The creators of South Park have sparked controversy by targeting Donald Trump in their latest episode, coinciding with significant events involving Paramount, the show’s parent company. This week’s season premiere featured a character portraying Jesus Christ, who humorously revealed that Trump had sent him to warn the show’s characters about the implications of a lawsuit involving the network.
In a notable scene, the character declared, “You guys saw what happened to CBS? Well, guess who owns CBS? Paramount! You really want to end up like Colbert? You guys got to stop being stupid.” This pointed commentary follows the abrupt cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert by Paramount, which the company described as a financial decision amid declining revenues in late-night television.
The episode aired just hours after Paramount announced a landmark deal with Park County, the studio run by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of South Park. This agreement is set to pay Park County at least $1.25 billion over five years, a significant sum that reflects the ongoing profitability of the franchise despite its controversial content.
In addition to the Jesus character, the episode included various segments featuring correspondents from CBS’s 60 Minutes, who were depicted as anxious about their recent interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris. The portrayal further illustrates the tensions surrounding the lawsuit that Trump filed against CBS and Paramount, which was settled for $16 million in early July.
The criticisms of Trump within the episode were stark, showcasing the former president in various absurd scenarios, including becoming infuriated over a nude portrait of himself. These scenes highlight the show’s long-standing tradition of political satire, which has often involved high-profile figures.
Statements from the White House reflect a growing irritation with the animated series as well. Taylor Rogers, a White House assistant press secretary, criticized South Park, stating, “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.” Her comments underscore the administration’s sensitivity to portrayals of Trump, especially during a period when the company’s merger with Skydance required approval from the Trump administration.
Adding to the dialogue, Stephen Colbert addressed the cancellation of his show during a recent episode, joking about Trump’s inflated claims regarding the settlement. Colbert pointedly stated, “They better watch out, they better watch out — they might get cancelled,” alluding to the precarious state of late-night programming and the pressures facing networks.
Former host of The Daily Show, Jon Stewart, also chimed in, expressing skepticism about the motivations behind the cancellation. Stewart argued that the decision stems from a broader atmosphere of fear affecting major institutions across the United States. “If you’re trying to figure out why Stephen’s show is ending, I don’t think the answer can be found in some smoking-gun email or phone call,” he remarked.
As the landscape of late-night television continues to shift, South Park remains a formidable voice in political satire. The show’s creators are not shying away from controversy, illustrating a complex relationship between entertainment and politics that reflects the current climate in the United States. With their latest episode, they have once again proven their willingness to challenge powerful figures and engage with contemporary issues, leaving audiences eager to see how this narrative unfolds.
