Recognized for its biting humor, political commentary, and refusal to carry again punches, South Park is a staple on the earth of grownup animation. Since its debut in 1997, over 300 episodes have aired throughout 27 seasons. Of those, a number of episodes have been particularly memorable, together with a lot of South Park’s season premieres.
These premieres helped set the tone for every season whereas additionally delivering laughs and thought-provoking scenes. In addition they pushed the envelope time and time once more, both by critiquing matters that appeared off limits or by pushing the boundaries of what was thought-about acceptable TV.
From the episodes that had us in stitches to those who left us applauding the present’s nerve, we have ranked the ten best South Park season premieres of all time.
10
“The Return of Chef”
Season 10, Episode 1
After a faux “beforehand on South Park” phase, Chef returns from the Tremendous Journey Membership with a brand new and disturbing curiosity in youngsters. Unsettled, the boys search out the membership and be taught the horrifying fact: it is made up of “adventurers” who imagine that molesting youngsters will grant them immortality. The boys then attempt to carry the brainwashed Chef again to his previous self, and at first, their efforts succeed. Nonetheless, he is finally tempted again by the membership and dies whereas making an attempt to return to it. Because the city holds a funeral for Chef, the membership is seen resurrecting him as Darth Chef.
An Unlucky Historical past
When “The Return of Chef” first aired, it was believed that Chef’s voice actor, Isaac Hayes, had departed the present on unhealthy phrases because of its depiction of Scientology. This explains why Chef’s character was modified for the more severe and why his dialogue consists of beforehand recorded strains. Nonetheless, in reality, Hayes was pressured to resign by different Scientology members, who took benefit of him being sick. So, whereas “The Return of Chef” is likely one of the greatest season premieres, it is also a bit of arduous to observe these days.
9
“Member Berries”
Season 20, Episode 1
“Member Berries” begins on the women’ volleyball match, the place spectators are betting on what number of gamers will take part in a protest in opposition to the web troll, Skankhunt42. Later, Kyle and the ladies attempt to unmask the wrongdoer, with them strongly believing it is Cartman. On the similar time, Randy is launched to member berries, a purple fruit that reminisces about some problematic occasions. As that is all happening, Mr. Garrison is making an attempt to finish his presidential marketing campaign by making his “turd sandwich” competitor look like the higher possibility.
Tons to ‘Member
Clearly, there’s quite a bit happening on this episode (we did not even embody the half the place J.J. Abrams is requested to rewrite the Star-Spangled Banner), nevertheless it all comes collectively by the tip. Plus, it laid the groundwork for some fairly humorous episodes to come back involving Skankhunt42 and Garrison. Whereas “Member Berries” obtained combined opinions, it stands out for being each distinctive and, fittingly, memorable.
8
“Cancelled”
Season 7, Episode 1
“Cancelled” begins equally to the pilot episode of South Park, “Cartman Will get an Anal Probe.” Frightened that they are in a “repeat,” the boys use Cartman’s anal probe to contact a bunch of Guests, who abduct the kids and clarify that the human world is definitely a actuality TV present. Again on Earth, the people discover out the reality about their planet, which results in Earth being canceled. Terrified that Earth might be destroyed, the boys blackmail one other alien race referred to as the Joozians into protecting it on air, just for the Joozians to erase the minds of all people, together with the boys, in order that they overlook that Earth is a TV present.
Distinctive Premise
“Cancelled” was initially meant to be the present’s celebratory one centesimal episode, and we will see why. Whereas it may not be as humorous or poignant as among the others on this checklist, it is actually among the many most unusual.
7
“It Hits the Fan”
Season 5, Episode 1
After the present Cop Drama makes use of the phrase “shit” uncensored, the individuals of South Park begin saying it in day by day dialog. Quickly, the townsfolk are overwhelmed by an sickness that causes them to vomit up their intestines and die. Along with Chef, the boys be taught that shit is a literal curse phrase, inflicting the Black Demise to unfold via the city. When it is revealed that one other TV present is planning to say the phrase over 100 occasions extra, the boys should leap into motion to cease them.
Document-Breaking Episode
“It Hits the Fan” begins off what’s arguably South Park’s greatest season. It additionally includes a whopping 162 makes use of of the phrase “shit,” which was extraordinary on the time. Add to that the enjoyable premise, and it is simple to see why this one is on our checklist.
6
“Cupid Ye”
Season 26, Episode 1
Kyle and Tolkien have been spending extra time collectively, a lot to Stan’s disappointment. Wanting to assist his good friend (or so he claims), Cartman steps in and begins spreading antisemitic tropes with the assistance of a Kanye-esque model of Cupid Me named Cupid Ye. Finally, Cupid Ye’s actions go too far, and even Cartman is horrified. Along with Stan, he is capable of medicate Cupid Ye and put a cease to his actions, however not earlier than issues develop tense between Kyle and the remainder of the varsity, together with Tolkien.
