Subject matter in South Park
Encyclopedia
South Park
has attempted to cover and satirize a large number of topics over the course of its run. In more recent years, the use of computer animation
has made it possible to edit episodes in days, quickly commenting on recent events (Elián González
, 2000 U.S. presidential election
, the capture of Saddam Hussein
, the election of Barack Obama
etc.). The creators also have engendered a mix of socially liberal
and fiscally conservative
viewpoints, espousing a libertarian
ideology in both real life and on the show. However, the shows creators call themselves "equal opportunity offenders", and reject the notion that they are trying to put forth any consistent ideological agenda through the show.
is heavily lampoon
ed in South Park.
is a repeatedly cited concern in multiple episodes. Notable episodes involving censorship include "Death", "It Hits the Fan
", "Cartoon Wars Part I
", "Cartoon Wars Part II
", "200
" and "201
".
. Mr. Garrison later comes out as gay for several seasons, and lives with Mr. Slave until he undergoes a sex change operation. Big Gay Al and Mr. Slave are later married in "Follow That Egg!
". A solution to the conflict regarding gay marriages is proposed by a character, who stated that although gay couples should be able to have the same legal benefits that marriage brings, their union should be called something else and treated differently so as not to offend people who think marriage is a sacred union between man and woman. South Park parodies the real-life "civil union" compromise by proposing gay couples be allowed to have the same rights as married groups, but be called "Butt buddies".
The 2007 episode "Cartman Sucks
" parodied and criticized the Ex Gay Movement, focusing on children whose parents force them to attend such therapy.
Saddam Hussein
South Park
South Park is an American animated television series created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone for the Comedy Central television network. Intended for mature audiences, the show has become famous for its crude language, surreal, satirical, and dark humor that lampoons a wide range of topics...
has attempted to cover and satirize a large number of topics over the course of its run. In more recent years, the use of computer animation
Computer animation
Computer animation is the process used for generating animated images by using computer graphics. The more general term computer generated imagery encompasses both static scenes and dynamic images, while computer animation only refers to moving images....
has made it possible to edit episodes in days, quickly commenting on recent events (Elián González
Elián González
The custody and immigration status of a young Cuban boy, Elián González , was at the center of a heated 2000 controversy involving the governments of Cuba and the United States, González's father, Juan Miguel González Quintana, González's other relatives in Miami, Florida, and in Cuba, and Miami's...
, 2000 U.S. presidential election
United States presidential election, 2000
The United States presidential election of 2000 was a contest between Republican candidate George W. Bush, then-governor of Texas and son of former president George H. W. Bush , and Democratic candidate Al Gore, then-Vice President....
, the capture of Saddam Hussein
Saddam Hussein
Saddam Hussein Abd al-Majid al-Tikriti was the fifth President of Iraq, serving in this capacity from 16 July 1979 until 9 April 2003...
, the election of Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
etc.). The creators also have engendered a mix of socially liberal
Liberalism
Liberalism is the belief in the importance of liberty and equal rights. Liberals espouse a wide array of views depending on their understanding of these principles, but generally, liberals support ideas such as constitutionalism, liberal democracy, free and fair elections, human rights,...
and fiscally conservative
Conservatism
Conservatism is a political and social philosophy that promotes the maintenance of traditional institutions and supports, at the most, minimal and gradual change in society. Some conservatives seek to preserve things as they are, emphasizing stability and continuity, while others oppose modernism...
viewpoints, espousing a libertarian
Libertarianism
Libertarianism, in the strictest sense, is the political philosophy that holds individual liberty as the basic moral principle of society. In the broadest sense, it is any political philosophy which approximates this view...
ideology in both real life and on the show. However, the shows creators call themselves "equal opportunity offenders", and reject the notion that they are trying to put forth any consistent ideological agenda through the show.
Abortion
AbortionAbortion
Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo prior to viability. An abortion can occur spontaneously, in which case it is usually called a miscarriage, or it can be purposely induced...
is heavily lampoon
Parody
A parody , in current usage, is an imitative work created to mock, comment on, or trivialise an original work, its subject, author, style, or some other target, by means of humorous, satiric or ironic imitation...
ed in South Park.
- "Cartman's Mom Is Still a Dirty SlutCartman's Mom is Still a Dirty Slut"Cartman's Mom Is Still a Dirty Slut" is the second episode of the second season of the animated series South Park, and the 15th episode of the series overall. It premiered on Comedy Central in the United States on April 22, 1998...
": Cartman's Mom attempted to get her son a "42nd trimester" abortion, and finds out that such a late abortion is illegal, she says "Well, I think you need to keep your laws off of my body." Later in the episode, Mrs Cartman says "I should've thought of raising a child before having sex." She later realises that she confused the word "abortion" with "adoption". - "Chef Goes NannersChef Goes Nanners"Chef Goes Nanners" is the seventh episode of the fourth season of the animated television series South Park, and the 55th episode of the series overall...
": The substitute teacher shows that the class had participated in different debates, with one being "Pro-Choice vs. Cartman". - "Kenny DiesKenny Dies"Kenny Dies" is the thirteenth episode of the fifth season of the animated television series South Park, and the 78th episode of the series overall. "Kenny Dies" originally aired in the United States on December 5, 2001 on Comedy Central. In the episode, Cartman comes across a truckload of fetuses...
": Cartman attempts to get stem cell research (using aborted fetusFetusA fetus is a developing mammal or other viviparous vertebrate after the embryonic stage and before birth.In humans, the fetal stage of prenatal development starts at the beginning of the 11th week in gestational age, which is the 9th week after fertilization.-Etymology and spelling variations:The...
es) legalized in a feigned attempt to save KennyKenny McCormickKenneth "Kenny" McCormick is a fictional character in the animated television series South Park. He is one of the four central characters along with his friends Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, and Eric Cartman. His oft-muffled and indiscernible speech—the result of his parka hood covering his...
's life. It is revealed at the end of the episode he really wanted to use stem cells to clone his favorite pizzaPizzaPizza is an oven-baked, flat, disc-shaped bread typically topped with a tomato sauce, cheese and various toppings.Originating in Italy, from the Neapolitan cuisine, the dish has become popular in many parts of the world. An establishment that makes and sells pizzas is called a "pizzeria"...
restaurant. - "A Ladder to HeavenA Ladder to Heaven"A Ladder to Heaven" is episode 91 of the Comedy Central series South Park. It was originally broadcast on November 6, 2002.- Plot :Stan, Kyle and Cartman have won an all-you-can-grab candy prize but cannot claim it without the stub of the ticket they bought. After thinking hard, they remember that...
": Upon realizing that Kenny's soul is inside his body, Cartman decides to go somewhere where they "remove living souls from inside" of him. He then proceeds to go to an abortion clinic where he gets into an argument with the lady at the counter, stating that he can't live this way and demanding that they just suck Kenny's soul out. A couple walk in and upon hearing Cartman's rant, the girlfriend states that she "can't do this" and runs out. At that point, the visibly angry boyfriend throws a rock at Cartman. - "Woodland Critter ChristmasWoodland Critter Christmas"Woodland Critter Christmas" is episode 125 of the Comedy Central series South Park, and originally aired December 15, 2004. It is currently the last South Park Christmas theme episode.-Synopsis:...
": The mountainlion cubs are taught at an abortion clinic how to stop the AntichristAntichristThe term or title antichrist, in Christian theology, refers to a leader who fulfills Biblical prophecies concerning an adversary of Christ, while resembling him in a deceptive manner...
porcupine from being born. During the episode's final confrontation, they give Kyle an "abortion", expelling the Antichrist from his body so that Santa can crush it with a sledgehammer. - "Mr. Garrison's Fancy New VaginaMr. Garrison's Fancy New Vagina"Mr. Garrison's Fancy New Vagina" is the first episode of the ninth season of the American animated television series South Park. "Mr. Garrison's Fancy New Vagina" first aired on Comedy Central in the United States on March 9, 2005. In the episode, Mr...
": The newly sex-changed Mrs. GarrisonHerbert GarrisonMr. Herbert Garrison is a recurring character in the American animated television series South Park. He is voiced by Trey Parker. For the first eight seasons of the series, the character was known as Mr. Garrison but underwent sex reassignment surgery in the season 9 episode "Mr. Garrison's Fancy...
becomes convinced she is pregnant because she doesn't start menstruating. She asks the doctor whether he would "vacuum it (the fetus) out or scramble its brains" because "a woman can do whatever she wants with her body," only to find out at the abortion clinic that uteruses are not created in sex changeSex changeSex change is a term often used for gender reassignment therapy, that is, all medical procedures transgendered people can have, or specifically to sexual reassignment surgery, which usually refers to genitalia surgery only...
operations; therefore she cannot get pregnant. - "Eek, a Penis!Eek, A Penis!"Eek, a Penis!" is the fifth episode of the twelfth season of the American animated series South Park and the 172nd episode of the series overall. It originally aired on Comedy Central in the United States on April 9, 2008. In the episode, Mrs...
