South Parkseason 27’s release date has been delayed, and series creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone have released a strongly worded statement about the decision.South Parkseason 27was originally supposed to premiere on July 9.South Parkhasn’t released a new seasonsince 2023, and now the delay for new episodes is growing longer.
PerDeadline,South Parkseason 27 has been pushed back to July 23as an ongoing legal dispute between Trey Parker and Matt Stone, Comedy Central’s parent company Paramount Global, and current streaming rights holder Warner Bros. Discovery is settled. The delay presumably stems from several complications related toParamount’s merger with Skydance and Redbird, which is in progress but not finalized.
Previously, WBD secured an extension on its exclusive rights to streamSouth Parkon Max while negotiations with Paramount continued.Parker and Stone then allegedthat incoming Paramount Global president Jeff Shell had interfered with their talks to findSouth Parka new streaming home. Parker and Stone also released their blunt response to the merger and the delay in asocial media post.
“This merger is a stshow and it’s fking up South Park. We are at the studio working on new episodes and we hope the fans get to see them somehow.”
What South Park Season 27’s Delay Means For The Show’s Future With Paramount
Tensions Are Clearly Rising Between Parker & Stone & Paramount, Which Could Cause Future Issues For South Park
The delay ofSouth Parkseason 27 is just the latest in what appears to be a steadily worsening relationship between Paramount Global and Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Parker and Stone recently filed a lawsuit against Paramount for allegedly interfering in their talks with streamers like Netflix and Warner Bros., and now they’ve publicly criticized Paramount and its merger with Skydance and Redbird.
If the relationship between Parker, Stone, and Paramount continues to worsen, it could impact the future ofSouth Park. Previously,South Park’s specialswere released as Paramount+ exclusives. If Parker and Stone are sufficiently motivated by the behind-the-scenes drama,they may influence South Park Digital Studios to sign a new streaming agreement giving the show and its future movies to another platform.
There’s also the possibility that Parker and Stone’s and Warner Bros. Discovery’s ongoing lawsuits will result in legal repercussions for Paramount. Jeff Shell isn’t legally able to be part of any negotiations on behalf of Paramount Global until the merger is complete. If Parker and Stone’s allegations prove true, then Paramount could be held liable for interference andSouth Parkcould go to another streaming service.
Warner Bros. Discovery previously had a $500 million agreement to secure the exclusive streaming rights toSouth Parkon Max. That deal ended, butSouth Parkremains on Max for the foreseeable future.
Deadline also noted that Paramount has voiced a strong desire to houseSouth Parkon Paramount+. Until there’s a new streaming agreement in place, however,South Parkwill continue to be housed on Max.OnceSouth Parkseason 27 is released, new episodes are expected to premiere on Paramount+, barring any future changes in streaming deals.
Our Take On South Park Season 27’s Delay & BTS Tension
Parker & Stone Are Right, BTS Problems Are Hurting South Park
The entire situation with Paramount Global, South Park Digital Studios, and Warner Bros. Discovery is a complicated one.The clearest takeaway I can glean from it is that there’s one biggest loser already:South Park. The series has already been delayed because of these legal battles and accusations. Trey Parker and Matt Stone are right: the show is suffering because of it.
It’s been over a year since we’ve gotten anySouth Parkcontent sinceThe End of Obesity, which is absolutely unprecedented.No matter who comes out on top and secures the rights toSouth Park, the show has already been harmed by its behind-the-scenes drama. I just want to seeSouth Parkfind a stable situation that can handle its crass humor and let the series do what it does best: offend everyone.