Well timed and Telling
This episode has a lot working for it, from the TikTok dance traits to the return of Cupid Me and the well timed critique in opposition to Kanye, who had lately gone on one other antisemitic rant. We might go as far as to say that it isn’t simply among the best premieres, however among the best episodes of the 2020s (to date).
5
“With Apologies to Jesse Jackson”
Season 11, Episode 1
Randy finds himself in scorching water after utilizing a racial slur on a sport present, and shortly, a modified model of that slur is getting used in opposition to him. In response, the varsity tries to carry a sensitivity seminar with a bit of particular person named Dr. Nelson, whom Cartman retains laughing at. On the similar time, embarrassed by his dad’s actions, Stan tries to downplay the incident to Tolkien, who appears extra upset by Stan’s dismissal than Randy’s habits. Ultimately, Randy efficiently will get the brand new slur banned by the Senate (…however not the one which he beforehand stated).
Difficult and Comedic
Though thought-about one in all South Park’s extra controversial episodes, “With Apologies to Jesse Jackson” was praised by many for serving to spotlight the hurt racial slurs could cause. Whereas some viewers might need taken challenge with the N-word getting used time and again, the impact was actually highly effective, drawing consideration to how usually its use is minimized.
4
“The Pandemic Particular”
Season 24, Episode 1
South Park Elementary is about to reopen after COVID-19, a lot to Stan’s pleasure and Cartman’s despair. The traditional lecturers have been changed by law enforcement officials, who wind up taking pictures Tolkien and blaming his accidents on COVID, inflicting the varsity to be quarantined. Over at Tegridy Farms, Randy (who’s celebrating large will increase in his weed earnings) learns that his actions in China (specifically, having intercourse with numerous animals) might need induced the virus. When affected person zero, a pangolin, is found, he is decided to discover a remedy earlier than his position in what occurred could be revealed.
A Particular Episode
The spotlight of this episode simply is perhaps Butters’ quest to go to Construct-A-Bear. Plus, the episode includes a Kenny dying scene, which is uncommon in later seasons, and it was South Park’s first-ever hour-long episode. It additionally marked a turning level for the collection, with the episode receiving South Park’s highest rankings in seven years.
3
“Lifeless Children”
Season 22, Episode 1
A pupil is killed in a taking pictures at South Park Elementary, however the college students and lecturers appear unfazed. If something, Cartman is extra upset that he failed his math take a look at after copying Tolkien, assuming that Tolkien gave him the incorrect solutions as a result of he thought Cartman disliked Black Panther. As he tries to get Tolkien to confess to having seen the film, Stan’s mother, Sharon, is horrified by the current taking pictures and the city’s relative lack of concern. This leads Randy to imagine she’s going via menopause, as a result of why else would she be so emotional?
Emotionally Intense
As we stated earlier, South Park is thought for “going there,” and that is very true within the case of this episode. At first look, dealing with the topic of college shootings with comedy sounds not possible, however South Park made it work. Greater than that, the episode exhibits simply how desensitized we have turn into to those shootings, and whereas the episode options many laughs, that horrifying fact is what sticks with us essentially the most.
2
“Good Occasions with Weapons”
Season 8, Episode 1
“Good Occasions with Weapons” begins with Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny tricking a vendor into promoting them ninja weapons. After refusing to let Butters play with them, he turns into his evil Professor Chaos type and assaults. Sadly, Kenny takes the menace too critically and winds up injuring Butters’ eye together with his shuriken. Now, the boys should discover assist for Butters with out letting their dad and mom be taught what induced his damage.
Good Occasions with the Characters
Typically thought-about among the best South Park episodes, interval, “Good Occasions With Weapons” is only a good time throughout. It exhibits the boys being children and getting as much as misadventures, all whereas that includes hilarious pictures of them as ninjas. When viewers speak about traditional South Park, that is normally a great instance of what they imply.
1
“Sermon on the ‘Mount”
Season 27, Episode 1
After President Trump pushes for anti-wokeness, PC “Energy Christian” Principal invitations Jesus into South Park Elementary, resulting in confusion from a number of college students. The remainder of South Park begins complaining, inflicting Trump to threaten to sue them. Jesus then warns the city about Trump’s lawsuit in opposition to Paramount, saying that, if they are not sensible, they could undergo an analogous destiny. Ultimately, South Park is pressured to pay Trump $3.5 million and start producing pro-Trump messaging, which they do within the type of a live-action, hilarious industrial.
A Masterpiece
South Park’s most up-to-date season premiere has the whole lot that made its earlier episodes so profitable: political commentary, hilarious scenes, and an total willingness to say what must be stated. The episode is not only a condemnation of Trump, but additionally of Paramount+, on which South Park streams. Nobody can say the premiere is not gutsy, and based mostly on its following two episodes, the remainder of Season 27 might be greater than definitely worth the wait.
South Park
- Launch Date
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August 13, 1997
- Community
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Comedy Central
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Karri Turner
Liane Cartman / Wendy Testaburger / Mrs. Crabtree (voice)
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Kyle Broflovski / Kenny McCormick (voice)
