South Park Showdown: Paramount's Chase for Cartman's Streaming Rights
Streaming plans for Paramount's South Park are uncertain due to the ongoing Skydance merger delay.
Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes when Big Matt, Comandant Kenny, and the gang are on the line? Here's a lowdown on Paramount Global's high-stakes negotiations for the rights to stream "South Park."
With Paramount trying to finalize a key merger, the company is in a tough spot regarding one of its biggest assets - the long-running, crude-mouthed cartoon, "South Park." Paramount's $900-million deal with creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker isn't due to expire for another two years. Fresh episodes debut on Paramount's channel, Comedy Central, but the company is eyeing streaming platforms, particularly Paramount+.
However, achieving this goal is proving tricky, as discussions have hit a significant snag. The reason? Deep-seated disagreements among execs managing Paramount until its proposed sale to Skydance Media. Paramount is desperate to secure both US and international streaming rights for "South Park." Previously, these rights were sent to HBO Max, owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, in a deal that ends this month.
"South Park" has played a crucial role in skyrocketing Comedy Central's popularity among basic cable viewers. Its controversial takes on hot topics like Scientology, the War on Terror, royals, and the Trump administration put the channel on the map.
Initial talks pointed towards "South Park" episodes streaming on Paramount+ starting in July, according to Paramount co-CEO Chris McCarthy. But the deal isn't done and dusted yet - Paramount hasn't locked down streaming rights for the show.
Since the beginning of the year, Paramount has reportedly made at least one offer to extend Stone and Parker's overall deal prematurely. The company also aims to secure rights to stream all 333 episodes of "South Park" on Paramount+. Some informed sources estimate that distribution fees for the show could be valued at over $200 million annually.
Yet, Skydance has stayed mum on approving the proposed deal, believing it's too pricey. Paramount executives, however, argue that the show's legion of fans and lasting impact justify the hefty price tag. Neither Paramount nor Skydance has commented on the situation.
Hollywood agent Ari Emanuel, representing Parker and Stone, defended the handling of negotiations, claiming that no offer has been rejected and that multiple distributors are vying for the show. Skydance's takeover of Paramount has been pending for months, awaiting approval from federal regulators.
As deadlines loom, the new season - "South Park's" 27th - is scheduled to debut on Comedy Central on July 9. Unless a deal is struck with the creators by June 23, Paramount risks losing the show's streaming rights altogether. Negotiations might extend past the deadline, though, and both parties anticipate reaching an agreement.
South Park's Digital Odyssey
South Park's longtime attorney Kevin Morris negotiates for the creators’ internet rights, a joint venture the duo established almost two decades ago. It's called South Park Digital Studios, which Paramount helps manage, granting the creators veto power over streaming deals they deem unfavorable.
The complex skirmish between Paramount, Warner Bros. Discovery, and the show's creators revolves around negotiations for the "South Park" streaming catalog's future. Though Skydance isn't directly mentioned in ongoing coverage, the central obstructive elements seem to be the intricate web of rights, profit participants, and ongoing business negotiations rather than a specific veto from Skydance.
- Paramount Global aims to secure both US and international streaming rights for "South Park" on platforms like Paramount+, which is one of their key business strategies in the entertainment industry.
- The long-running show, "South Park," has been a major asset for Comedy Central, enhancing the channel's popularity among basic cable viewers through its controversial takes on various topics such as Hollywood, politics, and pop culture.
- Hollywood agent Ari Emanuel, representing the show's creators, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, has claimed that multiple distributors are vying for the show, indicating a high demand for quality entertainment content in the television and movies-and-tv industry.
- The streaming rights for "South Park" have been a matter of contention, with Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery previously agreeing on streaming the show on HBO Max, but the deal is now under renegotiation due to ongoing business discussions.
- The creators of "South Park," Matt Stone and Trey Parker, have established a joint venture called South Park Digital Studios to manage their internet rights, which includes veto power over streaming deals that they deem unfavorable, showcasing their commitment to preserving the show's integrity in the era of digital entertainment.
