South Park fans will have to wait a bit longer for new episodes. Comedy Central has officially pushed the Season 27 premiere from July 9 to July 23, citing ongoing issues surrounding the show’s streaming rights and the uncertain status of Paramount Global’s proposed merger with Skydance.
The network released a new poster featuring fan favorites Stan, Kyle, Cartman, Kenny, and even Jesus, teasing the show’s return. But creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone aren’t holding back on how they feel about the situation.
“This merger is a shtshow and is fcking up South Park,” the duo wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “We are at the studio working on new episodes and we hope the fans get to see them somehow.”
Streaming Confusion & Legal Threats
The delay follows the expiration of South Park’s $500 million streaming deal with HBO Max last week. A new deal has not been finalized, and the show didn’t appear on Paramount+ on July 1 as previously expected.
While Paramount Global hopes to bring the series to its own platform, the show’s non-exclusive streaming rights are reportedly being shopped to other platforms, including Netflix and HBO Max’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery.
Parker and Stone, through their company Park County, have even threatened legal action against Paramount, Skydance, and RedBird Capital over alleged interference in these negotiations. One reported issue was a proposed five-year exclusive deal with delayed access for other platforms — something the creators reportedly oppose.
Where You Can Watch Now
For now, all 26 previous seasons of South Park remain on Max under a temporary extension. Meanwhile, Paramount+ still carries a few South Park specials that were created exclusively for the platform and have also sparked legal disputes.
Who’s Behind the Scenes?
Trey Parker and Matt Stone continue to serve as executive producers alongside Anne Garefino and Frank C. Agnone II. Other producers include Eric Stough, Adrien Beard, Bruce Howell, and Vernon Chatman, with Christopher Brion as creative director of South Park Digital Studios.
Fans can expect more clarity soon as South Park gears up for its long-awaited return on July 23, 2025. But for now, the future of where and how the show will stream remains an ongoing drama — both on and off screen.
