LOS ANGELES: South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone have announced a tongue-in-cheek name change for the long-running animated comedy, saying the show will be renamed “South America” ahead of its 29th season.
The surprise announcement, made on Tuesday, September 8, appears to be another satirical jab at US President Donald Trump and his administration.
In a mock press release, Parker and Stone said the decision was “inspired by the bravery and patriotism of Apple and Google,” adding that they were changing the name of South Park to “SOUTH AMERICA.”
The creators also took a swipe at the show’s parent company, Paramount, describing it sarcastically as a “Skydance Capitulation.”
The announcement was accompanied by new artwork for Season 29 featuring the gag title, reinforcing that the name change is part of the show’s ongoing political satire rather than an actual rebranding.
Another jab at Trump
South Park has frequently targeted Trump and his political career, using its trademark dark humour and satire to mock political figures and current events.
The latest joke focuses on Trump’s reported efforts to incorporate “America” into the names of geographic locations.
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The creators’ announcement comes after Trump’s administration pushed for changes involving geographic names, including the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Ontario. Trump has also floated the idea of renaming the US state of New Mexico as “New America.”
By changing South Park to South America, the show’s creators appear to be exaggerating those naming efforts for comedic effect.
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Apple and Google also targeted
The joke also references Apple and Google, which have faced criticism over how geographic name changes are displayed on their mapping services.
Parker and Stone specifically thanked the two technology companies in their mock statement, adding another layer to the satire.
The latest stunt is consistent with South Park’s long-running approach of using current political controversies as material for its comedy. Rather than simply targeting one political figure, the series has regularly mocked politicians, corporations and cultural institutions across the political spectrum.
With Season 29 approaching, the “South America” announcement has given fans another example of the show’s willingness to turn real-world political developments into exaggerated comedy.
