Trump-themed South Park premiere draws record viewership
The episode, which aired on July 24, 2025, featured a storyline involving a Trump-like character and quickly drew widespread attention across media and political spheres.
Following its broadcast, the episode sparked a response from the White House. A spokesperson criticized the show's portrayal, stating it was 'deliberately inflammatory' and 'not helpful in the current climate.'
The brief statement did not mention specific scenes but marked one of the few instances of formal government pushback to a South Park episode in recent years.
The premiere marked a return to political satire for the long-running animated series.
Viewership figures, based on preliminary Nielsen data, placed the episode among the most-watched South Park premieres in over a decade. Millions tuned in via both cable and streaming formats.
The episode's rapid traction online, including trending hashtags and clips shared widely across social media platforms, added to its visibility.
While South Park has a long-standing reputation for addressing controversial topics, the show's season opener suggests renewed public and political interest in its cultural commentary.
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