South Park fans around the world discovered their favorite animated series had vanished from Paramount+ without warning. South Park has been removed from Paramount+ internationally after the platform’s streaming license expired amid ongoing negotiations between the show’s creators and Paramount Global.
The removal comes during a heated battle between South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and Comedy Central’s parent company. Tensions escalated when the creators threatened legal action against Paramount, accusing incoming president Jeff Shell of interfering with their contract negotiations with other streaming services.
While international viewers can no longer watch the main series on Paramount+, the situation remains fluid as negotiations continue. The streaming rights dispute has also delayed the premiere of Season 27, originally scheduled for July 9 but pushed back to July 23. This development affects millions of subscribers who relied on Paramount+ for their South Park viewing experience.
How To Watch South Park Now
According to a reddit thread on this topic here are your options:
Here is where to watch it
- Apple TV (1.99 CAD to rent)
- Pluto TV
- Philo
- Amazon Prime Video
- South Park Studios Website (https://www.southparkstudios.com/)
- Hulu (US Only)
- HBO Max
- Microsoft Store
- NowTV (United Kingdom)
- Personal Plex Server
Note: Not All seasons may be available per service
Key Takeaways
- South Park disappeared from Paramount+ internationally when the platform’s streaming license expired during corporate negotiations
- The show’s creators are in a legal battle with Paramount Global over streaming rights and contract interference
- Fans can still watch South Park specials on Paramount+ and episodes on Comedy Central while negotiations continue
Reasons for South Park’s Removal from Paramount+
South Park’s disappearance from Paramount+ stems from expired international streaming licenses and ongoing legal disputes between the show’s creators and Paramount Global. The removal coincides with the complex Skydance merger and contract negotiations involving hundreds of millions of dollars in digital rights.
Expired Streaming Rights and Licensing Issues
Paramount+’s license to stream South Park internationally has expired, leading to the show’s removal from the platform outside the United States. The streaming service confirmed this development through customer service responses.
All 26 seasons of the animated series were wiped from the platform without advance warning to subscribers. International fans can still access South Park specials on Paramount+ and watch episodes on Comedy Central.
Paramount+ representatives stated they are in continued negotiations to restore the series for all subscribers. The licensing window ended during a particularly volatile period for the entertainment company.
Impact of Paramount Global and Skydance Merger
The Skydance merger with Paramount Global has created significant complications for South Park’s streaming arrangements. Jeff Shell, incoming president and current chairman of sports and media at Redbird Capital Partners, will take control once the merger completes.
The deal was originally set to close on July 6 but awaits Federal Communications Commission approval. Various groups have met with the FCC to discuss concessions and worker protections related to the merger.
Skydance maintains contractual rights to approve material contracts under the transaction agreement terms. This authority has contributed to the ongoing disputes with South Park’s creators.
Contract Disputes with Trey Parker and Matt Stone
Trey Parker and Matt Stone have threatened legal action against Paramount, accusing Jeff Shell of interfering with their contract negotiations. The creators’ entertainment company, Park County, sent a formal demand letter in June.
Key allegations include:
- Shell urged Warner Bros. Discovery to give Paramount+ exclusive 12-month windows for new episodes
- Requests to shorten deal terms from 10 years to 5 years
- Actions designed to benefit Paramount at Park County’s expense
The creators publicly criticized the merger’s impact on their show. They stated: “This merger is a shitshow and it’s fucking up South Park.”
Season 27’s premiere was pushed back two weeks to July 23 from its original July 9 date due to these disputes.
The $900 Million Digital Rights Deal
Paramount currently holds two years remaining on its $900 million deal for South Park’s digital rights. This massive contract represents one of the most valuable streaming arrangements in television history.
The deal’s future remains uncertain amid the ongoing legal battles and merger complications. Parker and Stone are simultaneously negotiating with Warner Bros. Discovery and Netflix for future rights.
Deal modifications being contested:
- Exclusive streaming windows for Paramount+
- Contract term lengths
- Revenue sharing arrangements
The $900 million agreement’s complexity has made resolution difficult during the corporate transition period. Both parties face significant financial stakes in the outcome.
Current Availability and the Future of South Park on Streaming Platforms
The animated comedy series remains available on HBO Max in the United States despite the removal from Paramount Plus. International viewers face limited options as streaming rights negotiations continue between major platforms.
Where to Watch South Park Now
HBO Max continues to host all 26 seasons of the animated comedy series in the United States. The show will remain on Max past the current deal’s end date as Warner Bros. Discovery negotiates with Paramount about extending the agreement.
