We don't know the South Park season 24 release date, but we did get an hour-long Pandemic Special not long ago, the show's 308th episode and the first special in its storied, risqué history. While it was nice to get something new from our foul-mouthed friends, South Park has generally fluctuated in quality – but at least it hasn't had quite the downturn in laughs suffered by The Simpsons.
South Park season 24 was officially revealed in 2019, as the show was renewed through to 2022 – $500 million was the hefty figure HBO Max paid for the pleasure, proving its enduring popularity. Still, while you're waiting, you could always try Sassy Justice, a new deepfake satire series from South Park co-creators, Matt Stone and Trey Parker.
So, here's what we know about South Park season 24 so far, then, including what we expect to happen after the first special's release.
South Park season 24 release date: when is the next episode of South Park?
South Park season 24 doesn't have an official release date yet, but a one-hour pandemic-themed episode of the show was released on September 30. This marked the show's return to production after the pandemic. The special is now available to stream on South Park Studios for free in the US.
Technically, the site counts The Pandemic Special as South Park season 24 episode 1. So, South Park season 24 has technically begun. It's unclear if and when a full season will follow – but at the end of the episode, Randy Marsh says "I think I'm gonna do a few more specials", suggesting this could be the format we enjoy South Park in for the time being. Could we see fewer but longer episodes this season?
A making-of video for the Pandemic Special showed how equipment was installed at home for those working on the show, including animators, suggesting this is the norm for the time being. While this looks challenging as a way of making the show, it does suggest that it's possible we'll see more episodes arriving this year, since the pandemic isn't stopping production.
We're unsure when South Park return for more episodes after the Pandemic Special, but hopefully it won't be too long. While a lot of TV show production has been negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, animation has seemingly been less affected, simply because no one has to navigate the complications of filming on-set with social distancing.
South Park season 24 will be followed by 25 and 26
As mentioned above, South Park has been renewed through to 2022, which should cover the show through to seasons 25 and 26.
The show is likely to end at some point over the next decade, though. "I don't think we have ever had an 'OK, let's sit down and decide if we are going to keep going,'" Parker told The Hollywood Reporter this year about the future of the show. Stone also said in 2019, "I am 48. Trey turns 50 this year. So I will say that I don't think we will be doing this show when we're 60."
So, assuming Parker and Stone don't change their minds (which is possible), you've got between three and ten seasons of South Park left.
How to watch South Park episodes online
South Park is relatively each to watch, depending on where you are. In the US, HBO Max has the streaming rights to the show (with several controversial episodes missing) including new episodes, but you can also just watch them online here on Comedy Central's website. DVDs are also available of every season, including South Park season 23.
In the UK, new South Park episodes are aired on Comedy Central UK, which you can watch with a Now TV subscription. Amazon Prime Video UK also has the first 22 seasons available to stream. Netflix UK has several seasons to watch in the UK, but not a complete archive.