": Cartman spends most of the episode teaching inner-city kids that it is okay to cheat. In counseling a pregnant teenager, he says that "Abortion isn't wrong...abortion is the ultimate form of cheating. You're cheating nature itself. Why do rich white girls get ahead in life? Because they get abortions when they're young. They get pregnant, but they still want to go to college, so, whatever, they just cheat. They cheat that little critter in their belly out of a chance at life."
Celebrities
- Barbra StreisandBarbra StreisandBarbra Joan Streisand is an American singer, actress, film producer and director. She has won two Academy Awards, eight Grammy Awards, four Emmy Awards, a Special Tony Award, an American Film Institute award, a Peabody Award, and is one of the few entertainers who have won an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy,...
: in "Mecha-StreisandMecha-Streisand"Mecha-Streisand" is the 12th episode of the first season of the animated television series South Park. It originally aired on Comedy Central in the United States on February 18, 1998. In the episode, Barbra Streisand obtains the Diamond of Panthios from the South Park boys and transforms into a...
", "200200 (South Park)"200" is the fifth episode of the fourteenth season of South Park, and the 200th overall episode of the series. It originally aired on Comedy Central in the United States on April 14, 2010...
", and "201201 (South Park)"201" is the sixth episode of the fourteenth season of South Park, and the 201st overall episode of the series. It originally aired on Comedy Central in the United States on April 21, 2010. The episode continued multiple storylines from the previous episode, "200", in which a group of angry...
", she gains evil-powers and destroys the town as a MechagodzillaMechagodzillais a fictional character from various films in the Godzilla series, introduced in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla . He is Godzilla's mechanical doppelgänger and one of the most popular Toho kaiju...
-style creature; in "SpookyfishSpookyfish"Spookyfish" is the fifteenth episode of the second season of the animated television series South Park, and the 28th episode of the series overall. "Spookyfish" originally aired in the United States on October 28, 1998 on Comedy Central...
", different visages from her TV and movie work appear as "Spooky Streisand" sidebars. Her name also seems to be something of a curse word in the South Park universe, as in South Park: Bigger, Longer & UncutSouth Park: Bigger, Longer & UncutSouth Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut is a 1999 animated musical comedy film based on the animated television series South Park, created by Matt Stone and Trey Parker. The film was directed by Parker, who also stars along with the rest of the regular voice cast from the series, including Stone, Mary...
and "Osama bin Laden Has Farty PantsOsama Bin Laden Has Farty Pants"Osama bin Laden Has Farty Pants" is the ninth episode of the fifth season of the animated television series South Park, and the 74th episode of the series overall. It originally aired on Comedy Central in the United States on November 7, 2001; and is notable as the first episode to air after the...
." - "Starvin' MarvinStarvin' Marvin (South Park)"Starvin' Marvin" is the ninth episode of the first season of the American animated television series South Park. It first aired on Comedy Central in the United States on November 19, 1997. In the episode, Cartman, Kenny, Kyle and Stan send money to an African charity hoping to get a sports watch,...
" and "Starvin' Marvin in SpaceStarvin' Marvin in Space"Starvin' Marvin in Space" is episode 42 of Comedy Central's animated series South Park. It originally aired on November 17, 1999. Like the episode "Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics", the episode is dedicated to Mary Kay Bergman, who lent her voice to nearly all of South Park's female characters...
" lampoon the charity efforts of Sally StruthersSally StruthersSally Ann Struthers is an American actress and spokeswoman, best-known for her roles as Gloria Stivic on All in the Family, for which she won two Emmy awards, and as Babette on Gilmore Girls.-Personal life:...
, who appears as a Jabba the HuttJabba the HuttJabba the Hutt is a fictional character in George Lucas's space opera film saga Star Wars. Designed as a large, slug-like alien, his appearance has been described by film critic Roger Ebert as "Dickensian," a cross between a toad and the Cheshire Cat....
figure in the latter episode. - "Butters' Very Own EpisodeButters' Very Own Episode"Butters' Very Own Episode" is the fourteenth and final episode of the fifth season of the animated television series South Park, and the 79th episode of the series overall. "Butters' Very Own Episode" originally aired in the United States on Comedy Central on December 12, 2001...
": the parents of Butters StotchButters StotchLeopold "Butters" Stotch is a fictional character in the animated television series South Park. He is voiced by series co-creator Matt Stone and loosely based on co-producer Eric Stough. He is a fourth-grade student who commonly has extraordinary experiences not typical of conventional small-town...
try to conceal his attempted murder with the help of Gary ConditGary ConditGary Adrian Condit is a former American politician, a Democrat who served in the House of Representatives from 1989 to 2003...
, O. J. SimpsonO. J. SimpsonOrenthal James "O. J." Simpson , nicknamed "The Juice", is a retired American collegiate and professional football player, football broadcaster, and actor...
, and the parents of JonBenét RamseyJonBenét RamseyJonBenét Patricia Ramsey was an American child beauty pageant contestant who was murdered in her home in Boulder, Colorado, in 1996. The six-year-old's body was found in the basement of the family home nearly eight hours after she was reported missing. She had been struck on the head and strangled...
. - In the episode "Fat Butt and Pancake HeadFat Butt and Pancake Head"Fat Butt and Pancake Head" is fifth episode of the seventh season of the Comedy Central series South Park. It was originally broadcast on April 16, 2003.- Plot :...
", Cartman makes a Jennifer LopezJennifer LopezJennifer Lynn Lopez is an American actress, singer, record producer, dancer, television personality, and fashion designer. Lopez began her career as a dancer on the television comedy program In Living Color. Subsequently venturing into acting, she gained recognition in the 1995 action-thriller...
hand puppet, which suddenly develops a personality of its own and becomes a singing sensation. As a result, the real J-Lo is fired from her record label and Ben AffleckBen AffleckBenjamin Géza Affleck-Boldt , better known as Ben Affleck, is an American actor, film director, writer, and producer. He became known with his performances in Kevin Smith's films such as Mallrats and Chasing Amy...
falls in love with the hand puppet. - Affleck, prior to "Fat Butt and Pancake Head", also appears in "How to Eat with Your ButtHow to Eat with Your Butt"How to Eat with Your Butt" is the tenth episode of the fifth season of the animated television series South Park, and the 75th episode of the series overall...
", where it's revealed that he is the long-lost son of a couple suffering from a fictitious congenital condition called "torsonic polarity syndrome" (TPS), which causes victims to appear to have buttocks in place of their face. - Rob ReinerRob ReinerRobert "Rob" Reiner is an American actor, director, producer, writer, and political activist.As an actor, Reiner first came to national prominence as Archie and Edith Bunker's son-in-law, Michael "Meathead" Stivic, on All in the Family. That role earned him two Emmy Awards during the 1970s...
is derided as a hypocritical activist (who overeats, but opposes smoking) in "Butt OutButt Out"Butt Out" is episode 109 of the Comedy Central series South Park. It originally aired on December 3, 2003.The episode pokes fun at the formulaic storyline of some South Park episodes , which start with the boys getting themselves in trouble and inciting a controversy between the townsfolk and a...
". - John EdwardJohn EdwardJohn Edward McGee, Jr. is an American television personality and professional psychic medium. He is best known for his TV shows Crossing Over with John Edward and John Edward Cross Country....
's mentalist/mediumMediumshipMediumship is described as a form of communication with spirits. It is a practice in religious beliefs such as Spiritualism, Spiritism, Espiritismo, Candomblé, Voodoo and Umbanda.- Concept :...
practices are criticized in "The Biggest Douche in the UniverseThe Biggest Douche in the Universe"The Biggest Douche in the Universe" is the 15th episode of the sixth season of the Comedy Central animated series South Park. It was first broadcast on November 27, 2002 and was the last in a mini-arc depicting Cartman being occasionally possessed by Kenny...
". - Jared FogleJared FogleJared S. Fogle , also known as The Subway Guy, is a spokesman employed by Subway Restaurants in its advertising campaigns...
is satirized in "Jared Has AidesJared Has Aides"Jared Has Aides" is the first episode of the sixth season of the American animated television series South Park. It first aired on Comedy Central in the United States on March 6, 2002. In the episode, weight loss advocate Jared Fogle incurs the wrath of South Park after he announces that he lost...
