Even though it's been one of the most popular adult animated comedy series for almost 30 years, South Park has been enjoying a major resurgence in popularity thanks to its most recent season. Also an outspoken show that pushes back against politics, media, and pop culture, South Park season 27 has been skewering the Trump administration and stirring conversation with only two episodes aired.
After making its premiere on July 23, South Park season 27 took a week off before returning with episode 2 on Aug. 6. Unfortunately, fans were without a new episode again on Aug. 13 as Comedy Central benched the series for another week off, though according to The Hollywood Reporter, the network had always planned for this particular bye week for a special reason.
South Park season 27 episode 3 didn't air on Wednesday, Aug. 13 because Comedy Central was celebrating "South Park Day," which commemorates the show's premiere on Aug. 13, 1997. In place of a new episode, the cable showed a marathon of fan-favorite episodes beginning at 9 a.m. ET and concluded the nostalgic marathon by airing the pilot episode at 10 p.m. ET.
South Park season 27 episode 3 release date
The Hollywood Reporter reveals that South Park season 27 episode 3 will air on Wednesday, Aug. 20 as normal in its usual 10 p.m. ET timeslot. Obviously, given the unpredictable nature of the rollout for this season, air dates could be subject to change at a moment's notice, but for now, expect to be watching a new episode next week and hearing all about it in the headlines the next day.
While fans probably would have preferred to watch a new episode along with the rerun marathon, the festivities were definitely worth it since Comedy Central also aired interviews with creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and other behind-the-scenes clips to celebrate the show's 28th anniversary. After 300 episodes and an impressive legacy, the show deserved a moment of celebration.
Beyond the fact that Comedy Central was ringing in a special occasion, taking a week off between episodes also gives Parker and Stone extra time to complete new episodes. South Park has been known for touching on timely subjects, which means Parker and Stone are basically creating episodes in real time just before they air. Another week off grants them some space.
A show releasing new episodes every other week isn't a schedule that fans probably like or prefer, and hopefully South Park season 27 will be able to even out soon and air new episodes every week without fail. The season has been confirmed to contain 10 episodes, which will continue to air through the fall. Until episode 3 drops next week, make sure to catch up on the first two episodes on Paramount+.