The creators of South Park have announced that the long-running animated comedy will be renamed South America for its latest series, in what appears to be another satirical swipe at US President Donald Trump and his efforts to rename prominent geographical features.
Matt Stone and Trey Parker announced the change shortly after South Park won the Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program, continuing the programme’s long tradition of targeting American politics and public figures through satire.
South Park Becomes ‘South America’ Ahead of New Season
“Inspired by the bravery and patriotism of Apple and Google, we are changing the name of South Park to SOUTH AMERICA,” Stone and Parker said in a statement.
The announcement appeared to reference changes made to digital mapping services following Trump’s efforts to rename geographical locations.
Trump signed an executive order in August to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America, following his earlier declaration that the Gulf of Mexico should be called the Gulf of America.
Apple and Google subsequently changed the name displayed for US-based users of their respective mapping services.
Mexico has rejected the Gulf of America designation, arguing that one country cannot unilaterally rename a shared international body of water.
It remains unclear whether South America will become the programme’s permanent title or whether the creators intend to restore the South Park name later in the series.
Famous South Park Sign Altered for Announcement
The name change was announced through the programme’s official social media account alongside an altered version of its familiar sign.
In the image, the word “Park” was replaced by “America”, transforming the title into South America.
Stone and Parker also directed another joke towards the programme’s corporate ownership.
“We especially want to thank our parent company Paramount – a Skydance Capitulation,” the creators said.
Paramount Skydance is the parent company behind South Park. The media business has itself been caught up in significant corporate and regulatory developments in the United States.
The Trump administration approved a $111 billion (£82.8 billion) merger involving Warner Bros Discovery, although the deal has subsequently been paused until June 2027 after 12 US states launched legal challenges over concerns about competition and potentially higher consumer prices.
Trump’s Geographical Renaming Efforts Become Target of Satire
The South Park announcement came a day after Trump shared an AI-generated video depicting himself placing the word “America” over “Mexico” on a “Welcome to New Mexico” sign.
His administration has previously pursued geographical name changes as part of a broader emphasis on American identity.
The decision involving Lake Ontario came amid heightened trade tensions between the United States and Canada, while the Gulf of Mexico name change attracted international attention because the body of water borders multiple countries.
By adopting the name South America, Stone and Parker appear to be using the same naming logic as the basis for their latest political joke.
South Park Has Long Satirised Donald Trump
South Park, which first aired in 1997, has repeatedly mocked Trump during his two presidential terms.
The programme is known for its willingness to parody political figures across the ideological spectrum, often responding rapidly to events in American politics and popular culture.
Its treatment of Trump has previously prompted criticism from the White House and some of the president’s supporters.
During the programme’s 27th season, the White House described South Park as a “fourth-rate” show that was “hanging on by a thread with uninspired ideas in a desperate attempt for attention”.
That response followed an episode that depicted a fictionalised version of Trump naked in bed with Satan.
Stone and Parker have nevertheless continued to feature the president in the programme’s political satire.
Emmy Victory Followed by Another Trump Joke
The latest announcement arrived shortly after South Park won the Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program.
Following the award, the programme’s social media account shared another image featuring a fictionalised Trump accompanied by the words: “You finally got your Emmy.”
The post added another political reference to the celebrations surrounding the programme’s latest industry recognition.
New South Park Season Premieres on 16 September
The newly branded South America will begin its latest series on 16 September, when viewers are likely to discover whether the title change is temporary, part of a specific storyline or intended to continue throughout the season.
After nearly three decades on television, South Park remains closely associated with topical political satire. The latest name change suggests Stone and Parker intend to maintain that approach, using the programme’s 29th season to once again turn developments in US politics into material for the animated comedy.
Edward Langley is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developing stories. His work highlights issues, trends and events that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance and accessible journalism.