South Park Premieres Fierce Trump Satire Amid Paramount $16M Settlement

South Park returned for its 27th season with a premiere episode, "Sermon on the Mount," that delivers a scathing satire of President Donald Trump and Paramount. The episode features Trump depicted in bed with Satan, mocking his behavior, lawsuits, and controversial actions such as canceling funding for NPR, while also criticizing Paramount's $16 million settlement to Trump and the subsequent cancellation of Stephen Colbert's Late Show. The show’s creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, recently secured a $1.5 billion deal with Paramount for 50 new episodes, highlighting the network's continued investment despite political controversies. The episode's sharp satire also touches on topics like the Epstein client list and Trump’s tendency to dismiss criticism with phrases like "Relax, guy." South Park’s ability to respond quickly to current events, combined with its use of deepfake animation, reinforces its reputation for fearless and timely political commentary. This premiere underscores the tensions between Trump, media companies like Paramount, and satirical outlets unwilling to shy away from contentious issues.