The release of South Park’s highly anticipated Season 27 is now in jeopardy, as a tense dispute over a reported $3 billion deal threatens the future of the show. Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of the iconic animated series, are reportedly locked in a battle with Paramount Global and incoming studio owner Skydance. 
The conflict stems from a new 10-year deal, valued at a staggering $3 billion, which is said to more than triple the valuation of their current contract that expires in 2027.
This tension surfaced publicly earlier this month when Parker and Stone vented their frustration about Paramount’s decision to delay the premiere of Season 27 by two weeks. In a statement reminiscent of the show’s irreverent tone, the creators expressed their dissatisfaction, calling the merger a “s**tshow” that was “f**king up South Park.” They assured fans that they were still working on new episodes and hoped they would eventually be released.
Season 26, which aired in March 2023, only featured six episodes, with another three standalone episodes set to air between October 2023 and March 2024. The ongoing dispute revolves around a new contract that would provide Parker and Stone with an immense $3 billion deal, which is reportedly too long for Skydance, who wants more flexibility as it continues to negotiate its merger with Paramount.
The potential fallout from this disagreement could result in a lawsuit, as Parker and Stone have hired Bryan Freedman, a prominent lawyer known for aggressive legal tactics. Freedman is expected to accuse Skydance of interfering in contract negotiations. The conflict has escalated to the point where the launch of Season 27, scheduled for July 23, is now uncertain. The show’s streaming deals expired on June 30, causing the domestic deal with Warner Bros. Discovery to extend, keeping South Park on HBO Max. Meanwhile, South Park was removed from Paramount+ internationally just last week.
Fans and industry insiders alike are watching this situation closely, as the outcome could shape the future of South Park and its creators’ careers. For more in-depth coverage, check out The Hollywood Reporter’s article on the matter.