The Controversial 'South Park' Premiere
Introduction
The controversial season 27 premiere of 'South Park' has been making headlines since its release, with one particular scene causing quite a stir. The creators, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, have revealed that the episode caused a major battle with the network and even prompted an apology from the duo.
Key Details
The premiere, which aired on September 26th, featured a version of President Donald Trump lying naked in bed with Satan. This scene earned the ire of Trump, causing him to tweet about the show and its creators. Stone and Parker joked at their Comic-Con panel that they were "terribly sorry" for the controversy, but also acknowledged that this kind of response is exactly what they were hoping for.
The creators also shared that the network was not initially on board with the scene, but eventually allowed it to air. This is not the first time 'South Park' has pushed the boundaries, and it's clear that the creators have no intention of stopping.
Impact
The controversy surrounding the premiere has only fueled the success of the show, with many fans praising Stone and Parker for their bold and unapologetic approach to satirizing current events. The show has always been known for its irreverent and provocative humor, and it's clear that they have no plans to tone it down.
Stone and Parker
About the People Mentioned
Matt Stone
Matt Stone is an American writer, producer, actor, voice artist, musician, and animator best known as co‑creator (with Trey Parker) of the long‑running animated series South Park and co‑creator of the Broadway musical The Book of Mormon. He was born May 26, 1971, in Houston, Texas, and raised in Littleton, Colorado; he met Parker at the University of Colorado at Boulder, where they collaborated on early projects that led to their professional partnership[1][2]. Stone and Parker launched South Park on Comedy Central in 1997; the series—noted for its crude animation, satirical edge, and willingness to lampoon religion, politics, and pop culture—made both creators the primary writers, directors and frequent voice performers for the show’s principal characters[1][2][3]. The duo expanded their work to feature films and other projects, including South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999), Team America: World Police (2004), and the independent films Cannibal! The Musical and Orgazmo[2][3][5]. In theater, Stone and Parker collaborated with composer-lyricist Robert Lopez to create The Book of Mormon (2011), a satirical stage musical that won multiple Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and earned a Grammy for its original cast recording[1][2]. Stone has also been involved in producing South Park spinoffs, documentaries, and various television and film projects across his career[3][4]. Key achievements include creating one of television’s most influential and controversial animated comedies and co‑writing a Tony‑winning Broadway musical[1][2]. Stone continues to be credited as an executive producer, writer, and voice actor on South Park and remains an active figure in entertainment production[3][5]. Public biographical profiles list him as based in the Los Angeles area and note ongoing involvement in film and television projects[3][5].
Trey Parker
Trey Parker is an American screenwriter, director, actor, producer, and composer best known as the co‑creator (with Matt Stone) of the animated series South Park and as co‑creator/co‑writer of the Broadway musical The Book of Mormon.[1][2] Born Randolph Severn "Trey" Parker III on October 19, 1969, in Conifer, Colorado, he met Matt Stone while studying at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where they began collaborating on short films and stage projects that led to their break with the short The Spirit of Christmas (1995).[1][3] Parker and Stone launched South Park in 1997; Parker has served as a principal writer, director, executive producer and voice actor on the series, contributing many of the show’s male voices and taking primary responsibility for much of the episode scripting and direction.[1][2] Their 1999 feature film South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut earned Parker an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song and expanded the franchise’s cultural impact.[2] In theater, Parker and Stone co‑wrote The Book of Mormon (2011), which won multiple Tony Awards and became a major commercial and critical success.[1] Parker’s other notable projects include the marionette feature Team America: World Police (2004), the early sitcom That’s My Bush! (2001), and the stage/film origins Cannibal! The Musical (1993).[2][3] He has received multiple industry awards for his work, including Emmy Awards for South Park and Tony recognition for The Book of Mormon, reflecting both television and theater acclaim.[1] Parker remains active in television and film production, continuing as a showrunner and executive producer on South Park and involved in related projects and occasional stage and film work as credited in industry listings.[2][3]
About the Organizations Mentioned
South Park
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.
Comic-Con
Comic-Con International is a California-based nonprofit public benefit corporation dedicated to promoting public awareness and appreciation of comics and related popular arts such as film, science fiction, and fantasy literature. Founded in 1970 originally as the San Diego’s West Coast Comic Convention, it officially became the San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) in 1973 and evolved into Comic-Con International in 1995 to reflect its broader mission beyond just comics[1][3][4]. The organization hosts the annual San Diego Comic-Con, recognized as the largest convention of its kind worldwide, drawing over 130,000 attendees before the pandemic with a diverse focus on comics, movies, television, gaming, and interactive media[3][6]. The event takes place at the San Diego Convention Center, which has been its home since 1991, with additional activities spread across nearby venues[1][3]. Beyond the main convention, Comic-Con International also organizes WonderCon, the Comic-Con Museum, the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards (the comic industry's equivalent to the Oscars), and the Storytelling Across Media symposium, all aimed at celebrating and educating about the cultural contributions of comics and popular arts[2][3]. Key achievements include establishing a globally influential platform for pop culture fandom and significantly impacting San Diego's economy. The convention generates over $165 million in overall local spending, with attendees averaging nearly $700 each during their stay, and contributes more than $3.2 million in hotel and sales tax revenue annually, making it San Diego’s largest annual event and a major economic driver[5]. Notable aspects of Comic-Con include its nonprofit status, its expansive scope that bridges multiple entertainment genres, and its role as a cultural and commercial nexus for fans, creators, and industries worldwide. It fosters a unique community through cosplay, exclusive previews, panels, and an extensive Exhibit Hall, continually adapting to new media trends while honoring the historic and ongoing contributions of comics and related arts[1][2][
