South Park Season 27 premiere draws nearly 6 million viewers across platforms

On July 23, 2025, South Park kicked off its highly anticipated Season 27 with the premiere episode titled “Sermon on the ‘Mount.” The episode aired live on Comedy Central, with streaming available the next day exclusively on Paramount+.

In just a few days, almost six million people tuned in across both television and streaming services, making it the strongest opener South Park has seen in more than 25 years, surpassing the debut of Season 3 back in 1999. This surge highlights how the show’s mix of satire and pop-culture commentary still resonates with a wide audience.

Viewers didn’t just watch, they talked nonstop. The hashtag #SouthPark trended on X for over twelve hours, and it held the number-one spot for five of those hours. Across fan forums and social feeds, discussions ranged from favorite jokes to debates about the episode’s bold political scenes. By drawing that level of attention, South Park proved it can still spark conversations in today’s fast-paced media world.

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The premiere broke a long-standing viewership record

The first episode of Season 27 of South Park took advantage of an increase of 68% to 6 million viewers compared to the Season 26 premiere average of 3.5 million. This led it to be the most watched cable show in the yard during the premiere night, garnering more viewers than any other show in the time zone.

More than two and a half decades since its television premiere, South Park continues to have a decent body of audience, which proves the effectiveness of its fuss-free formula of satire and relatable people.

• Original Airing: Almost 6,000,000 viewers on air and streaming.
• Percentage Increase: 68% on the 3.5 million that watched the first episode of Season 26.
• Time-slot Leader: Best cable ratings that evening on July 23 to the premium of other shows on TV.
• Demographics of Audience: The old die-hards re-watching old friends, plus the newcomers who are interested in the hype.
• Show Biz Trivia: This is an impressive leap by any show, and in its 27th season.

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The episode sparked extensive social media discussion

Beyond broadcast numbers, fan engagement online reached new heights. #SouthPark trended on X for more than twelve hours and led the platform for five hours, according to Comedy Central data. South Park fans shared memes, clips, and reaction videos at a record pace, generating thousands of posts per minute immediately after the episode aired.

Fan polls on Reddit and fan-run Discord servers reported over 90% positive reactions to the premiere’s humor and topical jabs. Even independent review sites noted the episode’s social media footprint as historic for an animated series.

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The satire focused on current political figures

In typical South Park style, the episode delivered pointed satire aimed at Donald Trump, the news media, and Hollywood studios. One standout scene depicts a cartoon Trump in bed with Satan, complete with a playful censorship workaround that flashed animated eyes on his anatomy.

The episode also included jokes about a high-stakes lawsuit and corporate mergers, all woven into the storyline around a fictional religious school. By combining current headlines with the show’s irreverent humor, South Park reminded viewers why it remains a go-to program for sharp social commentary.

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A major new streaming agreement reshaped distribution

Just a day before the premiere, creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone signed a five-year deal worth about $1.5 billion with Paramount Global. That agreement grants Paramount+ exclusive streaming rights to all the past seasons and the next 50 episodes through 2030.

As a result, South Park moved off HBO Max and now streams solely on Paramount+ in the U.S. Analysts say this deal not only consolidates viewership but also positions Paramount+ as a hub for flagship adult animation, following hits like Rick and Morty.

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The premiere date of South Park shifted due to corporate merger issues

Originally slated for July 9, the Season 27 opener was pushed to July 23 amid the ongoing Paramount–Skydance merger and related contract disputes. Creators Parker and Stone spoke out publicly, expressing frustration that corporate negotiations delayed their production schedule.

According to insiders, final approvals for both the episode’s content and its release window required multiple executive sign-offs, which stretched timelines. Fans welcomed the news of the delay, noting that it built additional anticipation and gave creators more time to polish the script and animation.

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Fans get a one-week break before the next new episode

After the July 23 debut, Comedy Central chose to rebroadcast the premiere on July 30 rather than air a second new episode. Producers said the gap provides both new and longtime fans a chance to reflect on and discuss the premiere’s themes.

The network will return with Episode 2 on August 6 at 10 p.m. ET, with Paramount+ streaming available the next day. South Park fans can expect weekly releases through late September, each episode tackling fresh cultural and political topics with the show’s signature blend of humor and satire.

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