Trey Parker Admits Early ‘South Park’ Seasons Make Him Feel “Embarrassed”
Trey Parker, the co-creator of South Park, once opened up about his mixed feelings toward the early seasons of the long-running animated series.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Parker admitted, “If I had to permanently erase anything from the library, it would basically be anything before season 4. It’s just embarrassing to watch. OK, we were, like, 26, 27. But it’s like, ‘Really? We thought that was funny? We thought that was well-written? Oh my God, this is terrible.’”
Even after decades of creating the show, Parker says he still doubts his episodes. In 2020, he revealed how stressful producing South Park can be, saying, “Oh, every single week. Every single show. You can ask anybody. Every show, I’m always saying, ‘Oh God, can we call the studio?”
“Can we call Comedy Central and tell them there’s no show this week?’ And I always have to get talked down by Matt, and he goes, ‘Oh, come on, it’s funny!‘ and I’m like, ‘But there’s nothing!’”
He also described the anxiety that continues even after an episode is finished. “You know, it happens every week. Almost every week, too, even by the time we’re done with the show, I’m like, ‘Oh my god. I’m embarrassed this is going on television.’ It’s not even finished, it’s not going to make any sense, everyone is going to be like, ‘that is the worst show ever.’”
Despite these frustrations, Parker recognizes that South Park has become something much larger than himself or his co-creator Matt Stone. “South Park is way bigger than either of us,” he said, highlighting how the show now belongs to its audience and the cultural space it occupies.
Parker reflected on the relentless schedule and creative pressures: “And it’s this curse, and when we are doing it, I hate it. I’m pissed off, and I’m tired, and every single Tuesday, I say, ‘This is the worst show we’ve ever done!’ It’s brutal. But it’s something I am a part of that’s bigger than I am. That’s what is most important.”
South Park has left an undeniable mark on popular culture. Since its debut in 1997, the series has pushed boundaries with its satirical take on politics, society, and current events.
The show’s fearless approach to controversial topics has inspired countless imitators while influencing conversations about censorship and freedom of expression in media. Parker and Stone’s irreverent humor, combined with their ability to produce episodes quickly in response to current events, has helped the series stay relevant for over two decades. It remains a cornerstone of adult animation, demonstrating the power of satire to provoke thought, entertain, and challenge societal norms.
Even as Parker expresses embarrassment and self-doubt over the early seasons and the weekly grind, the cultural legacy of South Park is secure. The show’s impact on comedy, television, and social commentary is immense, with generations of fans appreciating its unique blend of humor and critique.
It’s clear that, for Parker, the work of South Park is both a personal challenge and a gift to the world. What do you think about the lasting influence of South Park? Share your thoughts in the comments.
