September 9, 2026, 1:44 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Just before the start of the 29th season, the creators of “South Park” are drawing attention with an unusual announcement. Trey Parker and Matt Stone plan to rename their cult series “South America.” However, this move is not a genuine reboot but a satirical jab at U.S. President Donald Trump and tech companies Apple and Google.
Satirical Comment on the Renaming of “Lake Ontario”
The two series creators made their announcement public just in time for the season premiere on September 16. They explained: “Inspired by the bravery and patriotism demonstrated by Apple and Google, we are changing the name of South Park to South America.”
The joke is prompted by a decision from Trump. Amid a trade dispute with Canada, the U.S. president decreed that Lake Ontario should henceforth be called “Lake America.” Canada, however, ignores this designation. Apple and Google adjusted their map services for U.S. users, where the lake was subsequently displayed as “Lake America,” while in Canada, the original name remained. This incident apparently provided Parker and Stone with the inspiration for their latest stunt.
Paramount and Skydance Also in the Crosshairs
Not only Trump and the two tech giants are targeted. The “South Park” creators also direct their criticism at their own media company.
In their statement, they thank Paramount but simultaneously refer to a “Skydance capitulation.” This alludes to the takeover of Paramount by Skydance. They also address accusations that Paramount has been too lenient toward Trump recently.
“South Park” airs on Comedy Central. The network is part of the CBS corporation, whose parent company Paramount has now been acquired by Skydance. The merged company is led by David Ellison, whose family is considered close to Trump.
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Fans Excited for the New Season
The move is well-received by many viewers on social media. Numerous fans express anticipation for the upcoming episodes.
Comments include: “I love when you play with fire” and “Just because of this joke, I know this season will be hilarious.” Many users directly associate the announcement with expectations for the new season.
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Why “South Park” Responds Quickly to Current Events
Since its debut in 1997, the animated series has regularly tackled political debates, scandals, and celebrities. A distinctive feature of “South Park” is the short production time for new episodes.
This allows Parker and Stone to often respond to current developments faster than many other TV formats. Donald Trump has been a recurring theme for years, providing the creators with new material for their satirical stories.