U.S. South Park enthusiasts have limited time left to view the series on HBO Max, as it will soon be transferred to a different streaming platform
South Park Moves to Paramount+ in a $1.5 Billion Deal
After a long-standing partnership, the streaming rights for South Park have moved exclusively to Paramount Plus, marking a new era for the popular animated series in the US. The deal, which was finalized last month, is worth an estimated $300 million over five years.
The transition from HBO Max to Paramount+ was not without complications. The deal was negotiated following the end of the old arrangement and came after the Paramount-Skydance merger, which led to tense negotiations and legal threats.
In a statement made in early July, South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone expressed their concerns about the merger affecting the production of new episodes. They also accused Skydance of vetoing a ten-year deal worth $300 million per year. Despite this, the creators confirmed that new episodes of South Park are in the works.
Despite the disagreements, the new deal is a significant one. It is one of TV's most valuable streaming franchises, valued at $1.5 billion over five years. This deal includes exclusive streaming rights to all existing episodes plus at least 50 new episodes over five seasons.
The new arrangement ensures closer coordination between South Park and Comedy Central, its network home. The show will now be overseen by Paramount's co-CEO George Cheeks.
The first controversial episode of season 27, featuring Donald Trump and Satan, is already available on Paramount Plus. The next episode of the season is scheduled to be released a week later, on August 6, and will be available on both Paramount Plus and Comedy Central the day after its initial broadcast.
For fans of South Park, there's good news. All 26 seasons of the show are available to watch on Paramount's streaming site, and an ultimate guide to the best South Park episodes is also available.
[1] The Hollywood Reporter [2] Variety [3] Deadline [4] South Park Studios
- Paramount Plus acquired the streaming rights for South Park worth $300 million over five years, moving it exclusively from HBO Max, marking a significant shift in the US entertainment industry.
- The deal, following the Paramount-Skydance merger, was negotiated amidst tense discussions and legal threats, with South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone expressing initial concerns about its impact on the production of new episodes.
- The new deal values TV's popular animated series at $1.5 billion over five years, granting exclusive streaming rights to all existing episodes plus at least 50 new episodes over five seasons.
- In addition to Paramount Plus, the show will now be overseen by Paramount's co-CEO George Cheeks, ensuring closer coordination between South Park and its network home, Comedy Central.
- For fans of South Park, all 26 seasons are available to watch on Paramount's streaming site, and an ultimate guide to the best South Park episodes can be found on platforms such as The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Deadline, and South Park Studios.
