The latest season of South Park has delivered a major ratings surprise, with its newest episode nearly doubling the audience of its season premiere. The jump comes as the animated series continues its tradition of fearless political humor, taking aim at high-profile figures—most notably former President Donald Trump.
The season premiere attracted around 430,000 live viewers, combining outrageous storylines with a pointed takedown of Trump and media corporations. When factoring in streaming platforms, the episode reached close to six million viewers within three days, marking the strongest season debut in over two decades.
The follow-up episode, featuring a satirical portrayal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as “ICE Barbie,” drew about 838,000 live viewers—almost twice the audience of the premiere. This episode poked fun at Noem’s appearance, immigration policies, and past controversies, while blending absurd humor with sharp social commentary.
Reactions from those targeted were mixed. Trump’s camp dismissed the show as “irrelevant,” while Noem criticized the jokes as “petty,” only to later lean into the attention by altering her public image in a tongue-in-cheek nod to the parody.
The ratings surge reaffirms South Park’s enduring ability to push boundaries and spark conversation. Even after decades on air, the series continues to draw attention by blending satire, cultural critique, and unapologetic comedy—cementing its place as one of television’s most provocative and relevant shows.
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