There's something beautifully absurd about watching Satan and the former President of the United States disembark from Air Force One. This image—straight from the trailer for South Park's upcoming episode “Wok is Dead”—perfectly captures the show's unique ability to twist reality into something both hilarious and horrifying. Twenty-five years since its debut, and Trey Parker and Matt Stone's creation continues to land punches where it hurts most.
The trailer, released via South Park's X profile, gives us a glimpse into Season 27, Episode 4, where the focus shifts from the corridors of power to the toy aisles of Colorado. The episode centers on Butters' quest to purchase a Labubu doll for his girlfriend's birthday—a seemingly simple task complicated by Trump's tariffs. It's this juxtaposition of political grandstanding and everyday consequences that makes South Park's satire so devastatingly effective.
What's particularly fascinating about this season is its bi-weekly release schedule. A deliberate choice following Paramount's significant $1.5 billion, five-year deal with the show. This pacing gives Parker and Stone more time to craft each episode, ensuring their commentary remains sharp rather than rushed. The result? South Park has become Paramount+'s most-streamed series both in the U.S. and globally. Not bad for a show that, according to the White House, “hasn't been relevant for over 20 years.”
The Trump administration's response to South Park's jabs reads like something straight out of the show itself. After being questioned by Satan about rumors regarding the Epstein list in the season premiere, the White House fired back with a statement declaring the show “desperate for attention.” Gorgeous. Grating. Gorgeous again. The irony of a political administration responding to an animated satire is almost too perfect to be real.
Homeland Security head Kristi Noem also joined the fray after being depicted as “Botox-obsessed” in Episode 2, “Got a Nut.” On Glenn Beck's podcast, she criticized the show for making fun of her appearance: “It's so lazy to make fun of women for how they look. Only the liberals and the extremists do that.” There's a valid point buried somewhere in there, but it's hard to take seriously coming from someone in an administration known for its own… shall we say, colorful commentary about appearances.
What makes South Park's approach to Trump so compelling is its refusal to treat him as untouchable. In a media landscape where many either fawn over or demonize the former president, South Park opts for something far more subversive: ridicule. By focusing on the absurdity of tariffs affecting collectible toy prices, the show highlights how political decisions have real, if sometimes ridiculous, consequences for ordinary people.
“Wok is Dead” is set to land on Comedy Central on Wednesday, September 3, with streaming available on Paramount+ the following day. It's worth noting how perfectly timed this episode feels—arriving in the midst of ongoing debates about trade policies and economic nationalism. The show's ability to turn complex political issues into digestible, if grotesque, comedy remains unmatched.
There's something almost comforting about South Park's consistency. In a world of rapidly shifting cultural norms and political allegiances, the show's commitment to equal opportunity offensiveness provides a strange sort of stability. They've been roasting political figures since before some of their current viewers were born, and they show no signs of stopping.
As we approach the episode's release, one can't help but wonder what other political figures will find themselves in South Park's crosshairs next. The show's enduring relevance isn't just about its shock value—it's about its willingness to say what others won't, in ways that others can't. Whether you find it brilliant or baseless, there's no denying that South Park continues to be one of the most culturally significant shows of our time.
What You Should Know About South Park's Latest Political Takedown
Bi-Weekly Formula Works
The new release schedule gives creators more time to craft each episode, resulting in sharper satire and more relevant commentary.
Paramount's Big Bet
The $1.5 billion deal seems to be paying off, with South Park becoming the platform's most-streamed series globally.
Real-World Reactions
The White House's actual response to the show proves that sometimes reality is stranger than fiction.
Everyday Impact of Politics
By focusing on how tariffs affect toy prices, the episode highlights the unexpected ways political decisions touch ordinary lives.
Enduring Cultural Relevance
Twenty-five years in, South Park continues to demonstrate why it remains a vital part of the cultural conversation.
Header Image Suggestion: A split image showing Satan and Trump exiting Air Force One from the trailer, overlaid with Butters looking distressed while holding a Labubu doll.
Sources: South Park's X Profile for the trailer.