": a play on his use of personal trainerPersonal trainerA personal trainer is a fitness professional involved in exercise prescription and instruction. They motivate clients by setting goals and providing feedback and accountability to clients. Trainers also measure their client's strengths and weaknesses with fitness assessments...
s in the episode. - Russell CroweRussell CroweRussell Ira Crowe is a New Zealander Australian actor , film producer and musician. He came to international attention for his role as Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius in the 2000 historical epic film Gladiator, directed by Ridley Scott, for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor, a...
is playfully mocked for his GladiatorGladiator (2000 film)Gladiator is a 2000 historical epic film directed by Ridley Scott, starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Ralf Möller, Oliver Reed, Djimon Hounsou, Derek Jacobi, John Shrapnel and Richard Harris. Crowe portrays the loyal Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius, who is betrayed...
role and his violent fights in "The New Terrance and Phillip Movie TrailerThe New Terrance and Phillip Movie Trailer"The New Terrance and Phillip Movie Trailer" is the fifth episode of the sixth season of the Comedy Central series South Park and the 84th episode of the series overall. It originally aired on April 3, 2002. The episode parodies Russel Crowe's real life altercations as the boys must watch his show...
". - During "The Biggest Douche in the UniverseThe Biggest Douche in the Universe"The Biggest Douche in the Universe" is the 15th episode of the sixth season of the Comedy Central animated series South Park. It was first broadcast on November 27, 2002 and was the last in a mini-arc depicting Cartman being occasionally possessed by Kenny...
" Rob SchneiderRob SchneiderRobert Michael "Rob" Schneider is an American actor, comedian, screenwriter, and director. A stand-up comic and veteran of the NBC sketch-comedy series Saturday Night Live, Schneider has gone on to a successful career in feature films, including starring roles in the comedy films Deuce Bigalow:...
is shown in four movie previews. The previews depict Rob Schneider transforming into a stapler, a carrot and Kenny McCormickKenny McCormickKenneth "Kenny" McCormick is a fictional character in the animated television series South Park. He is one of the four central characters along with his friends Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, and Eric Cartman. His oft-muffled and indiscernible speech—the result of his parka hood covering his...
. One of the previews is more like a template with often used phrases "Until one day", "From the creators of" and "[Actor's name] is" between which it's filled with nonsensical gibberish. Rob Schneider is shown dancing in a discotheque, walking into a lamp post, drinking some liquid in a laboratory and falling down stairs. - Mel GibsonMel GibsonMel Colm-Cille Gerard Gibson, AO is an American actor, film director, producer and screenwriter. Born in Peekskill, New York, Gibson moved with his parents to Sydney, Australia when he was 12 years old and later studied acting at the Australian National Institute of Dramatic Art.After appearing in...
is the subject of Cartman's fascination with The Passion of the ChristThe Passion of the ChristThe Passion of the Christ is a 2004 American drama film directed by Mel Gibson and starring Jim Caviezel as Jesus. It depicts the Passion of Jesus largely according to the New Testament Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John...
, culminating in "The Passion of the JewThe Passion of the Jew"The Passion of the Jew" is episode 114 of the Comedy Central series South Park and was originally broadcast on March 31, 2004. The episode is a satire of the movie The Passion of the Christ, which was released in 2004.- Plot :...
", wherein Gibson retaliates as a crazy BraveheartBraveheartBraveheart is a 1995 epic historical drama war film directed by and starring Mel Gibson. The film was written for the screen and then novelized by Randall Wallace...
figure for Stan and Kenny taking back from him the $18 they spent on The Passion. Gibson also shows masochistic tendencies in this episode, as well as a likeness to Daffy DuckDaffy DuckDaffy Duck is an animated cartoon character in the Warner Bros. Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series of cartoons, often running the gamut between being the best friend and sometimes arch-rival of Bugs Bunny...
. - Michael JacksonMichael JacksonMichael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
is portrayed with the character "Mr. Jefferson" in the episode "The JeffersonsThe Jeffersons (South Park)"The Jeffersons" is episode 117 of the Comedy Central animated series South Park. It was originally broadcast on April 21, 2004 and has been described as "a howlingly funny assault on Michael Jackson."-Plot:...
", in which he moves to South Park with his son Blanket to a house full of arcade games and animals, inevitably attracting all the kids in the town. He is later parodied in the season 13 episode "Dead Celebrities" as a ghost possessing Ike because of his denial of being dead, being a man, being an adult and being black. - Paris HiltonParis HiltonParis Whitney Hilton is an American businesswoman, heiress, and socialite. She is a great-granddaughter of Conrad Hilton . Hilton is known for her controversial participation in a sex tape in 2003, and appearance on the television series The Simple Life alongside fellow socialite and childhood...
is caricatured as a "skank" in "Stupid Spoiled Whore Video PlaysetStupid Spoiled Whore Video Playset"Stupid Spoiled Whore Video Playset" is episode 123 of the Comedy Central animated series South Park. It was originally broadcast on December 1, 2004...
". The episode implies (and in some cases explicitly states) that Paris Hilton is a stupid, spoiled, drunken whore who has done nothing to deserve her fame except being rich and spoiled. The episode also criticizes how she has become a role model for young girls (the girls of South Park, with the exception of Wendy Testaburger, quickly take up her supposedly promiscuous and mindless attitude towards life after the opening of the "Stupid spoiled whore" shop). - Tom CruiseTom CruiseThomas Cruise Mapother IV , better known as Tom Cruise, is an American film actor and producer. He has been nominated for three Academy Awards and he has won three Golden Globe Awards....
and John TravoltaJohn TravoltaJohn Joseph Travolta is an American actor, dancer and singer. Travolta first became known in the 1970s, after appearing on the television series Welcome Back, Kotter and starring in the box office successes Saturday Night Fever and Grease...
are famously caricatured in "Trapped in the ClosetTrapped in the Closet"Trapped in the Closet" is a series of songs by American contemporary R&B singer R. Kelly. The song set consists of 22 chapters, which were released from 2005 to 2007. The first five chapters of the set are included on his seventh studio album TP.3 Reloaded, with the first chapter being released as...
" for their participation in ScientologyScientologyScientology is a body of beliefs and related practices created by science fiction and fantasy author L. Ron Hubbard , starting in 1952, as a successor to his earlier self-help system, Dianetics...
. This episode resulted in the departure of Isaac HayesIsaac HayesIsaac Lee Hayes, Jr. was an American songwriter, musician, singer and actor. Hayes was one of the creative influences behind the southern soul music label Stax Records, where he served both as an in-house songwriter and as a record producer, teaming with his partner David Porter during the...
as Chef in "The Return of ChefThe Return of Chef"The Return of Chef" is the first episode of the tenth season of the animated television series South Park, and the 140th episode overall. It first aired on Comedy Central in the United States on March 22, 2006. It was advertised as the tenth season premiere. The episode was the first after the...
", where Chef is brainwashed into a made-up organization lampooning Scientology (of which Hayes is a member, and claimed religious insult because of "Closet"). The title of the "Closet" episode references "Trapped in the Closet" by R. KellyR. KellyRobert Sylvester Kelly , better known by his stage name R. Kelly, is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. A native of Chicago, Kelly began performing during the late 1980s and debuted in 1992 with the group Public Announcement. In 1993, Kelly went solo with the album 12 Play...
, who is also a participant in "Closet." - Prior to "Trapped in the Closet", Travolta was featured in "The EntityThe Entity (South Park)"The Entity" is the eleventh episode of the fifth season of the animated television series South Park, and 76th episode of the series overall. "The Entity" originally aired in the United States on November 21, 2001 on Comedy Central. This episode introduces Kyle's cousin Kyle...
", demonstrating Mr. Garrison's monowheel vehicle known as "IT." - George ClooneyGeorge ClooneyGeorge Timothy Clooney is an American actor, film director, producer, and screenwriter. For his work as an actor, he has received two Golden Globe Awards and an Academy Award...
is considered a source of "smug" in "Smug Alert!Smug Alert!"Smug Alert!" is the second episode of the tenth season of the American animated television series South Park, and the 141st episode overall. It first aired on Comedy Central in the United States on March 29, 2006...
" for his speech giving Hollywood credit in the American Civil Rights Movement, and in the movie for the doctor. - David BlaineDavid BlaineDavid Blaine is an American illusionist and endurance artist. He is best known for his high-profile feats of endurance, and has made his name as a performer of street and close-up magic. He has set and broken several world records...
is satirized in "Super Best FriendsSuper Best Friends"Super Best Friends" is the third episode of the fifth season of the American animated television series South Park, and the 68th episode of the series overall. It first aired on Comedy Central in the United States on July 4, 2001. The episode depicts several religious figures, including Muhammad,...
