South Park Strikes $1.5B Paramount+ Deal Ahead of Season 27

Getting rid of Eric Cartman isn't so simple. South Park's creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, are reportedly on the verge of a major breakthrough deal for the show's streaming rights. This follows extended and difficult negotiations in the wake of the Paramount-Skydance merger.

According to The Los Angeles Times, Paramount agreed on July 21 to acquire the streaming rights for South Park, bringing the series to Paramount+. The agreement, which includes Parker and Stone's company Park County Productions committing to produce 10 episodes annually, is not yet finalized. However, the outlet reports the deal is valued at a staggering $300 million per year and is expected to be approved.

Spanning five years, this contract would bring the streamer over $1.5 billion, solidifying South Park's status as one of television's most valuable franchises today. This valuation is understandable. The show exploded onto the scene in 1999, growing into a massive franchise with numerous specials, a theatrical film, video games, and extensive merchandise.

South Park's future recently seemed uncertain. HBO Max's previous streaming rights for the series expired in June, leaving the show without a streaming home. Parker and Stone expressed frustration with both the ensuing battle for streaming rights and how the Paramount-Skydance merger was disrupting production. Since February 2023, only six regular episodes and three specials have aired.

Following Paramount's decision to delay the Season 27 premiere from July 9 to July 23, the creators shared their thoughts on social media. "In response to the press release from Comedy Central about the change in premiere date for South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone said: 'This merger is a s**tshow and it’s f**king up South Park,'" read their July 2 statement. "We are at the studio working on new episodes and we hope the fans get to see them somehow."

Fortunately, it appears Parker and Stone are close to achieving some creative stability—amidst the typical South Park chaos, of course.