South Park Season 27 Premiere Delayed Amid Streaming Deal Conflicts

Los Angeles, CA — Fans of the animated comedy “South Park” will have to wait a bit longer for the much-anticipated Season 27 premiere, now scheduled for July 23. The shift comes after more than two years without new episodes.

A new promotional poster showcases beloved characters like Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny, alongside Jesus. Comedy Central revealed the delay amid ongoing tensions regarding the show’s streaming rights. The previous $500 million exclusive licensing deal with HBO Max recently expired, and no new exclusive or multiple non-exclusive agreements have been finalized.

Paramount Global, the parent company of Comedy Central and co-owner of South Park Digital Studios, has expressed a desire to expand the show’s presence on its streaming service, Paramount+. During a May earnings call, Paramount Global co-CEO Chris McCarthy confirmed, “Starting this July, [South Park] will be coming to Paramount+ in the US.”

In the meantime, South Park’s rights have reportedly been offered to various platforms, including bids from HBO Max’s parent, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Netflix. A legal letter from Parker and Stone’s attorney outlines their concerns about interference in negotiations, claiming the parties involved attempted to secure a shorter contract with a 12-month exclusive window on Paramount+.

For now, the existing 26 episodes remain available during the ongoing discussions about renewal. The anticipated launch on Paramount+ on July 1 did not occur as expected, leaving fans puzzled. However, the service is still projected to stream “South Park” in time for the new season.

Co-creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, alongside producers Anne Garefino and Frank C. Agnone II, lead the production team. Christopher Brion serves as the Creative Director of South Park Digital Studios.