The long-running animated comedy seriesSouth Parkhas always been the best at poking irreverent fun at modern society and whatever global events are happening. So far, fans have been treated to not one but two specials in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, and now the third is on its way. Paramount Plus has released the first-look trailer for its upcoming exclusive,South Park: Post COVID.
In 2020South Parkreleased “The Pandemic Special,” which was followed by “The Vaccination Special” this year. Then, in October, Paramount Plus unveiled the premiere date for the first of twoSouth Parkfilms expected this year,South Park: Post COVID. “The Pandemic Special” was all about the origins of the virus and the eternal-feeling lockdowns whileSouth Park’s “The Vaccination Special"focused on the pandemic’s end and the chaotic 2020 U.S. presidential election. Full details of the focus for this third special have not been divulged, but the teaser gave some clues.
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TheSouth ParkTwitter account posted the video with the caption, “What happened to the children who lived through the pandemic? Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny survived but will never be the same Post Covid.” The 40-second clip starts with a high-impact, blockbuster-movie-style opening and overdramatic music saying how much we’ve been through and how everything has changed, interspersed with classically potty-mouthed clips of the gang. Then we see adult, slightly haggard-looking versions of Stan and Kyle reuniting over the phone, with Kyle implying that something bad has happened and that he needs his friends. The clip ends with an elderly Randal referencing his special weed-strain seen in the previous special as actually being an “exclusive event,” in an amusing nod to the advertising ofthe series as such on Paramount Plus. Cartman and Kenny do not appear in the teaser, leaving speculation from fans on what’s happened to their characters.
The other two COVID-themed specials were extremely well received, withSouth Park’s “The Pandemic Special” garnering huge ratings, earning an Emmy nomination, and becoming one the highest-rated episodes on IMBD. Now, this “exclusive event” has come about afterSouth Parkcreators Trey Parker and Matt Stone have signed a huge $900 million megadeal with MTV Entertainment Studios. The deal extends the show’s contract with Comedy Central through until 2027, taking it to a very impressive 30th season, and includes 14South Parkoriginal made-for-streaming events releasing exclusively on Paramount Plus. Parker and Stone are due to create two of these original films every year until 2027 and this “Post COVID” event is the first for this year, with the second releasing in December.
The recent few seasons ofSouth Parkhad suffered a little in the storytelling arena simply because real-life politics were so absurd it was almost too difficult to satirize. But anticipation is growing after the first two specials provided much-needed light relief through tough times and there is a hope that this new one can do the same. While some are hoping the upcoming feature doesn’t focus too heavily on Randal, asSouth Park’s “The Pandemic Special” was accused of, the teaser released already displays a show back on top form, and fans can’t wait to see what happens.
South Park: Post COVIDwill be available to stream on Paramount Plus on November 25th, 2021.
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