Paramount's financial arrangement with Donald Trump post-settlement is subjected to ridicule in South Park, following the sealing of a $1.5 billion deal by the show's creators
In the latest season of South Park, creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone have not shied away from criticizing both Paramount Pictures and President Donald Trump. The premiere episode of the 27th season, titled "Sermon on the 'Mount," takes aim at various satirical targets, including the supposed death of "wokeness," the rise of ChatGPT, and the debate over Christian teachings in public schools.
The episode, which aired ten hours after the announcement of Paramount's proposed merger with Skydance Media, sees Trump and Paramount as focal points. The corporate tie-up between the two entertainment giants requires federal approval from the Federal Communications Commission, and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who was appointed by Trump, has stated that he is not a "South Park" watcher.
In the episode, South Park depicts Trump as a petulant child, recycling the animation style used for Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in the 1999 film "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut." The show also contains profane references to the president's anatomy.
The episode's plot revolves around a legal battle between Trump and South Park over the presence of Jesus Christ in the elementary school. In one scene, "60 Minutes" reports on the social unrest in South Park amid Trump's lawsuit, with the fictional hosts praising the president as "a great man."
The search results do not provide specific details about a South Park episode featuring President Trump and Paramount. However, it is clear that the creators are using their signature irreverent humor to comment on issues related to both Trump and Paramount.
This is not the first time South Park has used satire to critique political leaders and cultural phenomena. In the past, the show has frequently featured parodies of political figures, including U.S. presidents like Donald Trump. Any controversy would likely stem from the show's ability to provoke strong reactions from audiences.
Recent news articles and reviews suggest that the creators of South Park have agreed to a deal with Paramount to produce 50 new episodes over the next five years, reportedly valued at $1.5 billion. The deal has drawn more attention, with Colbert and Jon Stewart assailing the deal, citing Paramount's apparent kowtowing to the Trump administration ahead of the merger with Skydance Media.
The controversy surrounding the episode and the deal between South Park and Paramount comes as CBS announced the cancellation of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, citing financial reasons. Some fans argue that the cancellation is due to Colbert's anti-Trump humor. Trump himself has expressed his disapproval of a "handful of national programmers" controlling and dictating the narrative to the American public.
As the merger between Paramount and Skydance Media awaits federal approval, it remains to be seen how the relationship between the two companies and South Park will develop. One thing is certain: South Park will continue to push boundaries and tackle controversial topics with its unique brand of satire.
- The episode of South Park that aired during the 27th season, titled "Sermon on the 'Mount," utilizes satire to comment on issues related to both President Trump and entertainment giant Paramount.
- In the episode, Trump is depicted as a petulant child, drawing comparison to the animation style used for Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in the 1999 film "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut."
- The latest season of South Park also touches upon the deal between Paramount and Skydance Media, a transaction that requires federal approval, and the controversy surrounding it has stirred discussions about the intersection of business, politics, and general news, including critiques about Paramount's alleged kowtowing to the Trump administration.
