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Home / TV Facts / List of Banned South Park Episodes & Big Controversies

List of Banned South Park Episodes & Big Controversies

South Park, the brainchild of Trey Parker and Matt Stone, has long been a bastion of unfiltered satire in the realm of television. Over its -long run, the show has consistently pushed boundaries, often courting controversy with its no-holds-barred approach to societal critique.

drama with some of southparks iconic episodes with eric cartman

From religious taboos to political correctness, โ€œSouth Parkโ€ has never hesitated to tread where others fear, making it not just a source of entertainment, but also a significant cultural touchstone that sparks vital conversations about freedom of expression and the challenges it faces in the modern world.

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Historical Events That
Almost Bought Down The Internetโ€ฆ

TL;DR: โ€œSouth Parkโ€ is renowned for its fearless satire, often leading to controversy. Episodes like โ€œ200,โ€ โ€œ201,โ€ and โ€œBand in Chinaโ€ have faced bans and backlash, but theyโ€™ve also ignited global discussions about freedom of expression, censorship, and the influence of foreign markets on creative content. Despite challenges, the showโ€™s digital presence ensures its resilience, highlighting the difficulty of suppressing content in todayโ€™s internet era. As โ€œSouth Parkโ€ continues its run, it remains a pivotal voice in media, challenging societal norms and inspiring important conversations.

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I have also included a website on where you can watch the full episodes below:

Notable Southpark Episodes That Got Banned

1. โ€œSuper Best Friendsโ€ (Season 5, Episode 3)

This episode, which depicted the Prophet Muhammad as a member of the Super Best Friends group, initially aired without significant controversy. However, it became a focal point after the Danish cartoon controversy in 2005. The depiction, considered blasphemous in Islam, led to the episode being pulled from syndication and streaming platforms.

Where to watch: This episode was available on the โ€œSouth Parkโ€ Season 5 DVD set. Itโ€™s also available for purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video. However, itโ€™s not available on the official โ€œSouth Parkโ€ website or on streaming platforms like HBO Max.

2. โ€œ200โ€ & โ€œ201โ€ (Season 14, Episodes 5 & 6)

These episodes revisited many of the showโ€™s past controversies, including the depiction of the Prophet Muhammad. The portrayal led to threats from extremist groups, drawing parallels to a previous attack over a depiction of Muhammad in a Dutch film. Due to the threats, โ€œ201โ€ was heavily censored by Comedy Central, sparking a significant debate about freedom of speech and artistic expression in the media.

Where to watch: Like โ€œ200 or 201โ€ this episode is available on the โ€œSouth Parkโ€ Season 14 DVD set and can be purchased on platforms like Amazon Prime Video. Itโ€™s not available for streaming on the official โ€œSouth Parkโ€ website or HBO Max.

3. โ€œBloody Maryโ€ (Season 9, Episode 14)

This episode faced backlash from the Catholic community due to its portrayal of a bleeding Virgin Mary statue. The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights condemned the episode, leading to its ban in several countries. The controversy ignited discussions about the balance between satire and religious sensitivity.

Where to watch: This episode is available on the โ€œSouth Parkโ€ Season 9 DVD set and can be streamed on the official โ€œSouth Parkโ€ website, HBO Max, and purchased on platforms like Amazon Prime Video.

4. โ€œIt Hits the Fanโ€ (Season 5, Episode 1)

While not banned, this episode was controversial for its frequent use of a particular curse word. The content sparked debates about language censorship on television and the boundaries of comedic content.

Where to watch: This episode is available on the โ€œSouth Parkโ€ Season 5 DVD set, can be streamed on the official โ€œSouth Parkโ€ website, HBO Max, and purchased on platforms like Amazon Prime Video.

5. โ€œProper Condom Useโ€ (Season 5, Episode 7)

Satirizing sex education in schools, this episode was deemed inappropriate by some networks. It ignited discussions about the portrayal of sex education in media and the appropriateness of such content in a comedic context.

Where to watch: This episode is available on the โ€œSouth Parkโ€ Season 5 DVD set, can be streamed on the official โ€œSouth Parkโ€ website, HBO Max, and purchased on platforms like Amazon Prime Video.

6. โ€œKenny Diesโ€ (Season 5, Episode 13)

This episode, while not controversial for its content, was temporarily pulled from streaming in China due to its portrayal of the Chinese government and leaders.

Where to watch: This episode is available on the โ€œSouth Parkโ€ Season 5 DVD set, can be streamed on the official โ€œSouth Parkโ€ website, HBO Max, and purchased on platforms like Amazon Prime Video.

7. โ€œBand in Chinaโ€ (Season 23, Episode 2)

This episode, which satirized Hollywoodโ€™s tendency to pander to Chinese censors, led to โ€œSouth Parkโ€ being banned entirely in China. The ban and the episodeโ€™s content were widely covered in international media, highlighting the influence of Chinese censorship on global entertainment.

Where to watch: This episode is available on the โ€œSouth Parkโ€ Season 23 DVD set, can be streamed on the official โ€œSouth Parkโ€ website, HBO Max, and purchased on platforms like Amazon Prime Video.

