The same morning that press release went out, South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone posted a statement on X that reads, "In response to the press release from Comedy Central about the change in premiere date for South Park Trey Parker & Matt Stone said - 'This merger is a shitshow and it's fucking up South Park. We are at the studio working on new episodes and we hope the fans get to see them somehow.'"
Like when rumors spread that Paramount+ may ban certain archival episodes from the streaming platform, Westword went to the Paramount communications department to ask for a response to the boys' drastic statement. The initial contact elevated the inquiry to the Head of Communications for SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios & Paramount Media Networks, who then referred the request to South Park's PR team, which only directed us back to Parker and Stone's statement on X.
Paramount settled the suit for $16 million, though in the wake of the suit, 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens resigned and CBS News president Wendy McMahon was forced out. Paramount noted that the settlement did not include an apology, according to the New York Times.
There are two years remaining on South Park's deal with Paramount (which owns Comedy Central), and the entities are negotiating a possible extension that would bring the show to Paramount+ after the expiration. But South Park is also negotiating with other parties for the future, and according to a letter obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Parker and Stone accused an incoming executive of interfering with their negotiations. The entertainment trade rag writes that "The ownership structure, which lends itself to conflicts of interest, complicates licensing negotiations for the show."
For fans, the latest news is all there is to lean on right now — the show is scheduled to premiere two Wednesdays from now on Comedy Central. But if Parker and Stone's reaction is any indication, Cartman, Kenny, Kyle and Stan could be moving homes in a future not far away.
