South Park Creators Sign New Deal with ViacomCBS

The term "South Park" can refer to different entities, but the most well-known is the American multimedia franchise created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone. However, in the context of business and technology, it might also refer to "South Park Commons," a community of technologists. ### South Park Franchise - **Overview**: The South Park franchise is a multimedia entity that includes the animated TV series, video games, music videos, and short films. It is primarily set in the fictional Colorado town of South Park and revolves around the adventures of four boys: Stan, Kyle, Eric, and Kenny[1][2]. - **History**: The franchise began with two shorts, "The Spirit of Christmas," which later formed the basis of the series. The show premiered on August 13, 1997, on Comedy Central and has since become known for its satire and dark humor[1][2]. - **Key Achievements**: The show has received five Emmy Awards and has been praised for its bold commentary on current events and social issues[3][5]. - **Current Status**: The franchise continues to expand with new episodes, movies, and video games. A deal with ViacomCBS ensures the show's continuation until at least 2027[2]. ### South Park Commons - **Overview**: South Park Commons is a community for technologists focused on ideating and validating new projects. It supports a range of members from founders to researchers and entrepreneurs[4]. - **History**: Founded to facilitate collaboration among technologists, South Park Commons has grown to include over 1,000 members since its inception[4]. - **Notable Aspects**: The community emphasizes mutual support and collaboration, helping members navigate the early stages of project development[4]. Both entities are notable in their respective fields. The South Park franchise is a cultural icon in entertainment, while South Park Commons plays a significant role in fostering innovation within the tech community.

ViacomCBS, now known as Paramount Global, is a leading American media conglomerate specializing in entertainment content production, broadcasting, and streaming services. The company emerged from the merger of CBS Corporation and Viacom in December 2019, reuniting two major media entities that had split in 2006 but shared common ownership under National Amusements. This strategic consolidation aimed to strengthen their competitive position in an evolving media landscape increasingly dominated by streaming and digital content[1][3]. The organization operates across multiple segments, including television broadcasting, film production, and digital streaming. Its portfolio includes iconic brands such as CBS, Paramount Pictures, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, Showtime, and the CW network, among others. ViacomCBS holds significant market shares in television production, movie and video production, and video streaming industries, with an estimated 21,900 employees headquartered in New York[1][5]. Since the merger, ViacomCBS has actively expanded its content library and distribution capabilities. A notable acquisition includes a 49% stake in Miramax in 2019, securing exclusive distribution rights and co-development opportunities for film and television projects based on Miramax properties[1]. This move enhanced its film production and licensing strength. In 2025, the company further transformed by merging with Skydance Media, a prominent production company behind blockbuster franchises like *Top Gun: Maverick* and *Mission: Impossible*. This $8 billion merger created Paramount Skydance Corporation, signaling a strategic pivot to leverage high-profile franchises and streaming services in the competitive entertainment industry[3]. ViacomCBS’s evolution reflects broader industry trends, focusing on integrated content creation, global distribution, and streaming innovation. Its leadership under Shari Redstone and Bob Bakish has emphasized divesting non-core assets, such as the historic CBS headquarters, to reinvest in growth areas. This approach positions the company as a dynamic player in the convergence of traditional media and digital platforms[1][3].

## Overview HBO Max is a leading American subscription video on-demand (SVOD) streaming service operated by Warner Bros. Discovery[1]. Launched in the United States on May 27, 2020, HBO Max aggregates content from a vast array of Warner Bros. Discovery brands—including HBO, Warner Bros., Discovery Channel, CNN, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Animal Planet, TBS, TNT, and Eurosport[1]. The platform offers a mix of original programming, legacy content from these networks, and licensed third-party shows and movies, positioning itself as a comprehensive entertainment hub[1]. ## History and Evolution Originally introduced as HBO Max, the service replaced earlier HBO streaming offerings like HBO Go and HBO Now[1]. In 2023, Warner Bros. Discovery rebranded the service as “Max” to broaden its appeal beyond HBO’s prestige programming and include Discovery’s unscripted content[3]. However, by 2025, the company reversed course, re-embracing the HBO Max name to leverage the brand’s longstanding reputation for quality and to signal a renewed focus on premium content[3][6]. This marked the fifth name change for the service in 15 years, reflecting the industry’s rapid evolution and internal corporate strategy shifts[3]. ## Key Achievements HBO Max quickly became the fourth most-subscribed streaming service globally, trailing only Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix, with over 125.5 million paid memberships[1]. The platform is renowned for blockbuster originals such as *The Last of Us* and *The White Lotus*, which have driven significant subscriber growth and engagement[6]. In 2024–2025, HBO Max’s emphasis on fewer, high-budget, culturally resonant shows paid off with record engagement—users now average 2.8 hours per day on the platform, a 15% increase from 2023[6]. The service has

