‘South Park’ creators slam Paramount amid merger, delayed season 27 premiere

South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone released a profane statement slamming Comedy Central’s parent company, Paramount, after the long-running animated show’s delayed season 27 release amid a potential behind-the-scenes merger with producer David Ellison’s Skydance.

Following the show’s season 27 premiere delay amid reported issues related to streaming rights for the series, Parker and Stone lashed out Wednesday morning on the show’s official X account.

“In response to the press release from Comedy Central about the change in premiere date for South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone said, ‘This merger is a s—show and it’s f—ing up South Park.”

Though they didn’t explain how or why the parent company is impacting the delay, the pair added, “We are at the studio working on new episodes and we hope the fans get to see them somehow.”

Entertainment Weekly has reached out to Paramount representatives for comment.

The last new season of South Park premiered over two years ago in February 2023, followed by three specials that streamed on Paramount+ between October 2023 and May 2024.

Shari Redstone, whose National Amusements has “owned more than three-quarters of Paramount’s Class A voting shares,” said of the merger that, “Given the changes in the industry, we want to fortify Paramount for the future while ensuring that content remains king,” per the Associated Press.

Having first premiered in 1997, South Park has long cemented its status as one of the most controversial shows on television, for its blistering, satirical portrayals of celebrities and political figures over the years.

Among those targeted by the show were former Disney pop stars the Jonas Brothers, who were depicted in a 2009 episode as being attacked by Mickey Mouse amid a plot point that also lampooned their purity rings signaling virginity.

“Our skin was not as thick back then,” Joe Jonas said of the episode in a recent interview with Mythical Chef Josh Scherer of Mythical Kitchen’s Last Meals.

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“I think I was the only brother that loved it,” he continued. “I thought it was hilarious, because I watched South Park, and I was like, ‘This is so funny, I know what they’re doing, they make fun of everyone!'”

South Park season 27 is currently set to premiere on July 23 on Comedy Central.