Get ready for a wild ride because 'South Park' is back, and no one is safe! The latest episode isn't just poking fun; it's skewering political figures like never before, particularly Donald Trump and Peter Thiel. But here's where it gets controversial: the show's depiction of Trump's relationship with Satan.
The long-running animated series has doubled down on its satirical attacks with its recent episode, "Twisted Christian," which aired on October 15th. The episode continues an already bizarre storyline: Trump is in a romantic entanglement with Satan, who is now pregnant. And to make things even more twisted, Trump seeks a secret abortion for Satan at Planned Parenthood, all while collaborating with Vice President JD Vance to shut down abortion clinics. Talk about hypocrisy!
But the political jabs don't stop there. The episode also features a scathing parody of Peter Thiel. Thiel, the PayPal co-founder and venture capitalist, is portrayed delivering a ridiculously over-the-top presentation at South Park Elementary, warning about the impending arrival of the Antichrist. This plotline seems to be inspired by Thiel's recent public statements, where he expressed fears about an "Antichrist" figure emerging on the global stage. Reuters reported on this lecture series just last week. And this is the part most people miss: 'South Park' is not just reacting to news; it's actively engaging with and reinterpreting complex, often esoteric, ideas circulating in the tech and political spheres.
Thiel even gets his own theme song in the episode, highlighting his supposed knowledge of the Antichrist. The story then morphs into a parody of the classic horror film "The Exorcist." In a surprising twist, Thiel is revealed to be working with JD Vance in a secret plot to prevent Satan from giving birth to Trump's child. Vance promises Thiel, "When I become president, I will give you full access to everyone's data," showcasing a disturbing vision of unchecked power and surveillance.
The episode takes an even stranger turn when the venture capitalist becomes convinced that a possessed Eric Cartman holds the key to their plan. Thiel decides he must bring Cartman to Washington, D.C., but the episode concludes without resolving this bizarre storyline, leaving viewers hanging.
Adding to the already outrageous content, a recurring subplot in the episode relentlessly mocks Trump by depicting him as having laughably small genitalia. This visual gag has become a staple in recent episodes. It's a bold and potentially offensive move, but it's also classic 'South Park.'
Since July, 'South Park' has been consistently targeting Trump and his administration. The current season's premiere introduced the ongoing storyline of Trump, portrayed in a similar fashion to the show's previous parody of Saddam Hussein, being romantically involved with Satan, who feels trapped in an abusive relationship due to her pregnancy.
Trump has been a constant presence in 'South Park' episodes since July, and the show hasn't shied away from lampooning other members of his administration. Vance is portrayed as Trump's overwhelmed assistant, reminiscent of Tattoo from the TV series "Fantasy Island." Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was also featured, depicted repeatedly shooting dogs in the second episode of Season 27.
The White House responded to 'South Park's' initial Trump parody back in July with a scathing statement. "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," said White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers. "President Trump has delivered on more promises in just six months than any other president in our country's history — and no fourth-rate show can derail President Trump's hot streak." Ouch!
The fifth episode of Season 27, titled "Conflict of Interest," targeted Brendan Carr, the Federal Communications Commission chairman. Carr had faced criticism for allegedly pressuring ABC to remove Jimmy Kimmel from the air following comments Kimmel made about conservative activist Charlie Kirk's killing. In the 'South Park' episode, Carr is repeatedly injured in absurd ways before ending up in a hospital, where a doctor warns that he "may lose his freedom of speech."
So, when can you catch the next dose of 'South Park' satire? After the October 15th episode, the show will take a two-week break.
According to Comedy Central, new episodes of Season 27 are scheduled to air on October 29th, November 12th, November 26th, and December 10th. Mark your calendars!
What do you think? Is 'South Park' going too far with its political satire, or is it providing a necessary commentary on current events? And is the show truly "uninspired" as the White House claims, or is it still as sharp and relevant as ever? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!