Jul 31
'South Park' Season 27 Continues To Fan Hell's Flames With Trump and Satan
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
Comedy Central’s long-running animated series South Park has once again thrust itself into the cultural spotlight with a Season 27 teaser that depicts former President Donald Trump in a sexually suggestive situation with the character of Satan. The brief clip from Episode 2, released on July 31, 2025, shows Trump making an overt advance by groping Satan’s leg, building on the show’s history of controversial and politically charged humor .
South Park is renowned for pushing the boundaries of satire, frequently tackling political figures and hot-button issues. The inclusion of Trump in a scene with Satan is not unprecedented for the show, which has previously paired Satan with controversial world leaders, including a memorable storyline involving Saddam Hussein in earlier seasons . This latest teaser, however, escalates the shock value, directly referencing Trump’s polarizing persona and past allegations of sexual misconduct through exaggerated animation .
The episode’s narrative framework appears to reflect contemporary anxieties about political power and morality, using absurdist humor to spotlight real-world tensions. In addition to the Trump-Satan scene, the season premiere previously depicted Trump in bed with Satan, prompting swift backlash and commentary from the White House . A spokesperson responded to the depiction, stating, “South Park hasn’t been relevant for more than 20 years, going on to say the show is hanging on by a thread by uninspired ideas in an attempt for attention” . The statement underscores the ongoing friction between political institutions and creators of satirical media.
South Park’s use of queer-coded characters and storylines has long been a subject of debate within LGBTQ+ communities. Satan, portrayed as a complex and often queer-coded figure—previously shown in relationships with men—frequently serves as a vehicle for the show’s commentary on sexuality, power, and societal taboos . The new teaser’s explicit imagery is likely to elicit a range of reactions from LGBTQ+ viewers, some of whom may interpret the scene as a critique of toxic masculinity and the intersection of politics and sexuality.
Media scholars note that South Park’s irreverent approach can serve as both a mirror and a provocation, challenging viewers to reconsider norms around consent, power, and queer visibility. However, reactions from LGBTQ+ advocates are mixed. Some appreciate the show’s willingness to lampoon powerful figures and disrupt heteronormative narratives; others express concern that such portrayals, when rendered without sufficient nuance, risk trivializing serious issues or reinforcing harmful stereotypes.
The explicitness of the Trump-Satan scene raises broader questions about the social responsibilities of satirical media, particularly as it relates to marginalized communities. While South Park has historically used shock value as a tool for social commentary, critics argue that the show must balance provocation with sensitivity to the lived experiences of those it represents .
In the aftermath of the teaser’s release, online discourse has intensified, with hashtags related to the episode trending on social media platforms. Fans and detractors alike are debating whether the scene constitutes effective satire or crosses a line into gratuitous sensationalism . Several LGBTQ+ commentators have called for more intentional representation in mainstream animated media, emphasizing the importance of depicting queer relationships and themes with respect and complexity.
As South Park continues its 27th season, the show’s creative choices are likely to remain a lightning rod for controversy. For LGBTQ+ audiences and allies, the latest teaser serves as a reminder of the power of satire to spark dialogue—but also of the ongoing need for media creators to engage thoughtfully with the communities and issues they depict.
Comedy Central has not released an official statement addressing the controversy, and it remains to be seen how the full episode will approach the subject matter introduced in the teaser. What is certain is that South Park’s blend of irreverence and social critique will continue to provoke debate—both within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond—as the boundaries of animated satire are tested anew in 2025.
