South Park Season 27 Moves to Paramount+: What to Know

South Park Season 27 is now airing on Paramount+ after leaving HBO Max. Here's what fans need to know about where to watch, why it moved, and what to expect.

South Park Returns—But With a Big Streaming Shift

South Park is back for its 27th season, and while fans are excited for more outrageous comedy from Cartman, Stan, Kyle, and Kenny, there's a major change in how and where to watch. The long-running animated series, which first aired in 1997, premiered its new season on Wednesday, July 24, 2025. But this time, it’s no longer on HBO Max.

The shift comes after the expiration of a previous licensing deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, prompting creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone to consolidate the show under Paramount+, which also hosts the franchise's exclusive made-for-streaming films. With this change, many viewers are wondering what happened, why the move occurred, and how to watch the show now without missing an episode.

Here’s everything you need to know about South Park’s new season, its streaming home, and how to keep up with the latest episodes.

Why South Park Left HBO Max

The move from HBO Max to Paramount+ marks a major shake-up in the streaming wars. HBO Max previously held the exclusive rights to South Park’s back catalog, streaming over 300 episodes on its platform since 2020, thanks to a deal worth more than $500 million. However, that agreement had a time limit—and that time has run out.

According to CNN and USA Today, the series’ creators and Paramount Global, which owns Comedy Central (the network where South Park originally airs), were eager to bring the entire South Park universe under one roof. That includes both the traditional weekly episodes and the streaming-only specials, which have already debuted exclusively on Paramount+.

This transition allows the company to:

• Control all South Park content distribution
• Boost Paramount+ subscriptions
• Create synergy between the linear network (Comedy Central) and streaming

It also means that Warner Bros. Discovery is officially out of the South Park business, even though the show was a top performer on HBO Max. For fans, it means needing a Paramount+ subscription if they want to stay current with the series.

When and Where to Watch South Park Season 27

The second episode of South Park Season 27 airs Wednesday, August 7, 2025, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Comedy Central, with episodes made available for streaming shortly after their broadcast premiere.

Here’s where you can watch:

• Live broadcast: Comedy Central
• Next-day streaming: Paramount+
• Free access (limited): Some platforms like Philo, Sling TV, or YouTube TV offer free trials that include Comedy Central

The Decider reports that Season 27 marks a significant effort to transition South Park fans toward Paramount+ by using the traditional broadcast format as a funnel. If you’re hoping to catch up on past seasons, note that not all episodes may be immediately available for free, and full access typically requires a paid subscription.

How to Watch South Park Season 27 for Free

• Sign up for a free trial of Paramount+ (7-day trial)
• Use live TV streaming services with free trials like:
• YouTube TV
• Philo
• FuboTV
• Watch reruns on Comedy Central’s website or app
• Check Tubi or Pluto TV for older episodes

Be aware that free access usually doesn’t include new episodes beyond the trial window.

Episode 1 Recap: Ratings, Reviews, and Reactions

The season premiere episode, which aired on July 24, 2025, made headlines for its biting political satire. Titled “The Return of President Garrison,” the episode openly mocked Donald Trump’s continued presence in American politics, drawing massive attention online.

According to USA Today, the episode pulled in nearly 2 million viewers on premiere night, making it the most-watched South Park premiere since Season 22. The backlash and praise were equally intense:

• Critics lauded the show’s unapologetic satire, a return to form
• Fans split between excitement and discomfort over political content
• Social media exploded with trending hashtags like #SouthParkReturns and #PresidentGarrison

Despite controversy, South Park remains consistent in delivering bold, divisive, and thought-provoking content—traits that have kept it relevant for nearly three decades.

Paramount+ and South Park’s Streaming Future

South Park’s move to Paramount+ isn’t just about this season—it’s part of a $900 million deal signed by creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone in 2021. This massive agreement includes:

• Six additional seasons
• 14 original South Park movies or “events”
• All-new content created exclusively for Paramount+

By unifying the show’s streaming presence, Paramount Global aims to strengthen its position in the competitive streaming landscape and attract Gen Z and millennial viewers who still follow the series religiously.

According to MassLive, fans should expect to see more South Park-themed specials, possibly tied to major events or holidays, similar to the successful pandemic specials that aired in recent years.

The message is clear: Paramount+ is becoming the official digital home for South Park—so if you’re a fan, this might be the time to consider a subscription.

What Makes South Park Still Relevant?

At 27 seasons and counting, South Park has remained a cultural force unlike any other animated series. Its continued relevance stems from a few key factors:

• Quick production cycle: New episodes are created in just 6 days, allowing ultra-timely satire
• Willingness to offend: The show doesn’t shy away from hot-button issues
• Cultural adaptability: South Park reflects the current political and social landscape

Whether it’s mocking politicians, tech moguls, cancel culture, or climate change, the show manages to stay in the spotlight by constantly pushing boundaries.

While some critics say the show has lost its edge in recent years, others believe its transition to a hybrid broadcast/streaming format could rejuvenate its storytelling.

Conclusion

South Park Season 27 marks more than just another round of irreverent animation—it represents a strategic shift in how the show reaches its audience. With the series now centered on Paramount+, and its ties with HBO Max officially cut, the franchise is positioning itself for a long-term future in the digital age.

If you’re a fan, this is your cue: tune in on Comedy Central or sign up for Paramount+ to follow the latest misadventures in South Park. One thing’s for sure—the boys from Colorado aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.