" as being the leader of a cult known as Blaintology. - In the episode "Red Hot Catholic LoveRed Hot Catholic Love"Red Hot Catholic Love" is the 87th episode of the Comedy Central series South Park. It originally aired on July 3, 2002. It was selected #2 of the "10 South Parks that Changed the World", and was also part of "South Park's Dirty Dozen." In the DVD commentary for this episode, Stone and Parker...
", Martha StewartMartha StewartMartha Stewart is an American business magnate, author, magazine publisher, and television personality. As founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, she has gained success through a variety of business ventures, encompassing publishing, broadcasting, and merchandising...
uses Cartman's method of digestion (which involves shoving food up the anus and defecating out the mouth) to eat a whole turkey. - In the episode "Here Comes the NeighborhoodHere Comes the Neighborhood"Here Comes the Neighborhood" is the twelfth episode of the fifth season of the animated television series South Park, and the 77th episode of the series overall. "Here Comes the Neighborhood" originally aired in the United States on November 28, 2001 on Comedy Central.-Plot:The children at South...
", Token convinces rich African-American celebrities such as Will SmithWill SmithWillard Christopher "Will" Smith, Jr. , also known by his stage name The Fresh Prince, is an American actor, producer, and rapper. He has enjoyed success in television, film and music. In April 2007, Newsweek called him the most powerful actor in Hollywood...
, Oprah WinfreyOprah WinfreyOprah Winfrey is an American media proprietor, talk show host, actress, producer and philanthropist. Winfrey is best known for her self-titled, multi-award-winning talk show, which has become the highest-rated program of its kind in history and was nationally syndicated from 1986 to 2011...
, Sean CombsSean CombsSean John Combs , also known by his stage names Diddy and P. Diddy, is an American rapper, singer, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur. He has won three Grammy Awards and two MTV Video Music Awards, and his clothing line earned a Council of Fashion Designers of America award. He was originally...
and Bill CosbyBill CosbyWilliam Henry "Bill" Cosby, Jr. is an American comedian, actor, author, television producer, educator, musician and activist. A veteran stand-up performer, he got his start at various clubs, then landed a starring role in the 1960s action show, I Spy. He later starred in his own series, the...
(who is shown having an obsession with Jell-OJell-OJell-O is a brand name belonging to U.S.-based Kraft Foods for a number of gelatin desserts, including fruit gels, puddings and no-bake cream pies. The brand's popularity has led to it being used as a generic term for gelatin dessert across the U.S. and Canada....
pudding) to move to South Park. Oprah also makes an appearance on the episode "A Million Little FibersA Million Little Fibers"A Million Little Fibers" is the fifth episode of the tenth season of the animated television series South Park, and the 144th episode overall. It was first broadcast on Comedy Central in the United States on April 19, 2006...
", where she talks about selecting Towelie's memoirs as her book of the month. - U.S. Army troops mistake a goat for Fleetwood MacFleetwood MacFleetwood Mac are a British–American rock band formed in 1967 in London.The only original member present in the band is its eponymous drummer, Mick Fleetwood...
lead vocalist Stevie NicksStevie NicksStephanie Lynn "Stevie" Nicks is an American singer-songwriter, best known for her work with Fleetwood Mac and an extensive solo career, which collectively have produced over forty Top 50 hits and sold over 140 million albums...
in the episode "Osama bin Laden Has Farty PantsOsama Bin Laden Has Farty Pants"Osama bin Laden Has Farty Pants" is the ninth episode of the fifth season of the animated television series South Park, and the 74th episode of the series overall. It originally aired on Comedy Central in the United States on November 7, 2001; and is notable as the first episode to air after the...
". - In the episode "TsstTsst"Tsst" is the seventh episode of the tenth season of Comedy Central's animated comedy television series South Park, it aired on May 3, 2006 and is the mid season final of season ten....
", Cesar MillanCesar MillanCesar Millan, is a Mexican-born American dog trainer. A self-taught expert, he is widely known for his television series The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, now in its seventh season and broadcast in more than eighty countries worldwide...
from the show Dog WhispererDog WhispererDog Whisperer with Cesar Millan is a reality television series that features Cesar Millan's work with problem dogs. In the United States, the program airs exclusively on the Nat Geo WILD channel with season 8 expected to premiere in 2012....
is brought in to discipline Cartman after Nanny 911Nanny 911Nanny 911 is a reality television show in the United States, which originally aired on FOX ....
and SupernannySupernannySupernanny is a reality TV programme which originated in the United Kingdom about parents struggling with their children's behaviour. The UK version has aired on Channel 4 with E4 showing repeats since 2004. The program returned in 2010...
fail. - Al GoreAl GoreAlbert Arnold "Al" Gore, Jr. served as the 45th Vice President of the United States , under President Bill Clinton. He was the Democratic Party's nominee for President in the 2000 U.S. presidential election....
is satirized in the episode "ManBearPigManBearPig"ManBearPig" is the sixth episode of the tenth season of Comedy Central's South Park. It originally aired on April 26, 2006. The episode parodies the film An Inconvenient Truth.- Plot :Former U.S...
", where he warns the town of South Park about a terrible creature that is "half-man, half-bear and half-pig." - In the episode "Ginger KidsGinger Kids"Ginger Kids" is the 136th episode of Comedy Central's series South Park. It originally aired on November 9, 2005. The episode caused a controversy after its ironic premise was misunderstood by people who acted violently against gingers...
", when Cartman presents his report about red-haired, pale-skin, freckled people, his slideshow displays pictures of Carrot TopCarrot TopScott Thompson , better known by his stage name Carrot Top, is an American comedian known for his bright red hair, prop comedy, and self-deprecating humor.-Early years:...
and Ron HowardRon HowardRonald William "Ron" Howard is an American actor, director, and producer. He came to prominence as a child actor, playing Opie Taylor in the sitcom The Andy Griffith Show for eight years, and later the teenaged Richie Cunningham in the sitcom Happy Days for six years...
. - The Fab Five from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy are parodied as Crab People in the episode "South Park Is Gay!South Park Is Gay!"South Park Is Gay!" is the eighth episode of the seventh season of the American animated television series South Park. It originally aired on Comedy Central in the United States on October 22, 2003...
". - In the episode "The SnukeThe SnukeThe Snuke is episode 1104 of Comedy Central's animated comedy series South Park. The episode is largely a parody of the television series 24. It was originally broadcast on March 28, 2007. The episode is rated TV-MA.-Plot:...
", Hillary Clinton has a nuclear weapon in her vaginaVaginaThe vagina is a fibromuscular tubular tract leading from the uterus to the exterior of the body in female placental mammals and marsupials, or to the cloaca in female birds, monotremes, and some reptiles. Female insects and other invertebrates also have a vagina, which is the terminal part of the...
. - In the episode "Britney's New LookBritney's New Look"Britney's New Look" is the second episode of the twelfth season of the animated series South Park, and the 169th episode of the series overall. It originally aired on Comedy Central in the United States on March 19, 2008...
", Britney SpearsBritney SpearsBritney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
' popularity is due to her being a sacrifice for corn HarvestThe Lottery"The Lottery" is a short story by Shirley Jackson, first published in the June 26, 1948, issue of The New Yorker. Written the same month it was published, it is ranked today as "one of the most famous short stories in the history of American literature"....
. - In the episode "About Last Night...About Last Night... (South Park)"About Last Night…" is the twelfth episode of the twelfth season of the animated series South Park, and the 179th episode of the series overall. The episode was first broadcast on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 10:00 PM EST, less than a day after Barack Obama was declared the winner in the 2008...
", Barack ObamaBarack ObamaBarack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
, John McCainJohn McCainJohn Sidney McCain III is the senior United States Senator from Arizona. He was the Republican nominee for president in the 2008 United States election....
, Sarah PalinSarah PalinSarah Louise Palin is an American politician, commentator and author. As the Republican Party nominee for Vice President in the 2008 presidential election, she was the first Alaskan on the national ticket of a major party and first Republican woman nominated for the vice-presidency.She was...
, and Michelle ObamaMichelle ObamaMichelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama is the wife of the 44th and incumbent President of the United States, Barack Obama, and is the first African-American First Lady of the United States...
are members of an elite team of professional thieves after the Hope DiamondHope DiamondThe Hope Diamond, also known as "Le bleu de France" or "Le Bijou du Roi", is a large, , deep-blue diamond, now housed in the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington, D.C. It is blue to the naked eye because of trace amounts of boron within its crystal structure, but exhibits red...
. - In the episode "Imagination Land", Kurt RussellKurt RussellKurt Vogel Russell is an American television and film actor. His first acting roles were as a child in television series, including a lead role in the Western series The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters...
is depicted making fun of the movie StargateStargate (film)Stargate is a 1994 American adventure-military science fiction film released through Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Carolco Pictures. Created by Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich, the film is the first release in the Stargate franchise...
