Since 1997, Trey Parker and Matt Stone have been changing the genre of adult animation with not only their edgy humor, but their episodes’ quick production. Each episode is created in only six days, with the finished product being completed merely hours before its air date. 

Season 27, however, does not follow this pattern. Is it because of the behind the scenes merger with Paramount and Skydance? Or could it be due to a White House spokesperson responding to the season’s premiere episode? 

“South Park” is not new to controversy, already experiencing banned episodes. Season 27 hits a different nerve with viewers compared to previous seasons. But is it slander, or just two artists trying to cope with modern events through comedy? 

Episode 1, “Sermon on the Mount,” which aired on July 23, discusses topics such as Christianity in public schools and President Donald Trump’s fascination with suing people. As the people of South Park band together to complain to Trump about him forcing Christianity in their school, the President retaliates by threatening to sue them for five billion dollars. 

Amid the town’s protest, who else appears to save them but Jesus Christ. He warns South Park, admitting the reason he is making appearances in school is that Trump is also suing him. Jesus breaks the fourth wall warning, “Do you want to end up like Colbert? – Just shut up or we’re going to get canceled, you idiots!” The episode ends with South Park settling their lawsuit by making pro-Trump PSAs. 

In summary, it sounds like your average “South Park” episode, but what makes season 27 different was the portrayal of the President. During Trump’s previous term, he was portrayed by staple character, Mr. Garrison, who leaves his teaching job in a drastic attempt to save the country. While long-time fans expected to see Garrison return to office, it is revealed he is instead at home with his boyfriend Rick watching “White Lotus.” 

This season, Donald Trump is shown with a stick-like body with actual images of his face utilized for his head. His character design resembles that of Saddam Hussein from the 1999 movie “South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut.” Trump also speaks in a high winey voice and is frequently shown nude. Multiple scenes take place in his bedroom where he is dating, not Melania, but the literal devil, satan. 

Satan is not happy in his relationship with Trump remarking, “I need counseling. You remind me more and more of this other guy I used to date. Like a lot. Like you guys are exactly alike.” This line is a callback to when Satan dated Saddam Hussein. Trump’s portrayal in the ending PSA cuts to a live-action deepfake of the president trudging through the desert while gradually losing articles of clothing. The episode ends with Trump’s genitalia voicing endorsement with cartoon eyes and a mouth.

The following day on July 24th, White House Spokesperson Taylor Rogers issues a statement expressing, “The left’s hypocrisy truly has no end — for years they have come after South Park for what they labeled as ’offense’ content, but suddenly they are praising the show – just like the creators of South Park, the left has no authentic or original content.” She concludes with, “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.” Tray Parker responded to the statement at Comic-Con back in July sarcastically stating, “We’re terribly sorry”. 

Could President Trump sue Parker and Stone? Technically, yes, however, the likelihood of him winning is practically none. Satire in its purest form is an artistic way to humorously attack social and political practices and events. The powerful have been lampooned all the way back to the times of Ancient Greece. 

When I think of satirical media, the first thing that comes to mind are the films of the 1970s. “Blazing Saddles” directed by Mel Brooks in 1974, and Robert Altman’s 1975 hit, “Nashville.” For those looking for a more modern film example, Ben Stiller’s 2008 film “Tropic Thunder” would also fall into this category. 

None of these examples are meant to be taken seriously – they are all pointing their fingers at one of the biggest jokes to ever exist: how we as humans conduct ourselves in this world. Satirical work is meant to be something that you can watch, admit hardship and still be able to muster a chuckle out of. Unless an attorney could prove true harmful defamation or slander, there really isn’t a case.

As far as audience response to the far-out season, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a divided Rotten Tomatoes review page before. There are over 100 reviews that are either one star saying this is the worst season ever and the show is ruined or five stars saying they have never laughed harder in their life. However, the first three episodes of Season 27 have already earned a 79% on the Popcornmeter. 

My thoughts on the season? “South Park” came back from an over two year hiatus (not including specials) with full force and a new level of creative thinking. Their poking-the-bear style comedy is nothing new, but in this season they are attacking the bear. There’s no inferencing, it is straight to the point. 

Are there some jokes I can’t help but think “there’s no way they went there”, yes, but that’s the point. It’s satire! I have watched every single season, but this is my first time watching a season unfolding as the current events they are referencing are actively occurring. I think there’s room to say that I can see arguments on certain jokes being taken too far, but on the other hand, I was practically crying when Vice President JD Vance was portrayed as a literal whining baby. 

In retrospect, if you currently find yourself becoming frustrated or upset with events in our modern world, “South Park” Season 27 will provide you 22 minutes of comedic relief from our society.

“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,” continues Taylor Rogers. On Tuesday August 5th, Homeland Security takes to X, formerly known as Twitter, and posts a screenshot from episode two, scheduled to release the following day. A link to join ICE accompanies the image. The South Park later responded to DHS that evening, “Wait, so we ARE relevant?”. 

This was accompanied by a hashtag with colorful language. The Vice President also took to X on Thursday August 7th, posting a screenshot of his South Park portrayal with the caption, “Well, I’ve finally made it.”