In a surprising twist, former President Donald Trump has not retaliated against the animated series South Park, despite its sharp and often outrageous portrayals of his persona. The show, which has garnered significant viewership and critical acclaim, continues to push the boundaries of political satire with episodes depicting Trump in increasingly absurd situations, including fathering the Antichrist through an affair with Satan. This lack of response from Trump raises questions about the dynamics of media power and the impact of ratings in the world of contemporary politics.
The latest season of South Park, which premiered in March 2023, has achieved remarkable success, with the first episode drawing 5.9 million viewers across Comedy Central and Paramount+ within three days. The second episode featuring a satire on Kristi Noem further boosted viewership, nearly doubling the audience to 6.2 million. These milestones reflect the show’s enduring appeal and financial success, which comedian Patton Oswalt believes may be a factor in Trump’s silence.
During a recent appearance on The Daily Beast’s podcast, Oswalt suggested that Trump respects what generates significant ratings and revenue. “South Park not only makes an insane amount of money, but it also gets insane ratings,” Oswalt stated. He emphasized that Trump’s focus on numbers means that the president may avoid engaging with the show, even when faced with harsh satire. This is particularly notable given Trump’s history of responding aggressively to critics and comedians who challenge him.
Trump’s obsession with ratings has been well-documented. He often cites audience numbers to validate his claims about his political and media presence. In a candid moment during a campaign trail interview, he remarked, “There’s only one thing that matters: ratings.” His strategy appears to be rooted in an understanding that attacking a show like South Park, which enjoys both critical acclaim and substantial viewership, could amplify its impact and bolster its creators.
While Trump has not shied away from targeting other comedians and television personalities, his avoidance of Trey Parker and Matt Stone could indicate a deeper strategic calculation. Engaging with South Park might elevate the show’s profile and afford it more cultural significance, something Trump has managed to avoid with other critics.
The creators of South Park have built their reputation on provoking reactions from powerful figures. Engaging in a public feud with Trump would likely serve their interests, as they have done in the past with other controversial figures. Yet, it seems that Trump is acutely aware of the potential pitfalls of such a confrontation. By refraining from responding, he may be attempting to avoid giving the show the publicity that could come from his ire.
The relationship between Trump and other satirical shows, like The Simpsons, shows a similar pattern. The long-running series has made numerous references to Trump over the years, and its status in American pop culture makes it a less appealing target for the former president. The iconic nature of The Simpsons could discourage Trump from entering a contentious dialogue, as the optics of attacking such a staple of television history would likely backfire.
Trump’s silence in the face of pointed comedic critiques is telling. He understands that engaging with comedians can sometimes lead to unintended consequences, allowing them to gain even more recognition and fame. This awareness of media dynamics is evident in how he navigates the landscape of political satire.
As South Park continues to break viewership records, it remains to be seen whether Trump will ever choose to respond. For now, the show thrives in the political spotlight, with its creators unafraid to tackle the complexities of contemporary American politics. In a landscape where satire reigns supreme, South Park has effectively carved its niche, challenging the status quo while Trump remains an enigmatic presence, choosing his battles carefully.