. Where he goes into the imagination portal and gets raped by Cartman's made up forest critters. - In the episode "The Ring", The Jonas Brothers are part of an evil plot by Mickey MouseMickey MouseMickey Mouse is a cartoon character created in 1928 by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks at The Walt Disney Studio. Mickey is an anthropomorphic black mouse and typically wears red shorts, large yellow shoes, and white gloves...
, unbeknown to The Jonas Brothers, to help Mickey Mouse sell sex to young girls. - In the episode Sexual HealingSexual Healing (South Park)"Sexual Healing" is the fourteenth season premiere of the American animated television series South Park, and the 196th overall episode of the series. It originally aired on Comedy Central in the United States on March 17, 2010, and on Comedy Central UK on March 19, 2010. The title of the episode...
instead of claiming responsibility for the sex scandals, various celebrities such as Michael Douglas, Michael Jordan, Ben Roethlisberger, David Duchovny, Charlie Sheen, David Letterman, Bill Clinton, Billy Bob Thornton, Kobe Bryant, Elliot Spitzer, and Tiger Woods use excuses such as sex AddictionSexual addictionSexual addiction is a popular model to explain hypersexuality—sexual urges, behaviors, or thoughts that appear extreme in frequency or feel out of one's control...
cast on them by an "AlienExtraterrestrial lifeExtraterrestrial life is defined as life that does not originate from Earth...
WizardMagician (fantasy)A magician, mage, sorcerer, sorceress, wizard, enchanter, enchantress, thaumaturge or a person known under one of many other possible terms is someone who uses or practices magic that derives from supernatural or occult sources...
" to justify their own actions.
Censorship
The primary subject of South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut, censorshipCensorship
thumb|[[Book burning]] following the [[1973 Chilean coup d'état|1973 coup]] that installed the [[Military government of Chile |Pinochet regime]] in Chile...
is a repeatedly cited concern in multiple episodes. Notable episodes involving censorship include "Death", "It Hits the Fan
It Hits the Fan
"It Hits the Fan" is the first episode of the fifth season of the American animated television series South Park, and the 66th episode of the series overall. It first aired on Comedy Central in the United States on June 20, 2001. In the episode, the word "shit" is said uncensored on television on...
", "Cartoon Wars Part I
Cartoon Wars Part I
"Cartoon Wars Part I" is the third episode of the tenth season of the animated television series South Park, and the 142nd episode overall. It first aired on Comedy Central in the United States on April 5, 2006. It is part one of a two-episode story, which concludes with "Cartoon Wars Part II"...
", "Cartoon Wars Part II
Cartoon Wars Part II
"Cartoon Wars Part II" is the fourth episode of the tenth season of the American animated television series South Park, and the 142nd episode overall. It first aired on Comedy Central in the United States on April 12, 2006...
", "200
200 (South Park)
"200" is the fifth episode of the fourteenth season of South Park, and the 200th overall episode of the series. It originally aired on Comedy Central in the United States on April 14, 2010...
" and "201
201 (South Park)
"201" is the sixth episode of the fourteenth season of South Park, and the 201st overall episode of the series. It originally aired on Comedy Central in the United States on April 21, 2010. The episode continued multiple storylines from the previous episode, "200", in which a group of angry...
".
- "Cartoon Wars Part IICartoon Wars Part II"Cartoon Wars Part II" is the fourth episode of the tenth season of the American animated television series South Park, and the 142nd episode overall. It first aired on Comedy Central in the United States on April 12, 2006...
": Cartman wishes the president a major news corporation to prevent a television episode from going to air, and to prevent Kyle from interfering with his plan, Cartman states, "okay, I'll make it easy for you", and pulls out a gun and aims it at the president. When the president responds with, "okay, I'll listen to you", Kyle states to the president, "you can't do what he wants just because he's the one threatening you with violence!" When the president then responds with, "I can't be responsible for people getting hurt. Especially me", Kyle states, "yes, people can get hurt. That's how terrorism works. But if you give into that... you're allowing terrorism to work. Do the right thing here".
Drugs
- "Ike's Wee WeeIke's Wee Wee"Ike's Wee Wee" is the fourth episode of the second season of the animated television series South Park, and the 17th episode of the series overall. It aired on Comedy Central in the United States on May 27, 1998.-Plot:...
": Mr. Mackey is forced out of his job for losing a marijuana bud in a drug-education class. Ironically, he goes through a cycle of experimentation (ending up in his adopting hippieHippieThe hippie subculture was originally a youth movement that arose in the United States during the mid-1960s and spread to other countries around the world. The etymology of the term 'hippie' is from hipster, and was initially used to describe beatniks who had moved into San Francisco's...
ideology and happily marrying a woman he meets), before an enforced treatment (after being captured during his honeymoon in India by the A-TeamThe A-TeamThe A-Team is an American action adventure television series about a fictional group of ex-United States Army Special Forces personnel who work as soldiers of fortune, while on the run from the Army after being branded as war criminals for a "crime they didn't commit". The A-Team was created by...
, no less) and becoming a spokesman against drugs. - "My Future Self n' MeMy Future Self n' Me"My Future Self 'n' Me" is episode 95 of the Comedy Central series South Park. It originally aired on December 4, 2002.- Plot :The kids find a joint in the woods left there by some older kids. They want to dispose of it, as they do not want other kids to do drugs, but are afraid touching it may...
": Stan and Butters' parents find an indirect and strange way to try to prevent their children from using drugsRecreational drug useRecreational drug use is the use of a drug, usually psychoactive, with the intention of creating or enhancing recreational experience. Such use is controversial, however, often being considered to be also drug abuse, and it is often illegal...
. They hire representatives to act as though they were future versions of the children, who travel back in time to tell them how the use of drugs has made their lives miserable. While the episode does condemn the use of drugs, it parodies the tendency of people (especially parents) to over-react to the substances and deceive their children to ensure their safety. - "TowelieTowelie (South Park episode)"Towelie" is the eighth episode of the fifth season of the animated television series South Park, and the 73rd episode of the series overall. "Towelie" originally aired in the United States on August 8, 2001 on Comedy Central...
" and "A Million Little Fibers": Towelie is forced to confront his marijuana addiction in times of crisis, eventually coming to the "conclusion" that he should only partake in drug use when he accomplishes something good, not in order to. - "Up the Down SteroidUp the Down Steroid"Up the Down Steroid" is the 113th episode of the Comedy Central series South Park. The title is a parody of the book Up the Down Staircase. It originally aired on March 24, 2004.- Plot :...
": Jimmy Vulmer is chronicled through his use of steroids; combines the subject of the current 2006 Baseball steroids investigation with a Lifestories: Families in CrisisLifestories: Families in CrisisLifestories: Families in Crisis is an American drama television series that premiered on HBO on August 1, 1992.-The show:Lifestories: Families in Crisis deals with major issues involving individuals, mostly teenagers and young adults. The stories usually ended with the real person on which the...
episode about steroid use. - "Die Hippie, DieDie Hippie, Die"Die Hippie, Die" is the second episode of the ninth season of the American animated television series South Park. It originally aired on Comedy Central in the United States on March 16, 2005.-Plot:...
": The hippies have their Jamfest in South Park to "Stop Corporations" and Kenny, Kyle and Stan join the hippies. In the end, the boys realize the hippies smoke way too much pot and are just as selfish as the corporations they complain about by trying to forget about their troubles when they don't have any. - "Major BoobageMajor Boobage"Major Boobage" is the third episode of the twelfth season of the animated television series South Park, and the 170th episode of the series overall. It originally aired on Comedy Central in the United States on March 26, 2008...
": Kids across the nation, particularly Kenny, have found a new way to get high. The episode references the glue-sniffing, paint snorting, and marker sniffing epidemics. - "Quest for RatingsQuest for Ratings"Quest for Ratings" is the 122nd episode in the Comedy Central series South Park. Its original air date was November 17, 2004.-Plot synopsis:...
" To get ideas for South Park Elementary's closed-circuit television system, the boys decide to get high on cough medicine. Remembering that they had seen Craig's program while high and thought it to be brilliant, they conclude that a majority of the school must be perpetually high on cough medicine, accounting for his ratings. They then decide to produce a special report that gets cough medicine banned from school. - "Medicinal Fried ChickenMedicinal Fried Chicken"Medicinal Fried Chicken" is the third episode of the 14th season of the American animated television series South Park, and the 198th episode of the series overall. It originally aired on Comedy Central in the United States on March 31, 2010...
" is about medical marijuana. - "Best Friends ForeverBest Friends Forever"Best Friends Forever" is the fourth episode of the ninth season of the American animated television series series South Park. It was written and directed by co-creator Trey Parker and first aired on Comedy Central in the United States on March 30, 2005....