**Paramount+** is a leading direct-to-consumer digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service, part of Paramount Global's multimedia portfolio. Launched in 2021 as a rebranding of CBS All Access, it combines live sports, breaking news, and a vast library of entertainment content. Paramount+ offers a diverse range of shows and movies from renowned brands like CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Pictures, along with exclusive originals such as "Star Trek" series and "Evil" [1][2]. **History and Evolution**: Paramount+ evolved from CBS All Access, which was initially focused on CBS content. The service expanded to include content from other Paramount brands, significantly enhancing its offerings. This transformation aimed to compete more effectively in the streaming market by leveraging the extensive library of Paramount Global [2][3]. **Key Achievements**: Paramount+ has achieved significant success by offering a comprehensive streaming experience. It features over 30,000 episodes of TV shows and hundreds of movies, making it a strong contender in the streaming industry. The service is particularly popular for its family-friendly content, including Nick Jr. shows, and its inclusion of SHOWTIME content in the Premium plan, which appeals to a wide range of audiences [3][5]. **Current Status**: Currently, Paramount+ offers two main plans: the Essential plan for $8 per month (ad-supported) and the Premium plan for $13 per month (ad-free with SHOWTIME content). The Premium plan allows for offline downloads and access to local CBS live streams, enhancing the viewing experience for subscribers [2][3]. **Notable Aspects**: Paramount+ is notable for its cost-effectiveness, offering a broad range of content at competitive pricing. It supports live sports streaming, including NFL games and Champions League matches, making it appealing to sports enthusiasts. Additionally, its availability on multiple devices ensures flexibility for users [5][6].

Netflix, Inc., founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in Los Gatos, California, is a global media and entertainment company primarily known for its streaming service that offers movies, TV series, and games to over 300 million paid subscribers across more than 190 countries[1][2]. Initially disrupting the traditional video rental market dominated by Blockbuster, Netflix evolved from DVD rentals to pioneering the streaming model in 2007, fundamentally changing how audiences consume entertainment[1]. Netflix’s transition into original content production beginning in 2013 marked a significant milestone, with acclaimed series and films that garnered numerous awards, establishing it not only as a distributor but also a creator of high-quality content[1]. This strategic pivot helped Netflix compete against traditional broadcasters and emerging streaming platforms. By 2023, Netflix expanded into live programming, further broadening its content offerings and competitive scope[1]. Financially, Netflix is a powerhouse with a market capitalization of approximately $464 billion as of late 2025, annual revenues exceeding $43 billion, and a strong earnings per share figure of $23.97 from the previous year, showcasing robust profitability and investor confidence[1]. Under the leadership of CEO Theodore A. Sarandos, Netflix continues to innovate in entertainment technology, providing flexible viewing experiences where users can play, pause, and resume content anytime, anywhere[1][2]. Notable aspects of Netflix include its disruption of traditional media, its investment in diverse global content, and its adaptation to technological shifts in media consumption. Its impact extends beyond entertainment to influence digital distribution, consumer behavior, and the economics of content creation and delivery in the 21st century[1][2]. Netflix remains a benchmark in streaming services and a key player in the evolving landscape of global entertainment.

Disney+ is an American subscription-based streaming service owned by Disney Streaming, a division of Disney Entertainment under the Walt Disney Company. Launched in November 2019, it serves as the exclusive digital home for Disney’s vast content library, including films and TV shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more, making it a powerhouse in the video-on-demand industry. Disney+ had 127.8 million paid subscribers, ranking it as the third most-subscribed streaming platform globally, behind Amazon Prime Video and Netflix[1]. The platform leverages technology from Disney Streaming, originally BAMTech, which Disney acquired to build a robust streaming infrastructure. This technology supports high-quality streaming with 4K UHD, Dolby Vision, HDR10, and Dolby Atmos audio, alongside features like offline downloads and multi-device streaming[1][4]. Disney+ also offers an ad-supported tier, allowing advertisers to leverage first-party data for targeted campaigns, reflecting a dual revenue model combining subscriptions and advertising[2]. Disney+ stands out for its exclusive original content, including highly successful series such as *The Mandalorian*, *WandaVision*, and *Loki*, which have attracted dedicated fan bases. It also streams new MCU and Star Wars releases shortly after theatrical runs, securing its appeal to genre enthusiasts[3][4]. Beyond entertainment, it offers educational content from National Geographic and sports programming via ESPN in select regions[1][3]. The service’s growth was bolstered by Disney’s strategic acquisitions, including 21st Century Fox, which expanded its content portfolio and led to the integration of the Star brand internationally, later replaced by Hulu in most markets outside the U.S.[1]. Disney+ provides family-friendly, diverse content with parental controls and customizable profiles, catering to broad demographics and reinforcing Disney’s legacy in family entertainment[2][5]. Overall, Disney+ represents a major technological and business achievement, combining Disney’s iconic storytelling with cutting-edge streaming technology to compete in