Quick Read
- South Park returns with a controversial Season 27 premiere satirizing Donald Trump.
- The episode includes Trump in bizarre scenarios, including a confrontation with Satan.
- Creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone signed a $1.5 billion deal with Paramount.
- The show critiques both political extremes and corporate influence on media.
- South Park remains a cultural touchstone for fearless satire.
After a lengthy hiatus, the provocative and long-running animated series South Park returned on July 24, 2025, with the premiere of its 27th season. Known for its fearless satire and sharp critique of politics, the show wasted no time diving into controversy, centering its latest episode on former President Donald Trump. The episode, titled “Sermon on the ‘Mount,” intertwines Trump’s antics, religious overtones, and the broader cultural tensions in South Park.
Trump Takes Center Stage
The premiere episode pulls no punches in lampooning Trump, using a blend of absurdist humor and biting commentary. In a particularly memorable sequence, Trump is depicted in bed with Satan, who confronts him about rumors of his name appearing on Jeffrey Epstein’s infamous list. This scene not only satirizes Trump’s controversies but also serves as a callback to the series’ 1999 film, where Satan had a romantic relationship with Saddam Hussein.
Throughout the episode, Trump is portrayed as embroiled in various absurd scenarios, including his supporters turning against him after Jesus Christ is introduced into South Park’s educational system. Adding to the humor, Parker and Stone used photo-realistic images of Trump’s face rather than the traditional South Park animation style, ensuring there was no ambiguity about their target. According to Deadline, the episode also includes a series of satirical paintings in the fictional White House, poking fun at Trump’s military bravado and other exaggerated traits.
The Intersection of Religion and Satire
The episode’s plot also touches on the contentious role of religion in public schools. When South Park’s school principal brings Jesus into the classroom, the town’s parents erupt in chaos. Jesus himself expresses reluctance about his role, stating, “I didn’t want to come back and be at the school, but I had to as part of a lawsuit and the agreement.” This nuanced commentary highlights the absurdity of cultural overreach on both sides of the political spectrum.
The show’s creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, cleverly juxtapose Trump’s larger-than-life persona with the townsfolk’s exaggerated reactions, creating a narrative that is both humorous and thought-provoking. As one character quips, “We all know the woke stuff went too far, but the answer isn’t going too far the other way.”
A Landmark Deal Amid Controversy
The timing of the season premiere coincided with a major milestone for Parker and Stone. The duo signed a $1.5 billion deal with Paramount Global, securing the future of South Park for another five years. This agreement includes the production of 50 new episodes and grants exclusive streaming rights to Paramount+ in the United States, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Despite the lucrative deal, the creators faced challenges due to ongoing legal disputes involving Paramount Global and other entities.
In a statement released earlier this year, Parker and Stone expressed their frustration with the delays caused by corporate turmoil but reaffirmed their commitment to delivering high-quality content. “This is about more than a contract—it’s about our commitment to this organization, our teammates, and our fans,” said Stone.
South Park’s Unique Position in Political Satire
South Park has long been celebrated for its ability to tackle polarizing topics with irreverence and wit. The 27th season premiere continues this tradition, blending humor with incisive social commentary. The inclusion of a deepfake PSA mocking Trump—complete with the tagline, “Trump: His penis is teeny tiny, but his love for us is large”—underscores the show’s willingness to push boundaries.
As noted by Deadline, the episode also takes subtle jabs at media organizations and corporations, including Paramount itself. The show references the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert following a settlement between Paramount and Trump, illustrating the precarious balance between creative freedom and corporate interests.
The premiere’s mix of humor, controversy, and cultural critique cements South Park’s place as a cultural touchstone. By addressing topics ranging from Trump’s legal battles to the complexities of modern “cancel culture,” the show remains as relevant as ever.
With a historic deal in place and a strong start to its 27th season, South Park proves that its unique brand of satire continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.