" shows an archangel presenting a battle strategy to Kenny on a whiteboard while casually sniffing the marker he's using.
Environmentalism and global warming
- "Rainforest Shmainforest" parodies environmental activism and portrays celebrity environmental activism as motivated by a desire to feel better about themselves.
- "Spontaneous CombustionSpontaneous Combustion (South Park episode)"Spontaneous Combustion" is the 33rd episode of Comedy Central's animated series South Park. It originally aired on April 14, 1999.-Plot :...
" uses global warmingGlobal warmingGlobal warming refers to the rising average temperature of Earth's atmosphere and oceans and its projected continuation. In the last 100 years, Earth's average surface temperature increased by about with about two thirds of the increase occurring over just the last three decades...
as a source of trouble for the townspeople, caused by their own flatuence. - "Two Days Before the Day After TomorrowTwo Days Before the Day After Tomorrow"Two Days Before the Day After Tomorrow" is the eighth episode of the ninth season of the Comedy Central series South Park. It originally aired October 19, 2005...
" and "ManBearPigManBearPig"ManBearPig" is the sixth episode of the tenth season of Comedy Central's South Park. It originally aired on April 26, 2006. The episode parodies the film An Inconvenient Truth.- Plot :Former U.S...
" making fun of over-reactions and doomsday predictions concerning global warming. ManBearPig is also more specifically a mockery of Al GoreAl GoreAlbert Arnold "Al" Gore, Jr. served as the 45th Vice President of the United States , under President Bill Clinton. He was the Democratic Party's nominee for President in the 2000 U.S. presidential election....
. - "Smug Alert!Smug Alert!"Smug Alert!" is the second episode of the tenth season of the American animated television series South Park, and the 141st episode overall. It first aired on Comedy Central in the United States on March 29, 2006...
": Hybrid automobiles, while praised, nonetheless have owners who are touted as a source of "smug" (caused by the incredible selfish and self-centered behavior of their owners); San Francisco is considered as the "smug" capital, destroyed in a "smugstorm" à la The Perfect StormThe Perfect Storm (film)The Perfect Storm is a 2000 dramatic disaster film directed by Wolfgang Petersen. It is an adaptation of the 1997 non-fiction book of the same title by Sebastian Junger about the crew of the Andrea Gail that got caught in the Perfect Storm of 1991. The film stars George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg,...
. - In "Terrance and Phillip: Behind the BlowTerrance and Phillip: Behind the Blow"Terrance and Phillip: Behind the Blow" is the fifth episode of the fifth season of the animated television series South Park, and the 70th episode of the series overall. "Terrance and Phillip: Behind the Blow" originally aired on July 18, 2001 on Comedy Central. In the episode, the four boys learn...
" Earth DayEarth DayEarth Day is a day that is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's natural environment. The name and concept of Earth Day was allegedly pioneered by John McConnell in 1969 at a UNESCO Conference in San Francisco. The first Proclamation of Earth Day was by San Francisco, the...
people come to South Park. The Earth Day people utilize a jedi mind trick to make the townspeople not only believe that all they say is correct, while that which conservatives say is slander, but to also build for them a massive Earth Day celebration. When Clyde says "My dad is a geologist and he says there actually isn't any concrete evidence of global warmingGlobal warmingGlobal warming refers to the rising average temperature of Earth's atmosphere and oceans and its projected continuation. In the last 100 years, Earth's average surface temperature increased by about with about two thirds of the increase occurring over just the last three decades...
", they answer "That's not true, global warming is going to kill us all. The Republicans are responsible".
Homosexuality and gay marriage
Big Gay Al is used in several episodes and the movie to promote tolerance and acceptance for homosexualsHomosexuality
Homosexuality is romantic or sexual attraction or behavior between members of the same sex or gender. As a sexual orientation, homosexuality refers to "an enduring pattern of or disposition to experience sexual, affectional, or romantic attractions" primarily or exclusively to people of the same...
. Mr. Garrison later comes out as gay for several seasons, and lives with Mr. Slave until he undergoes a sex change operation. Big Gay Al and Mr. Slave are later married in "Follow That Egg!
Follow that Egg!
"Follow That Egg" is the tenth episode of the ninth season of the American animated television series South Park. It originally aired on Comedy Central in the United States on November 2, 2005. In the episode, Mrs. Garrison tries to get back together with her ex-boyfriend Mr...
". A solution to the conflict regarding gay marriages is proposed by a character, who stated that although gay couples should be able to have the same legal benefits that marriage brings, their union should be called something else and treated differently so as not to offend people who think marriage is a sacred union between man and woman. South Park parodies the real-life "civil union" compromise by proposing gay couples be allowed to have the same rights as married groups, but be called "Butt buddies".
The 2007 episode "Cartman Sucks
Cartman Sucks
"Cartman Sucks" is episode 1102 of Comedy Central's "South Park" and the second episode of the show's 11th season. It originally aired on March 14, 2007...
" parodied and criticized the Ex Gay Movement, focusing on children whose parents force them to attend such therapy.
Literature
- In "A Ladder to HeavenA Ladder to Heaven"A Ladder to Heaven" is episode 91 of the Comedy Central series South Park. It was originally broadcast on November 6, 2002.- Plot :Stan, Kyle and Cartman have won an all-you-can-grab candy prize but cannot claim it without the stub of the ticket they bought. After thinking hard, they remember that...
", kittylitter is a collection of books. - In "Pip", the book Great ExpectationsGreat ExpectationsGreat Expectations is a novel by Charles Dickens. It was first published in serial form in the publication All the Year Round from 1 December 1860 to August 1861. It has been adapted for stage and screen over 250 times....
is parodied throughout. - In "Scrotie McBoogerballs", books that (allegedly) cause the death of a major celebrity are often barred from sale. It is also a fact that if an author finds success, people will always assume that the written work contains hidden meanings.
- Every author is obsessed with receiving approval from Oprah WinfreyOprah WinfreyOprah Winfrey is an American media proprietor, talk show host, actress, producer and philanthropist. Winfrey is best known for her self-titled, multi-award-winning talk show, which has become the highest-rated program of its kind in history and was nationally syndicated from 1986 to 2011...
, especially Towelie.
Religion
- "Starvin' Marvin in SpaceStarvin' Marvin in Space"Starvin' Marvin in Space" is episode 42 of Comedy Central's animated series South Park. It originally aired on November 17, 1999. Like the episode "Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics", the episode is dedicated to Mary Kay Bergman, who lent her voice to nearly all of South Park's female characters...
": Christian missionaries and Pat RobertsonPat RobertsonMarion Gordon "Pat" Robertson is a media mogul, television evangelist, ex-Baptist minister and businessman who is politically aligned with the Christian Right in the United States....
attempt to cajole Starvin Marvin's people and the Marklar into accepting their faith. This episode in general portrays missionaries in a rather unfavorable manner, as when the missionary character attempts to get the Africans to read the BibleBibleThe Bible refers to any one of the collections of the primary religious texts of Judaism and Christianity. There is no common version of the Bible, as the individual books , their contents and their order vary among denominations...
. "Remember, reading the Bible plus accepting Jesus equals FOOD", suggesting that the Christians would have let the emaciated Africans starve if they did not convert. - "Are You There God? It's Me, JesusAre You There God? It's Me, Jesus"Are You There God? It's Me, Jesus" is episode 47 of Comedy Central's animated series South Park. It was originally broadcast on December 29, 1999 and featured the then-nearing end of the 2nd millennium...
" addresses the Year 2000MillenniumA millennium is a period of time equal to one thousand years —from the Latin phrase , thousand, and , year—often but not necessarily related numerically to a particular dating system....
hype/hysteria and introduces GodGodGod is the English name given to a singular being in theistic and deistic religions who is either the sole deity in monotheism, or a single deity in polytheism....
(in a non-stereotypical visage) to the series. - "Super Best FriendsSuper Best Friends"Super Best Friends" is the third episode of the fifth season of the American animated television series South Park, and the 68th episode of the series overall. It first aired on Comedy Central in the United States on July 4, 2001. The episode depicts several religious figures, including Muhammad,...
" has the key members of the world's faiths join together to fight a cult. - Christian rock music is the subject of "Christian Rock HardChristian Rock Hard"Christian Rock Hard" is the ninth episode of the seventh season of the American animated series South Park. It originally aired on Comedy Central in the United States on October 23, 2003. In the episode, the kids start a rock band, but concerned with the fact that people will potentially download...
