South Park, an all-time classic comedy sensation that has stood the test of time since its debut in 1997, is now in its 27th season on Comedy Central. In July 2025, Paramount finalized a whopping $1.5 billion deal with creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone for streaming rights over the next five years.
Paramount is also CBS’s parent company, which is dealing with financial difficulties, and The Late Night Show with Stephen Colbert is a prime example of these burdens in action, as it faces complete extinction by May 2026. Although the lack of money is not the only cause of this, as Colbert has outspokenly criticized Trump.
And this isn’t a coincidence. It is important to factor in that, in recent months, there has been a massive crackdown on comedy. Much of comedy is political and can contain what some might consider “radical takes,” which are either taken out of context or seem to be a jab at people in leadership positions. This tends to upset one particular person. Why don’t you take a guess on who that might be?
What keeps South Park alive is its unmatched satire. This time around, it’s no different; in fact, it takes an unprecedented approach. It has served its audience with controversial clips about current real-world issues, surrounding immigration enforcement, tariffs, consumerism, and artificial intelligence.
It continually mocks political figures and the current administration, with recent episodes teasing President Trump, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Parodying their “political views,” which come across as irrational and dismissive, as they often undermine marginalized groups.
For context, in the episode titled “Got a Nut”, one scene depicts ICE raids across the U.S and highlights criticism of immigration policies. A viral scene illustrates ICE agents targeting Latinos in heaven, alluding that even the sacred of places aren’t safe. Noem states, “If it’s brown, it goes down!” Reflecting real-life situations where ICE detains lifelong residents and subsequent green card holders without proper procedure. People have been racially profiled, kidnapped off the streets without specification, without a warrant, and most importantly, without due process.
ICE generally used forceful tactics, and the Trump administration pushes back at any form of resistance. Trump has openly called people who speak out and take it upon themselves to take action the “radical left”. Leaving viewers baffled due to the lack of ownership and the non-stop name-calling.
However, even with the fanbase absolutely having a field day, it’s definitely not in the clear when it comes to criticism; in other words, it has been penalized for its portrayal of government leadership positions. Directly garnering attention among those who have alternative perspectives, specifically those who work directly within the federal government. Seemingly, the small penis “jokes’ hit a nerve. With the White House spokesperson, Taylor Rogers, issuing a statement, “This show hasn’t been relevant for over 20 years and is hanging on by a thread with uninspired ideas in a desperate attempt for attention.”
Despite there being a surge of laughter and rage on both sides of the political spectrum when it comes to anti-establishment entertainment, there is a certain line you cannot seem to cross.
On September 17, a cultural shift took place. After Jimmy Kimmel made so-called “insensitive” remarks about Charlie Kirk’s murderer, Kimmel’s show came under attack. Trump officials demanded the F.C.C. to take Jimmy Kimmel off the air, leading to the temporary suspension of the ABC Jimmy Kimmel Live!
This has prompted many to voice concerns about the erosion of the First Amendment. Sighting that this is an effort to diminish and silence influential voices that criticize the administration, even the smallest trigger or most timid assessments of events or perceived threats must be suppressed because they are enough for the administration to react; even sharing views can result in being demonized and portrayed as extremists or Marxists, causing even the MAGA cult fanbase to question their leadership and its legitimacy.
It seems as though kicking Jimmy Kimmel from his show might not have been the smart move to make. I argue it may be the most consequential act in the world of comedy, as it took down a prominent white mom comfort show, leaving viewers feeling betrayed and in a moment of despair.
But don’t you worry, white moms didn’t go down without a fight. They partnered with Gen Z to boycott Disney, bringing Kimmel back on air. Rest assured, because Kimmel and Colbert appear side by side, appearing on their respective shows.
Beyond South Park and Late Night Shows, other shows like those hosted by Fallon and Meyers seem to be up next on the hit list, as they have weighed in on the matter. They have been flooded with an unwavering amount of backlash from President Trump and Trump loyalists who continue to bash these comedy programs.
Trump’s vendetta against anyone not aligned with him shines a light on his fragile ego and petty grievances. Late-night hosts unite like the Avengers, demonstrating their influence, while South Park amplifies Trump’s absurdity—highlighting that he’s more of a joke himself, both as a president and as a person. Trump warrants close examination.
