Top 20 South Park Moments That Left Us Speechless
#20: Kyle’s Censored Speech
“200” and “201” are some of the most controversial episodes in “South Park’s” history, but not for the reasons you may think. Rather, the controversy stems from how Comedy Central handled the difficult content. The episode was slated to show Muhammad, the prophet and founder of Islam. But a radical group threatened violence if Muhammad was shown, and in the midst of related controversies, Comedy Central censored the episode. In a brilliant and shocking meta speech, Kyle proclaims that you can get whatever you want through violence and intimidation. Not-so-ironically, this entire speech was bleeped by Comedy Central. People thought the network was capitulating to terrorists, and it left them, like the bleeped-out Kyle, speechless.
#19: Osama bin Laden Saves the Day
Season 14’s “It’s a Jersey Thing,” sees the citizens from the state of New Jersey, very much based on the cast from New Jersey-based reality TV shows, take over the town of South Park, and eventually, the country. South Park citizens defend their town from the encroaching “Jerseyites,” resulting in a fierce battle. They call for help from an unlikely ally; Osama Bin Laden. Just when all seems lost, he and a group of al-Qaeda pilots arrive to save the day.If the visual wasn’t shocking enough, bin Laden is honored for his efforts in a ceremony… only be killed shortly afterwards. Even though it’s in service of a joke, seeing bin Laden depicted as a hero is sure to leave a few jaws on the floor.
#18: Garrison’s Sex Ed Class
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Season 5’s “Proper Condom Use” is intentionally provocative. The students of South Park Elementary are given, let’s just say, some flawed lessons on sexual education. In one, Ms. Choksondik scares the girls by teaching them about STDs and showing them graphic pictures of herpes and syphilis. But that’s nothing compared to Garrison’s class. For one thing, this class is way too young to be learning about condoms and sex - they’d rather be finger painting. But Garrison also teaches them in a wickedly inappropriate manner that leaves the students, and the viewers at home, absolutely stunned.
#17: The Death of the Queen
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Season eleven’s “The Snuke” is a parody of “24,” as Cartman suspects that a new student is a terrorist. The story then unwinds to some truly ridiculous places, involving the likes of Russian communists, the FBI, and the Queen. You see, the British attempted to invade the United States in 18th century sailing vessels, hoping to stop the American Revolution. However, the ancient fleet is quickly destroyed by the modern-day Air Force. Aghast at her country’s failure, the Queen proceeds to take her own life. The entire plotline is puzzling in true “South Park” fashion, but watching the Queen’s demise is what truly leaves viewers speechless.
#16: Mr. Adams Makes Some Jokes
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“The Poor Kid” is suitably named, and it proves it right off the bat. The episode opens with Kenny’s parents being arrested for operating a meth lab, an event that is documented on the reality TV series “White Trash in Trouble.” Kenny is then sent into foster care and meets his caseworker, Mr. Adams. Adams is not such a nice man, as he continuously cracks inappropriate jokes. They specifically reference the Penn State scandal, which saw football coach Jerry Sandusky being charged with horrible crimes. It’s not really something you make light of, but then again, such a thing has never stopped “South Park!”
#15: Paris Hilton Goes Where the Sun Doesn’t Shine
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Remember when Paris Hilton was all the rage? The episode which she was featured in aired back in 2004, around the time that “The Simple Life” and “1 Night in Paris” launched the star to infamy. The young girls of South Park become infatuated with Hilton, and Mr. Slave hopes to break her corruptive influence once and for all. He challenges the star to a ridiculous battle,and everything about it is deeply inappropriate and jaw-dropping. But the best is saved for last, as the man jumps on Hilton and essentially absorbs her. Only on “South Park…”
#14: An Unfortunate Opening
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The show’s season 22 premiere episode is just about as dark as it gets. And that’s saying a lot. While the show isn’t shy about tackling hot button topics, the issue that’s the center of focus in this episode might be too sensitive for some viewers. It opens in a rather jarring manner, as the kids go over a recent math test while trying to ignore what’s evidently taking place outside of the classroom. The satire is incisive and nothing graphic is shown, as the incident is relayed entirely through audio. But regardless, this type of content can prove deeply troubling, and some may be upset that “South Park” went there at all.
#13: Red Rocket
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We return to “Proper Condom Use” for, if you can believe it, something even more shocking. If you thought Garrison teaching sex ed to preschoolers was bad, then just wait. The episode opens with the boys learning that one can “milk” a dog. Of course, this is not actually a thing, and the boys just…try it out. Cartman gleefully shows the trick to Kyle and Stan, who then performs it on his own dog. The fact that this made it onto television is, frankly, unbelievable. Not only is the concept baffling, but the accompanying visuals are extraordinarily graphic. And remember, this was 2001! No wonder why “South Park” caused such a stir in its heyday.
#12: Indiana Jones
“South Park” is arguably the most topical sitcom on television. But in being so topical, it also becomes a period piece. For example, this episode from season 12 takes us right back to 2008, when “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” caused a cultural uproar. Kyle is traumatized after watching the latest “Indiana Jones” film, in which the titular hero receives the worst treatment possible from George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. The satire is on point, and the message is effectively, if crudely, conveyed. But crude is the operative word here, what happens to Indy could prove way too harsh and unpleasant for some viewers. Once again, we’re amazed that this was allowed on television.
#11: Steve Irwin's Fate
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Famed crocodile hunter Steve Irwin passed away unexpectedly when he encountered a stingray in the wild. Less than two months later, “South Park” aired a Halloween themed episode that included the late Irwin. Had it been like his previous appearance on the show, it may have come and gone without notice. However this time he was depicted as a guest at Satan’s party in hell, sporting a stingray sticking out of his chest. Even Satan himself questioned the timing of this particular appearance. For anyone familiar with Irwin’s passing, this was a moment that made many of us cringe.