": Cartman attempts to start a Christian Rock band as a scheme to win a bet with Kyle. - "Red Hot Catholic LoveRed Hot Catholic Love"Red Hot Catholic Love" is the 87th episode of the Comedy Central series South Park. It originally aired on July 3, 2002. It was selected #2 of the "10 South Parks that Changed the World", and was also part of "South Park's Dirty Dozen." In the DVD commentary for this episode, Stone and Parker...
" parodies the Catholic sex abuse scandalRoman Catholic sex abuse casesThe Catholic sex abuse cases are a series of convictions, trials and ongoing investigations into allegations of sex crimes committed by Catholic priests and members of religious orders. These cases began receiving public attention beginning in the mid-1980s...
(the town's pastor is seen trying to convert other CatholicRoman Catholic ChurchThe Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
priests from molestation) and the separation of church and stateSeparation of church and stateThe concept of the separation of church and state refers to the distance in the relationship between organized religion and the nation state....
as demanded by atheists. - "All About the Mormons?" chronicles the arrival of a MormonMormonThe term Mormon most commonly denotes an adherent, practitioner, follower, or constituent of Mormonism, which is the largest branch of the Latter Day Saint movement in restorationist Christianity...
family in South Park, and lampoons the story of Joseph SmithJoseph SmithJoseph Smith was founder of what later became known as the Latter Day Saint movement or Mormons.Joseph Smith may also refer to:-Latter Day Saints:* Joseph Smith, Sr. , father of Joseph Smith...
. Yet in conclusion to the episode, Gary, Stan's Mormon friend, tells Stan, "Look, maybe us Mormons do believe in crazy stories that make absolutely no sense, and maybe Joseph Smith did make it all up, but I have a great life. and a great family, and I have the Book of Mormon to thank for that. The truth is, I don't care if Joseph Smith made it all up, because what the church teaches now is loving your family, being nice and helping people. And even though people in this town might think that's stupid, I still choose to believe in it. All I ever did was try to be your friend, Stan, but you're so high and mighty you couldn't look past my religion and just be my friend back. You've got a lot of growing up to do, buddy". - "Bloody MaryBloody Mary (South Park)"Bloody Mary" is the fourteenth episode of the ninth season of the series South Park. It originally aired on Comedy Central in the United States on December 7, 2005. In the episode, Randy drives drunk and loses his driver's license. He then forced to go to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, where he...
" was criticized for its portrayal of a Virgin Mary statue as bleeding from her anusAnusThe anus is an opening at the opposite end of an animal's digestive tract from the mouth. Its function is to control the expulsion of feces, unwanted semi-solid matter produced during digestion, which, depending on the type of animal, may be one or more of: matter which the animal cannot digest,...
(later found out to be from her vagina, as declared by Pope Benedict XVIPope Benedict XVIBenedict XVI is the 265th and current Pope, by virtue of his office of Bishop of Rome, the Sovereign of the Vatican City State and the leader of the Catholic Church as well as the other 22 sui iuris Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Holy See...
in the episode). It also addressed the religious origins of Alcoholics AnonymousAlcoholics AnonymousAlcoholics Anonymous is an international mutual aid movement which says its "primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety." Now claiming more than 2 million members, AA was founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith in Akron, Ohio...
. - "Do the Handicapped Go to Hell?Do the Handicapped Go to Hell?"Do the Handicapped Go to Hell?" is the ninth episode of the fourth season of the animated television series South Park, and 57th episode of the series overall. "Do the Handicapped Go to Hell?" originally aired in the United States on July 19, 2000 on Comedy Central. It is the first part of a two...
" and "ProbablyProbably (South Park)"Probably" is the eleventh episode of the fourth season of the animated television series South Park, and the 58th episode of the series overall. "Probably" originally aired in the United States on July 26, 2000 on Comedy Central...
" depicts Stan, Cartman, and Kenny being frightened by the town Priest's descriptions of hell and those who are headed there. Determined to save their souls and those of their friends, including Kyle, a Jew and Timmy, who is mentally handicapped, they seek out advice from the local clergy. When the boys find the priest having sex in the confessional, they decide to make their own church aimed at salvation. They continue this course until it is revealed that Cartman, in an obvious nod to televangelismTelevangelismTelevangelism is the use of television to communicate the Christian faith. The word is a portmanteau of television and evangelism and was coined by Time magazine. A “televangelist” is a Christian minister who devotes a large portion of his ministry to television broadcasting...
, only did it to make ten million dollars, and JesusJesusJesus of Nazareth , commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or simply as Jesus or Christ, is the central figure of Christianity...
shows up to bring an end to Cartman's prosperity gospel church. The episode pokes fun at charismatic evangelicals. - ScientologyScientologyScientology is a body of beliefs and related practices created by science fiction and fantasy author L. Ron Hubbard , starting in 1952, as a successor to his earlier self-help system, Dianetics...
is the subject of "Trapped in the Closet" where Stan is declared the reincarnation of L. Ron HubbardL. Ron HubbardLafayette Ronald Hubbard , better known as L. Ron Hubbard , was an American pulp fiction author and religious leader who founded the Church of Scientology...
. - "Go God GoGo God Go"Go God Go" is the 12th episode of the 10th season of the American animated television series South Park. It originally aired on Comedy Central in the United States on November 1, 2006, and is part one of a two-part story. Part two is titled "Go God Go XII", which aired a week later...
" and sequel, "Go God Go XIIGo God Go XII"Go God Go XII" is episode 1013 of Comedy Central's South Park, which aired on November 8, 2006. The episode is a continuation of the previous episode, "Go God Go"...
" attempt to show that atheismAtheismAtheism is, in a broad sense, the rejection of belief in the existence of deities. In a narrower sense, atheism is specifically the position that there are no deities...
can be just as radical as religion. In the future, all religion has been destroyed by Richard DawkinsRichard DawkinsClinton Richard Dawkins, FRS, FRSL , known as Richard Dawkins, is a British ethologist, evolutionary biologist and author...
and Mrs. Garrison and everyone is atheist in hopes that reason will prevent war. However, fanaticism nonetheless grows and there are several warring factions trying to decide whose logic is correct in determining their name. They also use 'Science' as an alternative to 'God' as a curse, e.g. 'Science Damn You', 'Science H Logic!'. - In "Fantastic Easter SpecialFantastic Easter Special"Fantastic Easter Special" is the fifth episode of the eleventh season of the American animated television series South Park, and the 158th episode of the series overall...
", the episode suggested (lampooning The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code is a 2003 mystery-detective novel written by Dan Brown. It follows symbologist Robert Langdon and Sophie Neveu as they investigate a murder in Paris's Louvre Museum and discover a battle between the Priory of Sion and Opus Dei over the possibility of Jesus having been married to...
) that Saint PeterSaint PeterSaint Peter or Simon Peter was an early Christian leader, who is featured prominently in the New Testament Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. The son of John or of Jonah and from the village of Bethsaida in the province of Galilee, his brother Andrew was also an apostle...
was a rabbitPeter RabbitPeter Rabbit is a fictional anthropomorphic character in various children's stories by Beatrix Potter. He first appeared in The Tale of Peter Rabbit in 1902, and subsequently in five more books between 1904 and 1912. Spinoff merchandise includes dishes, wallpaper, and dolls...
and that God wanted all the popePopeThe Pope is the Bishop of Rome, a position that makes him the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church . In the Catholic Church, the Pope is regarded as the successor of Saint Peter, the Apostle...
s to be rabbits so they'd keep their mouths shut. - "Canada on Strike": A husband and wife driving are witness to Ike holding a sign: "Honk if you support Canada", the husband honks twice, and upon his wife confirming to him "Oh, we're supporting unions" he states to her "That's right; we're a very progressive couple", and later "Well we've done our good deed for the week. I think now I can make love to your anus without making God angry".
- "Imaginationland Episode IIIImaginationland Episode III"Imaginationland Episode III", or "Moistening of the Scrotum" , is episode 1112 of Comedy Central's animated TV series South Park. It originally aired on October 31, 2007. It is the concluding episode in a three-part story arc that won the 2008 Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program for One Hour or...
": Within a plead to US generals not to "nuke our imagination" despite it having gone wild in the Pentagon's Operation Imagination Doorway, KyleKyle BroflovskiKyle Broflovski is a fictional character in the animated television series South Park. He is voiced by co-creator Matt Stone. Kyle is one of the show's four central characters, along with his friends Stan Marsh, Kenny McCormick, and Eric Cartman...
states that "I mean, whether Jesus is real or not, he... he's had a bigger impact on the world than any of us have. And the same could be said of Bugs Bunny and, a-and Superman and Harry Potter. They've changed my life, changed the way I act on the Earth. Doesn't that make them kind of 'real'. They might be imaginary, but, but they're more important than most of us here. And they're all gonna be around long after we're dead. So in a way, those things are more realer than any of us"
Politics
- "Trapper KeeperTrapper Keeper (South Park episode)"Trapper Keeper" is the twelfth episode of the fourth season of the animated television series South Park, and the 60th episode of the series overall. It originally aired on Comedy Central in the United States on November 15, 2000. In the episode, a man from the future wants Cartman's new Trapper...
