It’s not fake news: “South Park” has scored a ratings win with its controversial Season 27 episode that skewered President Donald Trump.
Paramount Global reports that the Comedy Central show had its biggest season premiere since 1999, with viewership up 68% from the previous season’s premiere. The episode, titled “Sermon on the Mount,” was the top show across cable on July 23. The episode reached nearly 6 million cross-platform viewers across Paramount+ and Comedy Central in the three days after it aired, according to Paramount Global.
The series skyrocketed to the top of JustWatch’s U.S. TV streaming charts with a 638% increase in streaming popularity in the U.S., and a 258% surge globally, compared to last season’s debut, based on streaming clickouts and onsite activity.
‘South Park’ isn’t done mocking Trump: Trailer for next episode skewers president again
The satirical episode showed Trump cuddling in bed with Satan, referencing the president’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The viral episode earned the attention and the ire of the White House. Spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in a statement to USA TODAY that “South Park” “hasn’t been relevant for over 20 years and is hanging on by a thread with uninspired ideas in a desperate attempt for attention.”
‘South Park’ will again parody President Trump in the next episode
The satire isn’t over. The Comedy Central show released a trailer for its next episode (airing Aug. 6), which suggests the series will continue mocking Trump.
The 20-second teaser includes a shot of Trump attending a dinner, where he is sitting at a table with Satan. As a speaker is heard talking about honoring Trump’s courage, the president rubs Satan’s leg under the table. Satan tells him to stop.
Contributing: Brendan Morrow
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ‘South Park’ sets ratings record with Trump-mocking episode
