In a shocking blow to international fans of South Park, Paramount+ has lost its license to stream the iconic animated series outside the United States, sources confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. The expiration of the international streaming agreement has left fans in regions like Europe, Asia, and Australia unable to access the show’s irreverent humor on the platform. While negotiations to restore the series are reportedly ongoing, no timeline for its return has been announced, leaving viewers in limbo.
The news comes amid a tumultuous period for South Park and its creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, who are entangled in a high-stakes rights battle with Paramount Global, Comedy Central’s parent company. International subscribers can still access South Park specials on Paramount+ and watch episodes on Comedy Central where available, but the absence of the full series on the streaming platform has sparked frustration among fans worldwide.
The licensing issue coincides with the recent announcement that the Season 27 premiere of South Park, originally slated for July 9, has been delayed to July 23. The postponement stems from ongoing disputes over streaming rights, exacerbated by the complex merger between Paramount Global and David Ellison’s Skydance Media.
The creators’ frustrations trace back to a broader conflict with Paramount. Last month, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Parker and Stone threatened legal action against the company, accusing incoming Paramount president Jeff Shell of meddling in their negotiations with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and Netflix. Shell, currently chairman of sports and media at Redbird Capital Partners, allegedly pushed WBD to grant Paramount+ an exclusive 12-month window for new South Park episodes and to shorten a potential deal from 10 to five years—terms that Parker and Stone claim were designed to favor Paramount at their expense.
In a June 21 letter from Park County, the duo’s entertainment company, their attorney demanded that Shell, Redbird, and Skydance “immediately cease” their interference, warning of legal action to protect their rights. Skydance countered, stating that their transaction agreement allows them to approve material contracts, further complicating the dispute.
The Paramount-Skydance merger, initially set to close on July 6, awaits Federal Communications Commission approval for the transfer of Paramount’s broadcast licenses. On Monday, representatives from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Hollywood Local 399, and the Center for American Rights met with the FCC to advocate for a license package that protects workers, consumers, and investors.
With two years remaining on Paramount’s $900 million deal for South Park’s digital rights, the outcome of these negotiations could reshape the show’s streaming future. Since its debut on Comedy Central in 1997, South Park has remained a cultural juggernaut, with its Season 26 finale airing in March 2023, followed by three specials through May 2024. For now, international fans are left hoping for a swift resolution to bring their favorite foul-mouthed cartoon back to Paramount+.
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