With a record number of fourteen plus seasons and a devoted audience to boot, the creators of “South Park”, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, must be doing something right.  Despite the obvious success, a large number of television viewers find the program “controversial” to say the least.  What exactly is it about “South Park” that makes the comedy “the show we love to hate”? From outlandish and inappropriate situations, to what some consider comedic genius plot lines, “South Park” walks the fine line between vulgarity and entertainment, possibly being seen as the best of both worlds.

        Perhaps the most distinct feature regarding the television program derives from the misleading perception projected to viewers. Upon first viewing, one would assume that the all animated show targets an innocent, child-like audience, similar to that of the main characters within the series.  However, with further inspection, the abrasive language and occasional vulgar image indicate quite clearly that the show is better suited for a more mature demographic. Swear words, explicit nudity, and adult situations clash with cute characters in the happy setting of South Park, Colorado, sending mixed messages to the viewing world. One can only assume that the mature content would be considerably less shocking to those concerned about the series if the crazy antics and harsh language revolved around adults. What truly makes “South Park” unique, however, is the program’s ability to convey the naivety of the children, (on occasions they do not know the meaning of the swear words used, or what the crude acts they find themselves a part of really ensue) yet at the same time, make the kids relatable and funny to adults.  As odd as the process or concept may seem, the program remains hugely successful due to its winning combination of humorous nature and mature content.

        Beyond the crude and misleading aesthetics, “South Park” remains controversial due to an additional discernible feature. The show’s common portrayal of celebrities and public figures has become infamous within the television and entertainment world. While a pre-show warning insists that all voices and celebrity-based characters are merely parodies, (“and impersonated….badly,” as claimed by creators) many of the comedic representations are seen as more than accurate. For example, a 2005 episode entitled “Trapped in the Closet” depicts many celebrities such as Tom Cruise, R. Kelly, and Nicole Kidman all fussing over an uproar within the Scientology religion. Other famous faces, such as Jennifer Aniston and George Clooney have provided their voices for characters within the series, speaking volumes about power of the animated phenomenon. Current events and political issues have also been the basis for many episodes, with impersonations of President Barack Obama, Al Gore, and comedic interpretations of the Iraq War as well as the issue of Global Warming, all being seasonal favorites. 

With the ever-increasing fame of “South Park” booming, creators have capitalized on the success of the series, providing their audience with a range of show merchandise. With products dating back to the first episode, which aired in 2007, fans can purchase memorabilia of all sorts. From the conventional posters and figures, to the newly inspired boxer shorts and video games, the show has become an easily identifiable classic. The characters themselves have turned into cultural spectacles. Most citizens can easily recognize the set of infamous school boys, either by name or face. Stan, Kenny, Kyle, and Cartman have been viewed in multiple countries. (Not to mention be banned in some.) The little town of South Park, Colorado, has taken the commercial world by storm, and remained a hugely popular enterprise for more than ten years.

The wildly popular television comedy “South Park” has found success with adults and teens alike, despite some of the vulgar situations the show promotes. Whether conservatives like it or not, the series is in high demand around the nation, and will most likely continue to flourish. “South Park” has come a long way from the drawing board of two broke college students more than ten years ago, now combining the recognizable foursome of elementary school children and their wild antics together to create what many believe is an animated match made in heaven.