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USA Today
25 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Can 'South Park' take on Trump 2.0? They're walking a tightrope
This week's "South Park" premiere pulled no punches. The sharply sardonic series skewered President Donald Trump and a hefty settlement Paramount paid to him following a lawsuit over CBS' "60 Minutes." Paramount is the parent company of both CBS and Comedy Central, which airs "Park." Known for a no-holds-barred approach to comedy, "Park" (Wednesdays 10 ET/PT) has beckoned controversy for decades, to the delight of its viewers and the ire of its subjects. Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, it's part of a class of raunchy adult animation programs that burst onto the scene in the late '90s. It stands out among its peers, always deeply reflective and cynical about current events. 'South Park' creators 'apologize' for latest Trump episode: 'We're terribly sorry' Incorporating pointed criticism of Trump's second term as president into the show might offer a challenge for the writers, however, after a major merger between Paramount and Skydance Media received the green light from Trump's FCC. The merger puts "Park" under the stewardship of a company many assume will be aligned with the Trump administration. Skydance executives have made public statements suggesting they have similar opinions on DEI initiatives as Trump, for example. Skydance CEO David Ellison is the son of Larry Ellison, the billionaire chairman of Oracle, who has hosted a fundraiser for Trump on his property and donated to Republican-friendly super-PACs. Paramount too paid a $16 million settlement to Trump earlier this month, after the president sued the company for defamation over an interview "60 Minutes" ran with former political rival Vice President Kamala Harris. The company also recently announced the cancellation of CBS' "The Late Show," hosted by Stephen Colbert, a prominent Trump critic. Against that backdrop, "Park" seems to be sending a message to viewers that it has no plans to fall in line. The July 23rd episode, the first of the show's 27th season, depicted Trump literally getting into bed with Satan, his lover, using actual photos of the president crudely placed on an animated body. It's the same depiction that Saddam Hussein received in 1999's "Park" movie. The Satan character in the new episode even comments that Trump and Hussein are "exactly alike." White House: 'South Park' hasn't 'been relevant for over 20 years' after Trump parody Paramount itself also wasn't safe from the ire of Parker and Stone. The episode also features a pair of animated "60 Minutes" anchors covering protests as they nervously praise Trump and insist they don't agree with the protesters, intimating that they might be worried he will sue again. The administration responded in anger. "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," White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in a statement provided to USA TODAY July 24. "President Trump has delivered on more promises in just six months than any other president in our country's history − and no fourth-rate show can derail President Trump's hot streak." The day after the episode aired, the show's creators, onstage at a San Diego Comic-Con panel, seemed unfazed. "We're terribly sorry," Parker said with a sly grin, sitting next to next to Stone. Whether the pair will be able to maintain that "sorry not sorry" sentiment as the new season airs remains to be seen, though. Parker and Stone spoke at the Comic-Con panel about how they are making the episodes on the fly in response to the news of the day, and will likely poke at Trump again in the future. Under an administration increasingly intolerant of criticism (comedic or otherwise), "Park" finds itself in a difficult bind. The popularity of the show hinges on the very style of comedy that may enrage the Trump White House. To maintain a robust and loyal audience, Parker and Stone will likely need to continue making the politics of the day into punchlines. But to do that, thet may also need to defy the the sensibilities of their newly merged parent company. Wednesday's episode may provide an important clue, however: It hit the air the same day Paramount inked a five-year agreement for 50 new episodes of "Park." Contributing: Brendan Morrow, Brian Truitt, Kelly Lawler
USA Today
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
White House, 'South Park' trade barbs: What to know about the feud
"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," the White House said in a statement to USA TODAY. President Donald Trump is feuding with yet another TV show. The Season 27 premiere of the Comedy Central animated series, "South Park", has stirred controversy this week. The episode, which aired on Wednesday, July 23, features Trump crawling into bed with Satan, a reference to the president's recent attacks on the media. Criticizing the episode, the White House issued a statement after its airing, calling it a "desperate attempt for attention." Need catching up? Here's what to know about the Trump and "South Park" feud. 