After nearly two and a half years off the air, South Park roared back to life on July 23, 2025, with a controversial Season 27 premiere that pulled no punches in its satirical assault on President Donald Trump, Paramount, and the current political landscape.
The long-awaited return came just hours after creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone finalized a massive $1.5 billion streaming deal with Paramount+, securing the show’s future for the next five years and bringing all episodes to the platform for the first time.
A Controversial Premiere That Sparked White House Response
The Season 27 opener, titled “Sermon on the ‘Mount,” didn’t hold back in its portrayal of Trump, depicting the president in bed with Satan in scenes reminiscent of the show’s 1999 treatment of Saddam Hussein.
The episode’s most shocking moments included animated depictions of Trump with exaggerated physical features and a deepfake PSA that went viral immediately after airing.
The White House quickly responded to the episode, with spokesperson Taylor Rogers stating: “This show hasn’t been relevant for over 20 years and is hanging on by a thread with uninspired ideas in a desperate attempt for attention.”
Key Themes and Targets in Season 27
The premiere episode tackled multiple hot-button issues with South Park’s signature irreverence:
- Government Censorship: The episode opened with Cartman lamenting the cancellation of NPR, setting the tone for commentary on media control
- Religion in Schools: Jesus Christ literally appears in South Park Elementary, sparking protests from parents
- Corporate Media Politics: Direct references to CBS’s cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Paramount’s dealings with the Trump administration
- The “Woke is Dead” Era: Characters navigate a post-woke world where traditional satirical targets have shifted
- AI and Technology: ChatGPT and deepfake technology feature prominently in the storyline
Behind the Scenes: A Tumultuous Path to Season 27
The journey to Season 27 wasn’t smooth. Originally scheduled for July 9, the premiere was delayed two weeks due to complex negotiations surrounding Paramount’s pending merger with Skydance Media.
Parker and Stone didn’t mince words about the situation, releasing a statement that read: “This merger is a shit show and it’s fucking up ‘South Park.’ We are at the studio working on new episodes and we hope the fans get to see them somehow.”
The creators had intentionally skipped the 2024 election cycle, with Parker previously stating they were “pretty much done with making fun of Donald Trump.” However, the Season 27 premiere proved they had found new angles for their political satire.
The Billion-Dollar Deal and Future Episodes
The new agreement between Parker, Stone, and Paramount represents one of the largest deals in television history:
- 50 new episodes ordered for Comedy Central
- All 26 previous seasons now streaming on Paramount+
- Five-year extension securing the show through at least 2030
- Next-day streaming on Paramount+ after Comedy Central broadcast
What’s Coming Next in Season 27
Based on trailers and promotional materials, viewers can expect Season 27 to cover:
- Ketamine culture and drug-related storylines
- A violent war with Canada in classic South Park fashion
- Space-traveling Diddy with a jetpack
- Air traffic control disasters and infrastructure chaos
- Plumbing catastrophes affecting the town
Cultural Impact and Industry Reactions
The premiere immediately sparked widespread discussion across social media and entertainment circles. At San Diego Comic-Con the following day, Parker responded to questions about the Trump administration’s anger with a deadpan “we’re terribly sorry,” followed by his signature long pause.
Industry analysts note that South Park’s willingness to target both Trump and its own parent company demonstrates the unique position Parker and Stone have carved out in the media landscape.
The Road Ahead
With Season 27 consisting of 10 episodes airing weekly on Comedy Central at 10 p.m. ET/PT, South Park shows no signs of softening its satirical edge after 27 years on air.
The show’s ability to remain relevant and provocative while navigating corporate politics and changing cultural landscapes continues to set it apart in the television landscape.
As one entertainment journalist noted, “desperate times mean you can’t afford to interrogate the credentials of everyone who takes your side, even if it’s only temporary.”
Where to Watch
Fans can catch new episodes of South Park Season 27 through multiple platforms:
- Comedy Central: Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT
- Paramount+: Available the day after broadcast
- Previous seasons: Now exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the show, Season 27 promises to deliver the same boundary-pushing humor that has made South Park a cultural institution for nearly three decades.
