Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of South Park, have made a bold comeback with the launch of Season 27, delivering a fierce critique of both their network’s parent company and former President Donald Trump. The premiere episode satirically tackles the concept of "wokeness" and features a character inspired by Trump, who files a $5 billion lawsuit against the residents of South Park due to protests against Jesus’s presence in schools.
Within the episode, the Jesus character expresses his reluctance to return to school, stating it’s a requirement stemming from legal agreements tied to the lawsuit involving Paramount, the parent company of Comedy Central. The narrative grows darker as the Trump character is portrayed as a highly sensitive bully, wielding threats of tariffs and lawsuits against anyone who opposes him.
In a scene rich with visual metaphor, Trump is shown in a suggestive tableau with Satan, a callback to the show’s historic controversy-laden depictions. In a humorous exchange, Satan comments to Trump about a known lawsuit involving Epstein, adding another layer of sharp political satire synonymous with the show’s style.
As the town contemplates an agreement to produce pro-Trump public service announcements, the Trump figure is depicted as domineering, reinforcing his power in the narrative. The creators have a history of using provocative imagery, having previously characterised Saddam Hussein similarly, showcasing their unyielding approach to tackling contentious issues.
In a reaction to the episode, a White House spokesperson dismissed South Park as irrelevant, claiming it is desperately trying to stay in the spotlight, while praising Trump for his accomplishments in office. This dismissal follows Parker and Stone’s recent expressions of frustration over the potential acquisition of Paramount Global by Skydance Media, concerns they have regarding its effects on their contractual arrangements.
Coinciding with the season’s launch, the creators announced a lucrative deal worth $1.5 billion for the streaming rights to all South Park episodes on Paramount+, alongside an order for an additional 50 episodes to air on Comedy Central. This development signals both a significant financial win for the duo and a commitment to continuing their series amidst the ongoing corporate changes.
As the provocative traditions of South Park continue, fans can expect further confrontations with contemporary issues through its unfiltered lens. Parker and Stone remain dedicated to delivering content that resonates with audiences, even in a landscape that is shifting under corporate mergers and market dynamics.