'We're terribly sorry' 'South Park' creators 'apologize' for latest Trump episode What happened in the 'South Park' episode that mentions Trump? In the Season 27 premiere of the popular series, Trump is shown getting into bed naked with Satan. Instead of the standard "South Park" cartoon look, Trump's character actually features a photo of the president moving on a cartoon body. The scenes reference Paramount's $16 million settlement with the president, Trump's claims that he'll receive $20 million worth of ads on the network, and the cancellation of CBS's "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." Here's why: The White House is feuding with 'The View.' What did the White House say about the South Park episode? In a statement provided to USA TODAY on July 24, the White House called "South Park" a "fourth-rate" show. "The Left's hypocrisy truly has no end – for years they have come after 'South Park' for what they labeled as 'offense' content (sic), but suddenly they are praising the show," White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in the statement. "Just like the creators of 'South Park,' the Left has no authentic or original content, which is why their popularity continues to hit record lows. "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. President Trump has delivered on more promises in just six months than any other president in our country's history – and no fourth-rate show can derail President Trump's hot streak." What did 'South Park' say about the episode? During a panel at San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday night, "South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone shared a response to the White House's comments. "We're terribly sorry," Parker said through a sly grin at the panel next to Stone, "Beavis and Butt-Head" creator Mike Judge and "Digiman" creator Andy Samberg. Discussing the speed of today's topical comedy, Stone said, "it's not just 'SNL' anymore," contributing to newsy jokes. But when it comes to next week's episode, the creators said they aren't sure what will come next. "Right now we don't know," Parker said. "It's super stressful." Where can you watch? All seasons of 'South Park' have a new streaming home. How can you watch the 'South Park' episode? "South Park" is available for streaming on Paramount+ with a paid subscription. A Paramount+ Essential subscription is $7.99 a month with ads, and a Paramount+ Premium subscription is $12.99 a month without ads. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
Toronto Sun
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
'South Park' co-creator jokes he's 'terribly sorry' over premiere that drew White House anger
Published Jul 25, 2025 • Last updated 5 minutes ago • 2 minute read South Park's X account tweeted this image depicting Donald Trump with Satan in bed from the show's season premiere. Photo by South Park / X Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. SAN DIEGO — 'South Park' co-creator Trey Parker had the briefest of responses Thursday to anger from the White House over the season premiere of the animated institution, which showed a naked President Donald Trump in bed with Satan. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account 'We're terribly sorry,' Parker said, followed by a long, deadpan-comic stare. Parker was asked for his reaction to the fracas as he sat on the stage at San Diego's Comic-Con International at the beginning of a Comedy Central animation panel that also included his 'South Park' partner Matt Stone, 'Beavis and Butt-Head' creator Mike Judge, and actor Andy Samberg, who co-created the animated 'Digman!' Earlier in the day, the White House issued a statement on the 27th season premiere, which aired Wednesday night. '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,' White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in the statement. 'President Trump has delivered on more promises in just six months than any other president in our country's history — and no fourth-rate show can derail President Trump's hot streak.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Later in the panel, Parker said they did get a note from their producers on Tuesday night's episode. 'They said, 'OK, but we're gonna blur the penis,' and I said, 'No you're not gonna blur the penis,'' Parker said. The premiere also took aim at Paramount and its $16 million recent settlement with Trump just hours after Parker and Stone signed a five-year deal with the company for 50 new episodes and streaming rights to previous seasons. The Los Angeles Times and other outlets report the deal was worth $1.5 billion. In the episode, Trump sues the town of South Park when its residents challenge the presence of Jesus Christ — the actual person — in its elementary school. Jesus tells them they ought to settle. 'You guys saw what happened to CBS? Yeah, well, guess who owns CBS? Paramount,' Jesus says. 'Do you really want to end up like Colbert?' WARNING: Video contains explicit language and illustrations of nudity This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. CBS and parent Paramount Global canceled Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show' last week, days after Colbert sharply criticized Paramount's settlement of Trump's lawsuit over a '60 Minutes' interview. CBS and Paramount executives said it was a financial decision to axe 'The Late Show.' The efficiency of 'South Park' production, and the brinksmanship of its creators, allow it to stay incredibly current for an animated series. 'I don't know what next week's episode is going to be,' Parker said at Comic-Con. 'Even just three days ago, we were like, 'I don't know if people are going to like this.'' Toronto & GTA Columnists Sports Toronto & GTA Sunshine Girls
Chicago Tribune
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
‘South Park' premiere skewers President Donald Trump, prompting White House response