Comedy Central provides another viewing option through cable subscriptions. Live streaming services offer access to the network:
- Philo
- Sling TV
- YouTube TV
- Hulu + Live TV
- DirecTV
International viewers have fewer streaming options following the removal from Paramount Plus globally. The streaming platform pulled content from international markets after licensing agreements expired.
Netflix has not acquired streaming rights despite speculation about the show’s future availability on the platform.
Effect on Upcoming Specials and Season 27 Premiere
The Season 27 premiere launched on Comedy Central on July 9, 2025, maintaining the show’s traditional broadcast schedule. Warner Bros. Discovery hoped to align streaming availability with the new season launch.
Recent specials including South Park: The End of Obesity and South Park: The 25th Anniversary Concert remain accessible on their respective platforms. The streaming deal complications have not affected new content production.
Paramount Global faces challenges balancing exclusive content for Paramount Plus while maintaining profitable licensing arrangements. The company’s financial pressures have led to more flexible approaches regarding non-exclusive streaming deals.
Ongoing Legal Actions and Industry Reactions
Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount continue contentious negotiations over international streaming rights. A pending lawsuit over South Park specials for Paramount Plus remains unresolved between the companies.
The removal occurred without advance notice to subscribers, creating disappointment among fans who expected the content to remain available. Industry observers note the removal reflects broader tensions in streaming platform competition.
Jeff Shell and other incoming Paramount leadership face accusations of interference in content distribution decisions. These corporate changes have complicated negotiations between streaming platforms and content creators.
The 2021 deal between creators and Comedy Central, reportedly worth $900 million, extends through Season 30 until 2027, ensuring continued production regardless of streaming platform disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The removal of South Park from Paramount+ has left many viewers searching for alternative streaming options and wondering about the show’s future availability. These questions address where fans can still watch episodes and what the licensing dispute means for access.
What are the alternative platforms to watch ‘South Park’ since its removal from Paramount+?
Viewers in the United States can still watch South Park episodes on Max, which holds the U.S. streaming rights through HBO Max’s 2019 deal. The platform offers access to the show’s extensive library of episodes.
Comedy Central continues to air South Park episodes on television. The network remains the original home of the animated series.
Digital purchase and rental options are available through platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. These services allow viewers to buy individual episodes or complete seasons.
How has the removal of ‘South Park’ from Paramount+ affected its availability on Comedy Central?
The licensing dispute between creators and Paramount Global does not impact Comedy Central’s ability to broadcast South Park episodes. The cable network continues its regular programming schedule with the show.
Comedy Central maintains its relationship with the series as the original broadcaster. The network’s television rights remain separate from the streaming licensing issues.
Where can viewers in the UK find ‘South Park’ episodes following its departure from Paramount+?
International fans lost access when Paramount+ removed all 26 seasons from the platform outside the United States. The removal affected viewers across multiple countries.
UK viewers can purchase episodes through digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video UK and Apple TV. These services offer both individual episodes and season collections for purchase.
Traditional television broadcasts may still air on UK networks that have licensing agreements. Local Comedy Central International channels may continue showing reruns.
Are there any plans to bring back ‘South Park’ to Paramount+ in the future?
Conversations are ongoing to secure a new deal with hopes of renewing access to the show soon, according to industry sources. The negotiations involve complex streaming rights discussions.
The timing remains uncertain due to the ongoing merger between Paramount and Skydance. This acquisition has complicated the licensing negotiations process.
Paramount+ specials created specifically for the platform remain available to international viewers. These exclusive episodes were not affected by the main series removal.
How can fans watch the latest ‘South Park’ Season 27 now that it is not on Paramount+?
Season 27’s premiere date was set for July 23, but the licensing dispute has created uncertainty about where it will actually air. The creators expressed frustration about the merger’s impact on the show’s distribution.
Comedy Central remains the most likely platform for the new season’s television premiere. The network has historically been the first to air new South Park episodes.
Max could potentially stream Season 27 episodes in the United States based on their existing streaming rights agreement. However, the specific terms for new episodes may require separate negotiations.
What are the implications for viewers who previously accessed ‘South Park’ through Paramount+ subscriptions?
International subscribers lost access to their previously available South Park content without advance warning. The removal happened suddenly as the licensing window expired.
Paramount+ has not offered refunds or compensation for the lost content access. The platform’s customer service has explained the removal as a licensing expiration issue.
Subscribers must now seek alternative platforms or purchase episodes individually to continue watching South Park. The subscription fees for Paramount+ continue unchanged despite the reduced content library.
