South Park

'South Park': A Brief History of the Show's Most Transphobic Episodes

[Editor’s note: The following piece contains discussion of graphic transphobic jokes.] On last Wednesday’s episode of “South Park,” a Randy Savage-type character enters and wins a Strong Woman competition. The supposed joke? Her name is Heather. Hulking with muscle and sporting a dark beard and gruff voice, she quickly dispenses with the competition. Looking on in shy discomfort are PC Principal and his wife, vice... more

'South Park' Fires Back at China After Series Ban: 'F*ck the Chinese Government'

The battle between “South Park” and China escalated October 9 with the airing of the Comedy Central series’ landmark 300th episode. The episode “SHOTS!!!” was the third installment of “South Park” Season 23 and the first installment of the show to air after the series was banned in China. The previous episode, “Band in China,” featured criticisms of Chinese labor camps and of Hollywood’s dependency on China, leadin... more

'South Park,' NBA Controversies Point Out Challenges of Doing Business With China

To capitulate to Chinese censorship, or not to capitulate? That’s the billion-dollar question increasingly facing U.S.entertainment companies that wish to retain their access to China’s enormous 1.4 billion-person market while maintaining a veneer of integrity in the eyes of supporters back home. A “South Park” episode and a single tweet from an NBA employee have sparked a larger debate on how U.S. firms should do business with the Middle Kingdom. ... more