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Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, South Park is an adult animated sitcom that is famous for its social commentary on pressing issues and the use of dark and profane humor. The show focuses on the lives of four friends—Stan, Eric, Kyle, and Kenny—and is set around the titular town of Colorado.
Over the years, the series has gained widespread acclaim from audiences and critics for its clever blending of humor and satire. Even though the show has profanities, it puts up a mirror in front of society through its powerful episodes.
With the show set to leave Max and move to Paramount, here is a list of some of the most emotionally charged and impactful episodes in the series. Viewers can go through the list and rewatch these South Park episodes once more.
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Stanley's Cup, Raisins, Kenny Dies, and other emotional episodes from South Park
1) Cash for Gold
In season 16, episode 2, South Park targets the evil of overconsumption and how capitalism manipulates simple-minded people. It all starts when Stan wants to know how much a piece of jewelry is worth, which his grandfather lovingly bought for him.
Unfortunately, he comes to know that his grandfather got caught in an illegal scheme that sells cheap products at high prices. As Stan’s grandfather sadly recounts how he used his meager income on a worthless piece of jewelry, the episode becomes a sad reality of today’s manipulative world.
2) Stanley’s Cup
One of the more tragic episodes of South Park is in season 10, episode 14, where Stan has to coach a Pee-Wee hockey team that is underperforming. When a terminally ill boy, Nelson, wants to see his team win as a last wish, Stan redoubles his effort and tries to make the boy feel hopeful.
But the show brutally presents the reality of the world, where one does not get a happy ending every time. The kids lose, and Nelson passes away, which highlights that every good deed is not rewarded. The episode has no silver lining, which leaves an unsettled, emotional vacuum.
3) The Poor Kid
In season 15, episode 14, viewers are made to reflect on the hardships of poverty and the lack of empathy for poor children. Even though Kenny is an extremely relatable and funny character in the show, he has a tragic backstory. As a victim of the cycle of poverty, he lives life differently, which is ignored by the people around him.
After his parents are arrested for neglect, Kenny and his brothers and sisters have to live in foster care. Therefore, the ultimate brunt has to be borne by the children. While Kenny shows resilience, he is an example of society’s structural failure.
4) Raisins
What makes South Park one of the most acclaimed animated series is its matter-of-fact tone of addressing problems. In one of the more popular episodes dealing with heartbreak and depression, season 7, episode 14, sees Stan falling for Wendy and realizing that it is one-sided. Through Stan, viewers realize that love is a complex feeling.
When he becomes a goth to feel better, he finds another heartbroken character, Butters, who gives a powerful speech about being self-aware about one’s pain and also knowing that he will be back on his toes again. The episode therefore highlights the resilience of humans, who can get back up through tough times.
5) Kenny Dies
In season 5, episode 13, South Park gives its audiences one of the saddest episodes. As the name suggests, the episode deals with Kenny’s unexpected death, which gets darker as his character was known for a running joke around death. Uncharacteristically of the show, the episode deals seriously with Kenny’s unfortunate passing.
When even the funny characters get somber and show raw emotion, the show becomes extremely heart-wrenching. Stan takes a lot of time to come to terms, and Kyle and Cartman overflow with emotions, making the episode extremely powerful.
6) The Hobbit
South Park never misses any opportunity to throw light on society’s present issues through satire and dark humor. In season 17, episode 10, Wendy opines about the unrealistic beauty standards that society throws onto women. The episode also takes a jibe at celebrity culture, which is a major contributor to this problem.
By using the image of Kim Kardashian as The Hobbit, the show highlights society’s shallow obsessions. As Wendy ultimately photoshops herself to get acceptance, the episode ends on an emotional note, highlighting the reality that many people have to unwillingly succumb to society.
7) The Scoots
In season 22, episode 5, South Park remarks about people’s dependence on smartphones and the use of e-scooter sharing apps. The episode is centered around Halloween, and as Kenny comes from an economically challenged background, he does not own a smartphone. He is therefore unable to use the scooter apps and is rejected by his friends.
Sadly, Kenny spends Halloween alone and unable to find a new group for trick-or-treating. The episode therefore points out the overdependence of smartphones by the people and how it can cause chaos in society and leave behind those people who are on the fringes, like Kenny. As Kenny roams around dejected, this episode will hit viewers in the feels.
8) Cartman Sucks
Another episode that is characteristic of South Park, as it blends a serious topic with humor, is season 11’s episode 2. While Cartman engages in comedic misdeeds at a gay conversion camp with Butters, the episode criticizes the pseudoscientific practices that vilify LGBTQ+ people. The episode also highlights through Butters the rampant depression and suicide at these places.
When another boy at the camp, Bradley, unfortunately tries to end his own life, Butters criticizes the staff at the camp and quickly says that God might be bi-curious too if Bradley and he are made in his image. His funny commentary makes Bradley come down from the bridge.
9) The City Part of Town
In season 19, episode 3, South Park tackles the issue of gentrification through Kenny. When Randy and other townspeople decide to build a modern and expensive part in the town for a Whole Foods, Kenny’s dilapidated home stands in stark contrast.
Kenny shows his good-hearted personality once again as he works at a City Wok alongside the gentrification efforts, just outside his house. He takes the job for his little sister Karen and proves to be the best big brother. The episode also highlights the problem of child laborers through the impactful episode.
Viewers can check the list and go through the various emotionally charged episodes to enjoy one last time before the show stops streaming.
