always has, the showgained viewership through the controversy.
South Parkhas 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 inkeda 50-episode dealwith Parker and Stone, which includes a five-year streaming guarantee. As theParamount-Skydance merger continues, it appears that both companies may be forced to bear the brunt of all ofSouth 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 Parkis 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 regularlyusing Mr. Garrison as a stand-infor Trump. This premiere hints at a major change for the series.
Rather than shying away from its more controversial elements,South Parkis 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.
South Park
Cast
South Park follows the irreverent misadventures of four grade-schoolers—Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny—that take place in the quiet, dysfunctional town of South Park, Colorado. The animated series explores various social and political issues through its characters' humorous and often absurd escapades.
