South Park pulled from HBO Max after Trump deepfake episode sparks backlash
The episode, titled Sermon on the 'Mount', marked the animated show's return after nearly two years and ignited immediate backlash for its depiction of Trump nude, wandering the desert, and in bed with Satan.
The episode also mocked the former president in a faux public service announcement. Trump hasn't been portrayed on South Park since 1997, making the satire especially jarring for longtime viewers.
The White House responded sharply, with assistant press secretary Taylor Rogers dismissing the show as 'irrelevant' and calling the episode 'a desperate attempt for attention.' Creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone sarcastically apologized at San Diego Comic-Con, saying, 'We're terribly sorry,' which drew laughter from the audience.
The controversy coincides with a major streaming shift. Starting August 4, South Park will no longer be available on HBO Max. Under a $1.5 billion deal signed in July, the entire series—including 26 past seasons, feature-length specials, and 50 new episodes—will stream exclusively on Paramount+.
Stephen Colbert praised the creators on The Late Show, calling the episode a message of hope and defending creative freedom in AI-driven satire.
Since its 1997 debut, South Park has built a reputation for fearless humor and political satire. Despite criticism, it remains one of television's most influential and enduring animated series.
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