The season 27 premiere of 'South Park' may have been delayed two weeks, but it made quite an entrance Wednesday night – so much so that even the White House took note. It is perhaps not all that surprising since President Donald Trump played a starring role. Though many of Trump's real-world policies and actions were spotlighted in the show – such as defunding National Public Radio, implementing tariffs on Canadian goods, and expressing displeasure with a portrait of himself in the Colorado State Capitol – the animated version of the president indulged in other lewd shenanigans, like trying to have sex with Satan. As in the devil, Satan, who has been a longstanding character in the 'South Park' universe. In the episode, Satan also questioned Trump about the Epstein files and alluded to the fact that the president reminded him of his ex, Saddam Hussein. The episode ended with a deep-fake public service announcement that showed Trump walking through the desert, taking off his clothes and collapsing nude in the sand. It ended with the slogan: 'Trump. His penis is teeny tiny, but his love for us is large.' In a statement to Variety, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers addressed the cameo, lambasting 'South Park' as a 'fourth-rate show.' 'The Left's hypocrisy truly has no end – for years, they have come after 'South Park' for what they labeled as 'offensive' content, but suddenly they are praising the show. Just like the creators of 'South Park,' the Left has no authentic or original content, which is why their popularity continues to hit record lows.' '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,' the statement continued. 'President Trump has delivered on more promises in just six months than any other president in our country's history – and no fourth-rate show can derail President Trump's hot streak.' In addition to skewering Trump, 'South Park' creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone took aim at their parent network, Paramount, which recently settled a lawsuit with the president for $16 million. The president sued CBS News for allegedly editing a '60 Minutes' interview with presidential candidate Kamala Harris in a deceptive manner. Legal experts said the case had no legs, and 'The Late Show' host Stephen Colbert called the settlement a 'big fat bribe' to persuade the government to approve Paramount's merger with another media company called Skydance. Days later, 'The Late Show,' which aired on CBS, was canceled. In the 'South Park' episode, Jesus – yes, Jesus – comes to warn the citizens of South Park, Colorado, to stop protesting the president or they, too, may get canceled. 'The guy can do whatever he wants now that someone backed down, OK?' Jesus says. 'Do you really wanna end up like Colbert?' Parker and Stone have been outspokenly critical of the networks' merger, going so far as to say it's ruining 'South Park,' in much more colorful language. For now, season 27 seems like it will go on as planned. On Wednesday, the show and network announced they'd reached a five-year deal to make 50 new episodes and move the entire 'South Park' library to Paramount+ — for a reported $1.5 billion.
Indianapolis Star
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
How to watch the 'South Park' season premiere episode everyone's talking about
No stranger to controversy,"South Park" premiered its 27th season on July 23 with a talker, depicting President Donald Trump in bed with the devil. The creators of the animated series, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, came out swinging against both the company that just promised them a lot of money and the leader of the free world with possibly their most controversial show yet. The episode shows Trump suing the tiny town of South Park when its parents resist "anti-woke" policies, threatening anyone who isn't sufficiently pro-Trump, and literally getting into bed naked with Satan. In the show, Trump is shown using actual photos of his head stuck on an animated body. Longtime fans will recognize it: it's the same way the show depicted former Iraq leader Saddam Hussein in 1999's "South Park" movie. Satan even notices the resemblance. "You remind me more and more of this other guy I used to date," he said. "Like, a lot. Like, you guys are exactly alike." The episode also skewers their new boss and its controversial decisions to pay Trump $16 million to settle a lawsuit and to cancel the popular CBS talk show "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" where Colbert nightly roasts the president. Ironically, just hours after the premiere, Paramount announced a $1.5 billion, 5-year agreement to bring all 27 seasons of the long-running series to its Paramount+ streaming platform, along with 50 new episodes. After the show triggered widespread shock, glee and outrage (and condemnations from Trump and the White House), the creators "apologized" the next day, 'We're terribly sorry,' Parker said with a sly grin at a Comedy Central's Comic-Con animation panel next to Stone. "South Park" is on Comedy Central, which is owned by Paramount Global. Paramount just got the OK for a multi-billion merger with Skydance Media, which was dependent on approval from Trump's FCC. If you missed the season 27 premiere of "South Park" on Comedy Central, you can find it — and the rest of the new season's episodes — the next day on Paramount+. Watch South Park on Paramount+ As of July 23, Paramount+ is the new exclusive streaming home of "South Park" and its entire 27-year library for the next five years. The show's entire library previously lived on HBO Max. New episodes will continue to air on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on Comedy Central and the next day on Paramount+. Monthly plans for Paramount+ start at $12.99. For the full breakdown of plan options, visit The shows are also available through TV streaming platforms that carry Comedy Central, including Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV, Philo, and Fubo. Watch South Park on Hulu with Disney+ bundle Watch South Park on Sling TV Watch South Park on Fubo
