Why ‘South Park’ is No Longer Available on Paramount+ Outside the U.S. – What Fans Need to Know!

Streamers outside the U.S. can’t access South Park on Paramount+ anymore. Reports confirm that Paramount+’s international streaming license for the show has expired. The platform is in talks to bring it back for fans worldwide soon. However, you can still watch South Park specials on Paramount+ and catch episodes on Comedy Central.

This change comes just days after Paramount announced that the premiere of South Park‘s 27th season is delayed from July 9 to July 23. This delay stems from a streaming rights dispute between the show’s creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and Paramount Global, the parent company of Comedy Central.

Following the announcement, the official South Park X account tweeted a message from Parker and Stone: “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.”

Earlier, reports revealed that Parker and Stone were considering legal action against Paramount. They accused new president Jeff Shell of meddling in their negotiations with Warner Bros. Discovery. Shell, who is expected to lead after the merger between Paramount and Skydance, is waiting for approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to complete the deal.

Recently, representatives from various organizations met with the FCC to discuss the merger’s impact on workers and consumers. They emphasized the need for a fair licensing deal.

Currently, Paramount has two years left on its $900 million deal for South Park’s digital rights. A legal letter from Parker and Stone’s company claimed that Shell pushed potential bidders to favor Paramount over them. This included asking Warner Bros. Discovery to give Paramount+ exclusive rights for new episodes and reduce the contract term from ten years to five.

The letter stated, “We hereby demand that you, Redbird, and Skydance immediately cease your interference.” In response, Skydance mentioned they have the right to approve significant contracts per the merger agreement.

South Park first hit the screens on August 13, 1997, and its 26th season wrapped up on March 29, 2023. The series remains a staple in pop culture, still drawing conversations and reactions across social media. Fans continue to engage with the show, showcasing its enduring relevance in discussing contemporary issues.

For those wanting to keep up with South Park, follow the news as the situation unfolds. You might find some exclusive content or updates on trusted sources like Variety or The Hollywood Reporter.

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