In a recent episode of the longstanding animated television series “South Park,” co-creator Trey Parker delivered a mock apology to former President Donald Trump. The apology came in response to the show’s portrayal of Trump during the premiere of its 27th season, which aired on July 25, 2025. The episode, which depicted Trump in a number of unflattering situations—including an outrageous scene showing him naked in bed with Satan—sparked a strong reaction from the White House.
After the airing of the episode, a representative from the White House labeled “South Park” a “fourth-rate” show, accusing it of relying on outdated jokes and desperate attempts for attention. This comment was echoed by White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers the following day, who emphasized that the show had lost its relevance over the past two decades and claimed that no show could thwart Trump’s streak of delivering upon his promises as president.
During a panel discussion at Comic-Con International in San Diego, Parker responded to the White House’s remarks with a deadpan delivery, stating, “We’re terribly sorry.” His humor was shared alongside co-creator Matt Stone, who joined him at the panel alongside prominent figures such as Mike Judge, creator of “Beavis and Butt-Head,” and actor Andy Samberg from the animated series “Digman!” Their lighthearted banter often veered into serious commentary on the current political landscape and the challenges comedic creators face in addressing such issues.
“South Park” is renowned for its bold political satire, which frequently aims at public figures and authority. This latest episode was described by critics, including Stuart Heritage of The Guardian, as possibly the show’s most furious to date. The show concluded with a voiceover reminding viewers of Trump’s perceived shortcomings in a characteristically outrageous style, stating, “His penis is teeny tiny, but his love for us is large.”
Amidst this controversy, Parker took note of the production team’s response to the explicit content, humorously recounting how they requested to censor certain images. Parker, however, insisted that nothing should be blurred, leading to some of the episode’s more shocking visual elements.
The episode and its surrounding commentary were released at a time of significant changes within the media landscape, particularly concerning Paramount Global. Just before the show’s air date, the company received approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a merger with Skydance Media. This merger had initially been announced in 2024 and represents another hefty million-dollar deal with major implications for the entertainment industry.
Simultaneously, this new episode debuted following a contractual agreement in which the show’s creators signed a five-year deal with Paramount+, worth around $1.5 billion. This agreement includes the production of 50 new episodes alongside rights to stream previous seasons on the platform. In the new episode titled “Sermon on the ‘Mount,’” Trump controversially sues the titular town, leading to an intervention from Jesus, a recurring character in the series, who advises them to “settle” to avoid dire consequences—referencing the declining relevance of shows like CBS’s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
As South Park navigates this delicate balance of satire and social commentary, Parker and Stone acknowledge their past challenges of addressing politically charged subjects. Reflecting on their creative journey, Parker previously expressed a desire to bring the series back to its roots, focusing on the comedic misadventures of children rather than being solely centered on political satire.
As the nation continues to grapple with the repercussions of political discourse in media, Parker’s and Stone’s unapologetic approach remains a hallmark of “South Park,” ensuring it maintains its unique position in animated satire amidst evolving cultural dialogues.
