South Park Secures $1.5B Paramount+ Deal Before S27

Eric Cartman isn't going anywhere anytime soon. South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone are on the verge of finalizing a groundbreaking streaming rights deal following intense negotiations tied to the Paramount-Skydance merger.

The Los Angeles Times reports that Paramount secured South Park's streaming rights for Paramount+ on July 21. While not yet official, the $300 million annual agreement with Parker and Stone's Park County Productions includes commitments for 10 new episodes yearly.

This five-year contract could generate over $1.5 billion, solidifying South Park as one of television's most lucrative franchises. The show's enduring success stems from its explosive 1999 debut, spawning films, games, merchandise, and countless specials.

Recent uncertainty emerged when HBO Max's streaming rights expired in June, leaving the show's future unclear. Production challenges intensified as Parker and Stone navigated streaming rights negotiations while adapting to Paramount-Skydance merger complications.

The creative duo voiced frustrations publicly when Paramount postponed Season 27's premiere. "This merger is disrupting everything," they stated bluntly on July 2, adding: "We're creating new episodes but worry if fans will ever see them."

Fortunately, Parker and Stone appear poised to regain creative control soon - though knowing South Park, expect plenty of trademark chaos along the way.