Erfolg in Serie

TALK about

SOUTHPARK (1997– )

¹ Der Vortrag findet in englischer Sprache statt. Referentin: Danielle Kopf-Giammanco, FR Amerikanistik, Universität des Saarlandes

Coloradans Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s brainchild, South Park, is a satirical, animated sitcom that often ventures into dark, surreal, and scatological (toilet) humor. Parker and Stone also frequently include Colorado-specific insider knowledge and humor, making it seem as if they are directly speaking to fellow Coloradans. During its twenty-six seasons, it has followed the lives of four elementary school children growing up in a fictional Colorado mountain town, South Park. The show has been largely a success in terms of ratings and awards despite (or perhaps because of) its relatively low budget animation, as well as quick script writing. Most episodes revolve around contemporary, politicized issues from a moral or common-sense perspective, which are often juxtaposed. In pitting morality and popular political rhetoric against each other, South Park is well acquainted with controversy as they are not afraid to insult, troll, and gaslight their audience. For broadcasting regulations, Hollywood norms, and those focused on ‘polite society,’ South Park is the sitcom version of a clever, but cantankerous child holding their finger one centimeter away; still not touching you. The show’s consistent challenge to broadcasting censorship and political correctness has had a lasting cultural impact on both the internet and traditional media.