Breaking: South Park Moves Exclusively to Paramount+ Next Week
Los Angeles, CA – august 1, 2023 – Fans of the long-running animated series South Park will soon find it exclusively on paramount+, as the show officially departs HBO Max on August 5th. This marks a notable shift in streaming availability for the iconic comedy, consolidating its digital home wiht Paramount Global.
For the past five years, HBO Max (now simply Max as of May 23, 2023) served as the primary streaming platform for South Park in the United States, offering all 26 seasons to subscribers. Though, the current 27th season, which premiered on Febuary 8, 2023, was excluded from this arrangement.HBO Max has already begun notifying users of the impending removal.
This move is the result of a extensive deal struck last month between park County – the production company co-owned by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone – and Paramount. The agreement encompasses the production of 50 new episodes over the next five years, alongside securing global streaming rights.Currently, Paramount+ is already showcasing the first 26 seasons and the initial episode of the 27th season, with the show topping the platform’s charts.
A History of Streaming and a Contentious Negotiation
South Park, which debuted on Comedy Central on August 13, 1997, has become a cultural touchstone known for its satirical take on current events and societal issues. While new episodes continue to premiere on the Comedy Central cable channel, the streaming landscape has become increasingly significant for the show’s accessibility.
The transition to Paramount+ wasn’t without its hurdles. A high-profile dispute arose between Park County and Paramount, complicated by the involvement of skydance Media, which was in the process of acquiring a majority stake in Paramount. Parker and Stone reportedly believed they had a verbal agreement for a ten-year deal valued at approximately $300 million annually.
Though, Skydance, led by CEO David Ellison, held veto power over deals exceeding a certain financial threshold, expressing concerns about committing to such a lengthy agreement in the rapidly evolving media landscape.This disagreement initially threatened the release of the 27th season, forcing a delay of several weeks while negotiations continued. to facilitate these talks, Paramount and Park County temporarily extended their agreement with Warner Bros. Finding (the parent company of HBO Max) to keep the show available on the platform.
Ultimately, a compromise was reached: a five-year deal valued around $300 million, encompassing both streaming rights and the production of new episodes. This resolution allows South Park to become a Paramount+ exclusive just ahead of the anticipated completion of Paramount’s sale to Skydance. The deal was reportedly brokered with assistance from investment bank Moelis & Company.
What This Means for Viewers
Following August 5th, Paramount+ will be the sole streaming destination for the entire South Park library. Fans can continue to watch new episodes as they premiere on Comedy Central. The move underscores the growing importance of exclusive content in the streaming wars, as platforms compete for subscribers by securing popular and recognizable franchises.
