Sun Jul 13 02:00:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The popular animated series *South Park* is embroiled in a complex streaming rights battle between its creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and Paramount Global, Comedy Central’s parent company. This dispute has led to Paramount+’s international streaming license for the show expiring and the postponement of the season 27 premiere. Parker and Stone have accused Jeff Shell, the incoming president of Paramount Global after the Skydance merger, of interfering with their contract negotiations with other streamers like Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and Netflix, allegedly to benefit Paramount+ at their expense. The creators have threatened legal action. Meanwhile, the Skydance merger with Paramount Global awaits FCC approval amidst concerns raised by labor unions regarding worker and consumer interests.

**News Article:**

**’South Park’ Streaming Rights Battle Erupts, Season Premiere Delayed, International Streaming Cut Off**

Hollywood, CA – *South Park* fans are facing disruptions as a streaming rights dispute escalates between creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and Paramount Global, the parent company of Comedy Central.

The fallout from this battle includes the expiration of Paramount+’s international streaming license for *South Park*, meaning viewers outside the U.S. can no longer access the series on the platform. While South Park specials and the show on Comedy Central is still available.

The premiere of *South Park’s* season 27 has been pushed back two weeks to July 23, from its original date of July 9, due to the ongoing conflict.

Parker and Stone have accused Jeff Shell, incoming president of Paramount Global post-merger with Skydance Media, of interfering with their contract negotiations with rival streaming services like Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and Netflix. They allege Shell sought to manipulate deal terms to favor Paramount+, potentially costing Parker and Stone’s entertainment company, Park County, substantial revenue.

In a sharply worded statement on South Park’s official X account, Parker and Stone quipped about the merger, stating “This merger is a shitshow and it’s fucking up South Park. We are at the studio working on new episodes and we hope the fans get to see them somehow.”

Legal action has been threatened if the alleged interference continues. “We hereby demand that you, Redbird, and Skydance immediately cease your interference,” the letter reads. “If these activities continue, we will have no choice but to act to both protect our rights and discharge any obligations we may have to the public.”

The merger between Skydance and Paramount Global is currently awaiting FCC approval. Labor unions have met with the FCC to discuss concessions to ensure the protection of worker, consumer, and investor interests.

While Paramount maintains digital rights to South Park for two more years under a $900 million deal, the future of the show’s streaming availability and creative control remains uncertain amidst this turbulent period.

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