South Park Season 27 Delayed: Inside the Creators’ $3 Billion Dispute
The launch of South Park’s 27th season is still uncertain, as negotiations between its creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and the studio, Skydance, have hit a standstill.
The initial premiere date was set for this month but has now been delayed by two weeks to July 23.
South Park has been a staple on Comedy Central, owned by Paramount, since season 1 debuted in 1997. The franchise is jointly owned by Paramount and South Park Digital Studios, which Parker and Stone manage.
The animated series is produced by Park County, the creators’ other entertainment entity.
South Park consistently ranks among Paramount’s most lucrative shows. In 2007, Park County secured a profitable agreement with Paramount that granted them 50 percent of streaming revenue.
The streaming contracts held by Park County concluded on June 30.
Continue reading for insights into the show’s delay and the surrounding legal complications:
Why Did Trey Parker and Matt Stone Hire a High-Powered Attorney?
Paramount had planned to extend its existing contract with Parker and Stone’s company, but complications arose from a corporate merger.
Skydance is working on finalizing a deal to acquire Paramount for $8 billion.
The merger had been delayed due to a lawsuit initiated by President Donald Trump against CBS’ 60 Minutes, which is owned by Paramount, but has recently been resolved.
The Hollywood Reporter reported that the agreement between Paramount and Park County was a 10-year deal that could “more than triple the valuation of the current deal set to expire in 2027.”
“I believe that Paramount pre-acquisition had a wider range of options in mind than what Skydance and Redbird would agree to,” a source told The Hollywood Reporter.
Skydance has declined to accept the conditions of the agreement, insisting it retains the authority to approve contracts despite the ongoing merger.
On July 14, a representative for Park County stated, “There is no resolution at this moment, but all parties are aware of the need for a swift, positive resolution.”
The report indicated that Stone and Parker have engaged renowned attorney Bryan Freedman for representation, alongside Kevin Morris, who is also known as Hunter Biden’s lawyer.
One insider mentioned that Park County believes Skydance lacks the authority to make decisions until the merger is finalized.
“We hereby demand that you, Redbird, and Skydance immediately cease your interference,” a lawyer from Park County expressed in a letter. “Should these actions persist, we will be compelled to take measures to protect our rights and fulfill any public obligations.”
Trey Parker and Matt Stone Speak Out on ‘South Park’ Delay
Last month, Stone and Parker addressed the situation through social media.
“This merger is a mess and it’s affecting South Park. We’re at the studio working on new episodes and we hope fans can see them somehow,” the official South Park account stated.
Earlier this year, Parker and Stone threatened legal action against Jeff Shell, the individual slated to become Paramount’s president following the merger, for allegedly trying to obstruct agreements with other companies.
A spokesperson for Skydance claimed to The Hollywood Reporter that it possesses the right to approve contracts in line with the transaction agreement.