": The kindergartenKindergartenA kindergarten is a preschool educational institution for children. The term was created by Friedrich Fröbel for the play and activity institute that he created in 1837 in Bad Blankenburg as a social experience for children for their transition from home to school...
class votes for Class President; satire on the 2000 U.S. presidential election and the inclusion of many famous figures (especially Rosie O'DonnellRosie O'DonnellRoseann "Rosie" O'Donnell is an American stand-up comedian, actress, author and television personality. She has also been a magazine editor and continues to be a celebrity blogger, LGBT rights activist, television producer and collaborative partner in the LGBT family vacation company R Family...
) only further complicating issues. - "Douche and TurdDouche and Turd"Douche and Turd" is the eighth episode of the eighth season of the animated television series South Park, and the 119th episode overall. It first aired on Comedy Central in the United States on October 27, 2004, just before the 2004 presidential election...
": the school votes for a new mascot, and P. Diddy terrorizes the cast into voting; satire on the 2004 U.S. presidential election. This episode essentially depicts the Democratic PartyDemocratic Party (United States)The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
and the Republican PartyRepublican Party (United States)The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
as being not particularly desirable (a douche and a turd sandwich). When Stan points out that there isn't any point in voting if the only options are a douche and a turd, at the end it is pointed out that most elections that will ever occur will be between a douche and a turd. - The concept of political correctnessPolitical correctnessPolitical correctness is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, certain other religions, beliefs or ideologies, disability, and age-related contexts,...
is criticized in "Mr. Hankey, the Christmas PooMr. Hankey, the Christmas Poo (South Park episode)"Mr. Hankey, the Christmas Poo" is the tenth episode of the first season of the animated television series South Park. It originally aired on Comedy Central in the United States on December 17, 1997. In the episode, the Jewish character Kyle feels excluded from the rest of town during Christmas,...
", "Chef Goes Nanners", "Cartman's Silly Hate Crime 2000Cartman's Silly Hate Crime 2000"Cartman's Silly Hate Crime 2000" is episode 50 of the Comedy Central series South Park. It first aired on April 12, 2000, and is the second of a four-episode run of titles ending in "2000".-Plot:...
", and other episodes.
Saddam HusseinSaddam HusseinSaddam Hussein Abd al-Majid al-Tikriti was the fifth President of Iraq, serving in this capacity from 16 July 1979 until 9 April 2003...
, the War on Terror, and the Iraq War
- In Terrance and Phillip in Not Without My AnusTerrance and Phillip in Not Without My Anus"Terrance and Phillip in Not Without My Anus" is the second season premiere of the animated television series South Park, and the 14th overall episode of the series. It originally aired on Comedy Central in the United States on April 1, 1998...
and onward, Saddam tries to take over CanadaCanadaCanada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, becomes SatanSatanSatan , "the opposer", is the title of various entities, both human and divine, who challenge the faith of humans in the Hebrew Bible...
's lover in South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut, in future episodes is caught trying to manufacture weapons of mass destructionWeapons of mass destructionA weapon of mass destruction is a weapon that can kill and bring significant harm to a large number of humans and/or cause great damage to man-made structures , natural structures , or the biosphere in general...
in HeavenHeavenHeaven, the Heavens or Seven Heavens, is a common religious cosmological or metaphysical term for the physical or transcendent place from which heavenly beings originate, are enthroned or inhabit...
, and is eventually captured in "It's Christmas in CanadaIt's Christmas in Canada"It's Christmas in Canada" is episode 111 of the American cartoon series South Park. The episode originally aired on December 17, 2003 and was nominated for an Emmy Award...
" (after the real life one was captured in IraqIraqIraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
). - The U.S. invasion of AfghanistanWar in Afghanistan (2001–present)The War in Afghanistan began on October 7, 2001, as the armed forces of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Afghan United Front launched Operation Enduring Freedom...
and September 11 attacks are used as backgrounds for "Osama bin Laden Has Farty PantsOsama Bin Laden Has Farty Pants"Osama bin Laden Has Farty Pants" is the ninth episode of the fifth season of the animated television series South Park, and the 74th episode of the series overall. It originally aired on Comedy Central in the United States on November 7, 2001; and is notable as the first episode to air after the...
". - The Iraq War is also premised or discussed in "Red Sleigh DownRed Sleigh Down"Red Sleigh Down" is episode 96 of the Comedy Central series South Park. It originally aired on December 11, 2002. The episode is notable for the return of Kenny from his death in Season Five...
". - In "I'm a Little Bit CountryI'm a Little Bit Country"I'm a Little Bit Country" is the 100th episode of the Comedy Central series South Park. It originally aired April 9 2003, a week prior to the U.S. invading Iraq. The episode is similar to the 1972 film 1776.- Plot :...
", war protesters are portrayed as needing the war supporters so that the United StatesUnited StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
would not become weak and unable to defend itself from attack, while war supporters are shown as needing the war protesters so the U.S. would not seem like a power hungry or tyrannical government. The theory was discovered by Cartman (in a flashback) to have originated from the founding fathers, who referred to it as "having your cake and eating it too". - "Mystery of the Urinal DeuceMystery of the Urinal Deuce"Mystery of the Urinal Deuce" is the ninth episode of the tenth season of the American animated television series South Park, and the 148th episode of the series overall. It first aired on Comedy Central in the United States on October 11, 2006...
" discusses and parodies many of the 9/11 conspiracy theories9/11 conspiracy theories9/11 conspiracy theories are theories that disagree with the widely accepted account that the September 11 attacks were perpetrated solely by al-Qaeda. These theories arose because of what proponents of the conspiracy theories believe to be inconsistencies in the official conclusions or some...
, which are showed as being created by the government in an effort to appear to have power over the events.
Other
- "Conjoined Fetus LadyConjoined Fetus Lady"Conjoined Fetus Lady" is the fifth episode of the second season of the animated television series South Park, and the 18th episode of the series overall. "Conjoined Fetus Lady" originally aired in the United States on June 3, 1998 on Comedy Central....
" and "Timmy 2000Timmy 2000"Timmy!" is the 51st episode of the Comedy Central animated series South Park. It originally aired on April 19, 2000. It was voted #6 of the "10 South Park episodes that changed the world"...
" address the acceptance of people with disabilities. - "Proper Condom UseProper Condom Use"Proper Condom Use" is the seventh episode of the fifth season of the animated television series South Park, and the 72nd episode of the series overall. "Proper Condom Use" originally aired in the United States on August 1, 2001 on Comedy Central.-Plot:...
" addresses the teaching of sexual education in schools with a Mad Max 2-esque storyline. - "Sexual Harassment PandaSexual Harassment Panda"Sexual Harassment Panda" is the 37th episode of Comedy Central's animated series South Park. It originally aired on July 7, 1999. This was the first episode to air after the release of the theatrical film South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut...
" addresses frivolous lawsuits - especially those against public institutions, because the public's money is your money. - "Underpants Gnomes" addresses corporate take over of small businesses, and teaches that America was founded on free enterprise and capitalismCapitalismCapitalism is an economic system that became dominant in the Western world following the demise of feudalism. There is no consensus on the precise definition nor on how the term should be used as a historical category...
. - "Night of the Living HomelessNight of the Living Homeless"Night of the Living Homeless" is episode 1107 of Comedy Central's South Park. It was first broadcast on April 18, 2007. This episode marks the end of the first half of Season 11, which continued on October 3, 2007. The episode is rated TV-MA. It parodies various zombie movies, in particular...
" addresses homelessnessHomelessnessHomelessness describes the condition of people without a regular dwelling. People who are homeless are unable or unwilling to acquire and maintain regular, safe, and adequate housing, or lack "fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence." The legal definition of "homeless" varies from country...
with a storyline similar to George Romero's Living Dead seriesNight of the Living Dead (film series)Night of the Living Dead is a series of six zombie horror films written and directed by George A. Romero beginning with the 1968 film Night of the Living Dead written by Romero and John A. Russo. The loosely connected franchise predominantly centers on different groups of people attempting to...
. - "Butters' Bottom BitchButters' Bottom Bitch"Butters' Bottom Bitch" is the ninth episode of the thirteenth season of the American animated television series South Park, and the 190th overall episode of the series. It originally aired on Comedy Central in the United States on October 14, 2009...
" points out the social disadvantages to prostitution being illegal, and proposes an alternate system wherein prostitutes need not suffer abuse and instead receive housing and health care.