I recommend checking out these banned episodes on southparkuncensored.com for free.

banned episodes southpark

Notable Mentions That Caused A Stir In Controversy

โ€œTrapped in the Closetโ€ (Season 9, Episode 12):

This episode satirized Scientology and its celebrity followers, most notably Tom Cruise. It also hinted at rumors regarding Cruiseโ€™s sexuality.

Tom Cruise reportedly threatened to boycott promoting his upcoming film if the episode re-aired. The Church of Scientology was also said to have investigated the showโ€™s creators. Comedy Central pulled the episodeโ€™s repeat broadcast, but it has since been re-aired and is available on streaming platforms.

โ€œWith Apologies to Jesse Jacksonโ€ (Season 11, Episode 1):

The episode talks about the use of racial slurs, particularly the N-word, and its impact.

While the episode was praised by some for its commentary on racial sensitivity, it also faced criticism for its portrayal and repeated use of the racial slur.

โ€œHell on Earth 2006โ€ (Season 10, Episode 11):

The episode depicted Steve Irwin, the โ€œCrocodile Hunter,โ€ in Hell with a stingray barb in his chest, shortly after his real-life death.

Many viewers and media outlets considered the portrayal to be in poor taste given the recency of Irwinโ€™s death. The episode was criticized for being insensitive.

โ€œCartoon Wars Part I & IIโ€ (Season 10, Episodes 3 & 4):

These episodes commented on the controversy surrounding the Danish cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. While Muhammad is not shown, the episodes criticize censorship and the violent reactions to the cartoons.

The episodes were controversial due to their commentary on Islam, censorship, and the portrayal of other cartoons like โ€œFamily Guy.โ€ They sparked discussions about freedom of speech and the boundaries of satire.

โ€œA Ladder to Heavenโ€ (Season 6, Episode 12):

The episode satirized the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent War on Terror.

Given the sensitive nature of the topic, especially so soon after the actual events, the episode was controversial. However, it was also praised by some for its critique of the U.S. governmentโ€™s response to the attacks.

All About Mormonsโ€ (Season 7, Episode 12):

This episode satirizes the origins and beliefs of Mormonism.

While some criticized the episode for its portrayal of Mormons, others appreciated its humorous take on religious beliefs in general. The episode laid some groundwork for Parker and Stoneโ€™s later Broadway hit, โ€œThe Book of Mormon.โ€

โ€œStanleyโ€™s Cupโ€ (Season 10, Episode 14):

The episode parodies sports films and ends on a particularly dark note, with a pee-wee hockey team suffering a brutal loss and a young boyโ€™s tragic fate.

Some viewers found the ending to be in poor taste, given its bleakness and the portrayal of a childโ€™s death.

โ€œGinger Kidsโ€ (Season 9, Episode 11):

This episode satirizes prejudice by treating red-haired, pale-skinned people as a minority group.

The episode led to the โ€œKick a Ginger Dayโ€ prank, inspired by the show, which resulted in actual incidents in schools and was widely condemned.

โ€œThe Passion of the Jewโ€ (Season 8, Episode 3):

The episode critiques Mel Gibsonโ€™s film โ€œThe Passion of the Christโ€ and its portrayal of Jews.

The episode sparked discussions about the filmโ€™s impact, anti-Semitism, and the nature of religious films.

โ€œChef Goes Nannersโ€ (Season 4, Episode 7):

The episode deals with the debate over the Confederate flag and racism.

While the episode was praised for its nuanced take on a divisive issue, it also faced criticism for its portrayal of certain racial stereotypes.

โ€œMr. Hankeyโ€™s Christmas Classicsโ€ (Season 3, Episode 15):

The episode features a variety of controversial songs, including a duet between Adolf Hitler and Satan.

The inclusion of Hitler in a Christmas special was seen as controversial, but the episode also received praise for its satirical take on holiday specials.

โ€œBig Gay Alโ€™s Big Gay Boat Rideโ€ (Season 1, Episode 4):

One of the showโ€™s earliest episodes, it addresses homosexuality and acceptance.

The episode was both praised for its progressive stance on LGBTQ+ issues and criticized for its portrayal of stereotypes. It was notable for addressing such topics at a time when they were less commonly discussed on television.

โ€œTonsil Troubleโ€ (Season 12, Episode 1):

The episode deals with HIV/AIDS and features Cartman intentionally infecting Kyle with the virus.

Some viewers and critics found the episodeโ€™s treatment of HIV/AIDS to be in poor taste, while others praised its dark humor.

As โ€œSouth Parkโ€ continues its run, itโ€™s almost certain that more controversies will arise. However, the showโ€™s history suggests that it will face these challenges head-on, using humor and satire to shed light on societal issues. For fans and critics alike, โ€œSouth Parkโ€ serves as a reminder of the power of media to challenge, provoke, and inspire.

Conclusionย 

While โ€œSouth Parkโ€ has faced its share of bans and backlash, its impact on popular culture is undeniable.

Through its fearless approach to satire, the show has not only entertained millions but also sparked important conversations about freedom of expression, censorship, and the role of media in society.

As the world continues to change, one can only anticipate what โ€œSouth Parkโ€ will tackle next, but itโ€™s clear that its voice will remain as relevant and provocative as ever.

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John
John
A tech maestro with a penchant for Android systems, John is also a self-proclaimed Mexican food critic. When heโ€™s not exploring the latest tech trends, heโ€™s likely binging on the newest series on Netflix.
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