South Park creator Matt Stone states there was no censorship regarding the delay of the show’s episode.
When the iconic animated series “South Park” announced a delay in the release of a new episode this week, speculation arose among fans regarding the reasons behind this decision. Many suggested that the network might have intervened or that external political events could have led to the postponement. However, co-creator Matt Stone firmly refuted these claims, asserting that the delay was not a result of censorship or external pressure.
Stone clarified the situation in a recent interview, emphasizing that there had been no intervention from the network. He explained that the team simply did not complete the episode on time, attributing this to what he described as the challenges of a procrastination-driven production schedule. This admission comes amid a broader context in which other late-night shows, such as “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, have been taken off the air, raising questions about the state of comedic programming during turbulent political times.
Currently, “South Park” is enjoying a resurgence with its 27th season, following a two-year hiatus. This season has generated considerable discussion for its biting satire of several prominent political figures, including former President Donald Trump and key officials like Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. One particular episode titled “Got A Nut” featured the character Eric Cartman, who impersonated MAGA activist Charlie Kirk in a satirical debate about women’s rights. Following the tragic shooting of Kirk on September 10, this episode was pulled from the show’s rotation but remains available for streaming on Paramount+.
The delay in a new episode prompted fans to speculate whether the recent events surrounding Kirk’s death influenced the show’s production schedule. The situation was further complicated by Disney and ABC’s decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel’s show due to controversial remarks about the incident. Despite the surrounding turmoil, Stone and fellow co-creator Trey Parker are known for their rapid and often chaotic approach to episode development, a process highlighted in the documentary “6 Days to Air: The Making of South Park.”
The much-anticipated new episode is now scheduled to air on September 24, with Stone expressing confidence in its quality. Additionally, both Stone and Parker are involved in local initiatives, including ownership of the beloved Colorado restaurant Casa Bonita, where an upcoming Halloween and Dia de los Muertos-themed pop-up event, termed “Casa BOOnita,” is set to launch in October. This melding of comedic content and community engagement underscores the enduring legacy and cultural relevance of “South Park” in today’s society.