#10: Randy Plays Wheel of Fortune
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“With Apologies to Jesse Jackson” is a very famous episode in the “South Park” canon, known for its scathing satire and famous opening sequence. Randy appears on “Wheel of Fortune” and is given a rather unfortunate clue. Confident in his answer, Randy blurts out the n-word, resulting in a slew of dropped jaws, popped eyes, and facepalms. The word was left uncensored in its original broadcast, which came as quite the surprise. But rather than attracting controversy, the episode was widely praised for its nuanced writing and intelligent social commentary. Regardless, just like everyone on the show, we were left speechless when that word came out of Randy’s mouth.
#9: The Scientology Reveal
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Oh boy. Unlike many of the items on this list, this one leaves us speechless not for the audacity of the writing, but for the reality we’re being exposed to. When Stan learns the “truth” about the origins of human despair, we’re all left sitting in our seats, collectively wondering how anyone could think such things were real. Many religious origin stories require some suspension of disbelief, but never to the degree we see here. Stories of volcanoes, soul sucking machines and an evil space Lord are a lot harder to swallow in comparison to parting the Red Sea.
#8: Cartman’s Antics
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When it comes to Eric Cartman, “South Park” has never shied away from showcasing the darker side of this character. Cartman’s incessant anti-semitic attitude has surfaced multiple times, especially against his friend Kyle. But in “The Passion of the Jew”, Cartman’s obsession with Mel Gibson’s film about Jesus brings out something worse. Convincing locals that he’s just a fan of the movie, we see near the end that it’s merely his attempt to reform the Nazi party. Dressed as Hitler, it’s far more shocking than any far-crazed depiction of Mel Gibson chasing the boys for his $18 back.
#7: Butters’ Mom’s Evil Plan
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In “Butters' Very Own Episode,” he was all excited about getting to go to Bennigan’s. His parents were going to celebrate their anniversary. It was all innocent enough until his mom Linda found out the truth about where her husband had been. Sure, a spouse certainly would be surprised to find out their husband is visiting explicit movie theaters and social clubs. But going from surprise to outright attempted murder is another thing. Audiences were pretty shocked to see her take all her rage out on Butters. Watching the car float down the river, you have to wonder what she was thinking. Thankfully Butters was trapped in what must have been the lightest car ever, as it merely floated downstream, saving him.
#6: Garrison & Bob’s Wall Break
Breaking the fourth wall refers to characters in a fictional medium talking to the viewers. But what do you call it when they talk not to the audience, but to the people who make the series? In a QAnon themed episode, Bob White is trying to convince Garrison the “elites” control everything. As he rants to the sky, we’re treated to “South Park”’s animators changing his appearance within the show. With the likes of “Deadpool” making fourth-wall breaking common, it’s a fun detour to see this gag spun so differently. It’s the kind of surprise that no one expected, but gave all the viewers a good laugh.
#5: Chef's Death
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Following South Park’s depiction of his religion, a statement was reportedly made on Isaac Hayes' behalf after the actor suffered a stroke by his 'Scientology entourage' that requested that the voice of Chef be released from the series. Instead of just letting the character disappear into oblivion, the creators made a bold statement about their stance on the situation. In his final episode, Chef has returned as a changed man, seemingly brainwashed by a cult he had become enamored with. When he finally comes to his senses, it’s too late and we’re faced with his ultimate demise. Fans likely guessed the character would leave the show, but no one could have expected this.
#4: Cartman’s Baby Ploy
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A season 15 episode found a way to spin the controversy around the NCAA’s use of players in a way no one ever saw coming. The show tugs on our heart strings when Kyle’s shown a hospital wing filled with infants hooked on substances. That’s quickly slammed into reverse the moment he sees Cartman. It’s here we find Eric taunting these kids with crack cocaine. As the babies fight over a small portion, Cartman films the entire exchange and posts it on the internet to make a profit. NCAA and slavery comparisons aside, the entire idea of using children in this way is utterly appalling and thus pretty shocking to the viewer.
#3: How Superman Heals Himself
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Stem cell treatment has been shown to have many practical medical uses, and often the best types of stem cells come from embryos. Typically the cells are acquired via a specific type of medical procedure. On “South Park”, we find famed “Superman” actor Christopher Reeve endorsing the use of stem cells to help cure his mobility issues. Expecting to see him undergo a surgery, viewers were shocked to find him consuming the cells directly from the donor. From the moment he cracks one open like an egg on Larry King, every viewer cringed at the idea. The visual alone is hard to swallow, but knowing how kind a soul Reeve was makes watching it even harder.
#2: The Blood Sacrifice
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“Woodland Critter Christmas” started out like a classic holiday story with cute animated wild animals. But as soon as Stan “saves” them from a mountain creature, we quickly learn how evil these critters really are. As they describe how the porcupine will give birth to the antiChrist, they burst into a celebration by sacrificing one of their own for the devil himself. With his wide eyes and gaping mouth, Stan’s reaction to his newfound friends’ excitement was a mirror to all the show’s viewers watching things unfold. The episode represents the antithesis of every cute holiday special we’re so used to. The graphic nature, and the surprise all leave us speechless - and for obvious reasons, unable to show you the scene in its entirety.
#1: Cartman’s Revenge
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It shouldn’t come as a surprise that this would be our number one. Virtually any longtime fan of the show knows the story of the infamous chili contest. After having been harassed repeatedly by Scott, Cartman takes his revenge out on him in the most sinister way possible. Up until this point, we knew Eric was a bratty and selfish kid. But this told audiences just how sadistic and petty he could really be. As he dances around singing about what he’s done, even Stan & Kyle are left speechless at how far Cartman has taken this.
