Comedy Central on Wednesday confirmed that South Park will not air its planned new episode this week, delaying the installment by one week in the wake of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who had been lampooned in an earlier episode this season.
The delay comes as the satirical series contends with heightened scrutiny after Kirk's killing. The network had not promoted the shelved episode, and fans speculated it might address Kirk's death given the show’s history of topical parodies. In a statement, creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone said, 'Apparently when you do everything at the last minute sometimes you don't get it done.' They added, 'This one's on us. We didn't get it done in time. Thanks to Comedy Central and South Park fans for being so understanding. Tune in next week!'
The previously scheduled episode, titled Got a Nut, parodied Kirk through a caricature of his on-screen persona. It was pulled from the live broadcast schedule on the night of the shooting. The plot centers on school counselor Mr. Mackey pursuing a career with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after budget cuts, with parody versions of Kristi Noem, President Donald Trump and Vice President JC Vance appearing. In the episode, Cartman imitates Kirk, launches a podcast, and debates among 'woke, liberal students'—a nod to Kirk's public persona. The arc also features Cartman allying with a college student during a clash over abortion, while the Kirk-inspired character battles the student virtually from a toilet seat. The episode remains accessible on Paramount+.
Kirk himself appeared to take the parody in stride before his death. He reposted a clip from the episode and later told Fox News he was flattered by the attention. 'Honestly, my first reaction is that I kinda laughed,' he said, describing himself as a lifelong South Park fan. 'We as conservatives should be able to take a joke. We shouldn't take ourselves so seriously.'
The current season of South Park is airing bi-weekly, with new episodes now slated for Sept. 24, Oct. 15, Oct. 29, Nov. 12, Nov. 26, and Dec. 10.
Kirk, 31, was assassinated while taking questions from the crowd at Utah Valley University last Wednesday. He leaves behind his wife Erika Frantzve and two young children: a three-year-old daughter and a 16-month-old son. Kirk’s death was announced by President Donald Trump, who said all American flags would be lowered to half-mast until Sunday evening. 'This is a dark day for our state, it’s a tragic day for our nation,' Republican Governor Cox said. 'I want to be very clear that this is a political assassination.' Leaders across party lines condemned the violence. 'I am deeply disturbed by the shooting in Utah. Doug and I send our prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family,' Kamala Harris wrote on X. 'Let me be clear: Political violence has no place in America. I condemn this act, and we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence.' In remarks about Kirk, Trump said he was 'filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination.' 'Charlie inspired millions and tonight, all that knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror.'