“South Park” is responding after the Department of Homeland Security posted a screengrab of an upcoming episode featuring ICE agents as part of a recruiting push. The show fired back, saying, “Wait, so we ARE relevant? #eatabagofd—s.” The hashtag, while crude, kept the show’s tone consistent.
Their response is related to the White House’s previous criticism of the season premiere. In a statement to Straight Arrow News, spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in part, “This show hasn’t been relevant for over 20 years and is hanging on by a thread with uninspired ideas in a desperate attempt for attention.”
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In an emailed statement to Straight Arrow News, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said:
“We want to thank South Park for drawing attention to ICE law enforcement recruitment: We are calling on patriotic Americans to help us remove murderers, gang members, pedophiles, and other violent criminals from our country. Benefits available to new ICE recruits include an up to $50,000 signing bonus, student loan forgiveness, and retirement benefits. Apply today at join.ice.gov.”
‘South Park’ taps into political satire
In its recent season premiere, the animated series once again targeted Trump with its signature brand of edgy satire. One viral clip from the episode featured the animated Trump character with exaggerated male anatomy and threatening to sue everyone in “South Park.”
The episode sparked a wave of online reactions — both positive and critical. Despite the controversy, “South Park” remains relevant in political conversation.
Their newest episode also appears to feature DHS and ICE.
“When Mr. Mackay loses his job, he desperately tries to find a new way to make a living,” a South Park X post teases with a screengrab of him next to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem as a character.
Executive linked to Colbert cancellation now oversees ‘South Park’
Behind the scenes, “South Park” is also facing corporate changes.
Skydance unveiled its new executive team ahead of its expected merger with Paramount Global on Aug. 7, but even before the deal is finalized, changes are already impacting “South Park.” According to multiple outlets, scripted production operations previously overseen by departing Paramount Global co-CEO Chris McCarthy are being folded into the newly formed Paramount Television Studios. The new studio will be led by Co-Chair of Paramount Pictures and Chair of Paramount Television, Dana Goldberg, and is expected to be run by Skydance TV President Matt Thunell.
However, one high-profile exception to this consolidation is “South Park.”
‘South Park’ studio shakeup
“South Park’s” production arm, South Park Digital Studios, will not be folded into Paramount TV Studios. Instead, oversight of the series has been handed to Paramount Global co-CEO George Cheeks.
Cheeks will now oversee both the show’s network home, Comedy Central, and its co-owned production company, South Park Digital Studios — a joint venture between Paramount and the show’s production company, Park County.
Because “South Park” continues to air on a traditional linear network, the studio was placed under Cheeks to align both its network and production sides under one executive.
George Cheeks linked to Colbert cancellation
If the name Cheeks sounds familiar, it might be because he’s widely reported to have been responsible for the sudden cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
Much like Colbert, “South Park” has not held back when it comes to Trump or his administration.
$1.5 billion explains ‘South Park’s’ staying power
South Park’s protected status within Paramount may have something to do with money — and a lot of it.
Departing co-CEO Chris McCarthy most recently worked on a $1.5 billion deal between Paramount Global and South Park Digital Studios. The deal secured exclusive rights to “South Park” content for five more years, further cementing the show’s value to the company.
Fans split over the new leadership
Online, viewers are divided about the future of “South Park” under Cheeks’ oversight.
Some users expressed concern about what the executive shuffle might mean for the show’s creative direction. Others were more optimistic, citing the fearless reputation of creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone.
The next episode of “South Park” is set to air Wednesday, Aug. 6. A teaser clip appears to show animated Trump returning, suggesting that more satire — and possibly more political reactions — are on the way.
