South Park Season 27 Resurrecting a Hidden Gem Brings New Life to Its Classic Humor

South Park's iconic catchphrase, which hasn't been used in a long time, might make a comeback in season 27. The show has evolved a lot since it first aired, starting off with crude humor and absurdity before focusing on satirizing current events in season 4. As time passed, social, cultural, and political satire became the show's main focus.

As season 27 of South Park approaches, it seems unlikely that the show will revert to its earlier scattershot style. Co-creator Trey Parker has expressed a desire to distance the show from its first three seasons, feeling they no longer represent what South Park has become. However, there is a possibility that season 27 could bring back a classic gag that hasn't been a regular part of the show for almost twenty years. Season 26 hinted at this by giving a supporting character a more prominent role.

Kenny’s South Park Season 26 Teased A Bigger Role

South Park season 27 might be bringing back one of its original heroes

Stan and Kenny sit and talk in South Park season 4 - South Park season 27 might be bringing back one of its original heroes - Kenny’s South Park Season 26 Teased A Bigger Role

After season 6, Butters became a central member of the show's quartet, causing Kenny to lose his main character status on South Park. However, in season 26, episode 5 titled "DikinBaus Hot Dogs," Kenny regained his major character status. He played a crucial role by starting a business with Cartman and reaping the profits while Butters did all the work. Despite the challenges in season 27, there is still hope for Kenny to reclaim his main character role in the series.

Season 27’s Kenny Role Can Revive South Park’s Oldest Gag

Kenny was a key character in South Park during the first four seasons, although his role was always a bit complex. In each episode, Kenny met his demise, leading to limited character development. However, in season 5, episode 13, “Kenny Dies,” the show bid farewell to this iconic gag by permanently killing off Kenny. Despite this, Kenny made a surprising return in season 6, episode 17, “Red Sleigh Down.”

South Park’s most iconic catchphrase could make a surprising comeback

Kenny in the hospital with Cartman and Chef next to him in South Park - South Park’s most iconic catchphrase could make a surprising comeback - Season 27’s Kenny Role Can Revive South Park’s Oldest Gag

Since South Park's original premise has shifted to focus on topical satire, it has been a while since the characters complained about anyone killing Kenny. However, season 27 could potentially bring back this iconic catchphrase and revive the tradition of killing off Kenny once per episode. Kenny's repeated deaths, which were once central to his character's appeal, haven't been featured in years. South Park season 26 highlighting him shows that the show hasn't completely forgotten about his role, making it fitting for season 27 to bring back this element.

In the early seasons of South Park, killing off Kenny in every episode was a defining joke, with the phrase "Oh my God, they killed Kenny!" becoming iconic beyond the show itself. This led to the decision to semi-permanently kill off Kenny in season 5, as the show's creators aimed to move past this era. Kenny served as a mascot for the shock humor of South Park's early seasons. Similarly, just as South Park season 5 transformed Cartman from obnoxious to evil, the episode "Kenny Dies" made one of the show's oldest gags darker.

Why South Park Season 27 Is Unlikely To Kill Off Kenny

Kenny’s death would bring back South Park’s old tone

Kenny dressed in a Mysterion costume in the - Kenny’s death would bring back South Park’s old tone - Why South Park Season 27 Is Unlikely To Kill Off Kenny

Despite the potential fun of Kenny's many deaths returning, South Park season 27 is unlikely to bring back this gag. The show already addressed and explained Kenny's immortality in season 14's "Coon and Friends" trilogy. This revelation made Kenny a supernatural being with endless lives, adding a darker tone to his previous deaths.

In a similar vein, season 27 is unlikely to bring back this running joke due to the show's shift in tone. Recent challenges faced by South Park largely stem from these changes, such as the increased focus on Randy Marsh and current events over random humor. These alterations have been in effect for quite some time now, and reintroducing Kenny's frequent deaths could mean embracing the more absurd and crude humor of the early seasons. Despite efforts to stay true to its roots, South Park has inevitably evolved over the years, making Kenny's demise potentially out of place in the show's current atmosphere.

You can catch episodes of South Park on Max, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Comedy Central's website.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides an intriguing glimpse into the potential return of a classic South Park gag in season 27. The show's evolution from crude humor to social satire suggests that such a return would be a departure from its current trajectory. However, the article also highlights the possibility that the showrunners may find a way to incorporate this element while maintaining the show's focus on current events.

Personally, I am torn between the nostalgia for the show's early days and the appreciation for its current satirical direction. While the return of Kenny's frequent deaths could bring back a sense of the show's original absurdity, it could also potentially undermine the more sophisticated and relevant humor that has become South Park's hallmark. Ultimately, it will be up to the show's creators to find a way to balance these elements and create a season that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.