Television shows don't get much more popular than South Park. Since the first episode aired in 1998, the series has attracted a large following due to its dark and satirical humor. Something that even carries over to the several video games that are based on the show.
During its long run on television, the series has featured some truly outstanding episodes, and several of the most significant ones have come right at the start of seasons. But which are the best? IMDB's reviewers can help answer that, as these are the episodes they consider to be the show's greatest premieres.
Updated September 26, 2021 By Ben Jessey: Few TV series in history get to have as many seasons as South Park. The raunchy comedy is on its 24th, and it shows no signs of stopping. As a result, there has been a whole lot of season premieres.
The previous version of this list covered the ten greatest openings in the show's long history. But as there have been 24 of them, a few great episodes missed out, so we've added five more to the collection. Some of these picks show that it's not only the best seasons of South Park that start well.
15 Season 16: Reverse Cowgirl (7.8)
In classic South Park fashion, the first episode of season 16 takes a simple concept and makes it outrageous. This time it's all about the social etiquette of men putting the toilet seat down.
Clyde's failure to follow said etiquette leads to the death of his mother. Then the episode starts to parody airport security measures as the TSA (which in this version means Toilet Safety Administration) gets involved and implements ridiculous regulations for toilet usage, angering everyone in the process. It's all classic South Park silliness, and Butter's input in the whole toilet using debate is especially hilarious.
14 Season 20: Member Berries (7.9)
One of South Park's most quotable phrases in recent history is "I 'member," which is constantly uttered by a type of superfruit called the Member Berries. Those Berries debut in this episode, and constantly talk about how great things were in the past. They play into the social commentary on reboots and nostalgia that features heavily in this episode.
The show also tackles the debate about kneeling for the American National anthem in a funny and very South Park way. Mr. Garrison's presentational campaign arc continues in this episode as well, and the writers manage to cleverly link these storylines together.
13 Season 12: Tonsil Trouble (7.9)
During the season 12 premiere, Cartman gets infected with HIV while having his tonsils removed. When Kyle pokes fun at his long-term rival's misfortune, Cartman purposely infects him with the disease as revenge. Then the two go on an adventure to find a cure.
This episode is a classic example of the show's willingness to joke about anything. The serious disease and victims of it are turned into a humorous punchline throughout. And perhaps the best part is Cartman constantly repeating the words "I'm not just sure, I'm HIV positive."
12 Season 1: Cartman Gets An A**l Probe (8.0)
The first-ever official episode of South Park sees Cartman, and then later Ike, get abducted by aliens. They keep Kyle's brother, so the boys have to figure out how to get him back.
As the episode was made back in the 90s, it's not a technical marvel.However, "Cartman Gets An A**l Probe" perfectly establishes South Park's signature brand of crude and controversial humor that fans have come to love. Even though plenty has since changed about the show since its debut, a lot of the jokes still hold up.
11 Season 22: Dead Kids (8.1)
While it isn't generally considered the best season of South Park, number 22 started well with the "Dead Kids" episode. The serious issue the show is making fun of in this one is school shootings. Throughout the episode, shootings are continually occurring at South Park Elementary, and nobody is giving them much attention. The only one who cares is Sharon Marsh, and because of her distressed response, everyone thinks somethings wrong with her.
Elsewhere, Cartman believes that Token hates him because he disliked the culturally significant Black Panther movie. As with most South Park episodes, it's all controversial yet hilarious.
10 Season 6: Jared Has Aides (8.1)
In the first episode of season six, Jared Fogle (who was a spokesperson for Subway at the time) comes to South Park. His presence leads the boys to come up with an idea to get a restaurant sponsorship themselves. So, they attempt to have Butters put on then lose a bunch of weight, and credit the latter to City Wok's food.
Elsewhere, Jared tries to convey that his own weight loss was due to his aides, which everyone confuses with the disease. The misunderstanding becomes a hilarious running gag throughout. And a lot of credit should be given to the writers for getting so much mileage out of the mix-up, as it remains funny for the entire episode.
9 Season 10: The Return Of Chef (8.1)
Chef is one of several characters who have been written out of the show, and it happens during season 10's ironically titled premiere episode. It sees the once lovable Chef return to South Park after spending time with the Super Adventure Club. While the kids are initially happy to see that the man has returned, he starts to act creepier than usual.
The character left the show because his voice actor, Isaac Hayes, had issues with how the series made fun of certain beliefs. Yet, despite the unceremonious parting, Chef's last episode is still a strong one. Yes, he doesn't get a heartfelt exit, but that's in tune with the show.
8 Season 13: The Ring (8.2)
Disney is a juggernaut in the entertainment industry due to its ability to continually produce excellent movies, TV shows, and even video games. However, that doesn't stop South Park from poking fun at the giant company. Their mocking is at it's best during the first episode of season 13.
The episode revolves around Disney stars, The Jonas Brothers, being forced to preach abstinence to manipulate young girls. South Park's version of Mickey Mouse is the highlight of the episode. Instead of being a wholesome fictional character, he's a cruel, power-hungry Disney executive.
7 Season 4: The Tooth Fairy's Tats 2000 (8.3)
When the boys find out they can make money from losing teeth, ala the Tooth Fairy, they attempt to turn it into a business. Naturally, as this is South Park, the simple premise escalates, and tooth-trading mobsters get involved.
The inclusion of the mob is funny enough, but it gets even more ridiculous when the American Dental Association starts to get suspicious about the missing teeth. This organization concludes that the culprit is a giant chicken and squirrel hybrid. South Park excels are these sort of over-the-top storylines, and this one is no different.
6 Season 5: It Hits The Fan (8.5)
South Park is rocked when someone decides to use the word s*** during a popular TV show. Everyone in town responds by continually using the curse word themselves.
The result of their actions? A deadly plague, somehow. What's more, their foul language awakens The Knights of Standards and Practices, who try to put a stop to the virus. It's a crazy yet very entertaining storyline. And one that no other show could execute as convincingly.
5 Season 7: Cancelled (8.5)
There have been some impressive-looking aliens in media. For instance, the Xenomorphs from the Alien franchise are iconic and partially responsible for several of those movies being highly-regarded. Yet, the aliens in "Cancelled" might be the most creatively designed ever. These creatures are giant Tacos who poop ice cream. Unsurprisingly their look is chosen by Cartman.
Even more mind-blowing than their appearance is the fact that the Earth is just a reality show that these Aliens make. Upon finding out, the boys have to stop the series from being canceled. It's equal parts goofy and compelling.
4 Season 3: Rainforest Shmainforest (8.5)
During season 3's "Rainforest Shmainforest," the boys are forced to help the environment. They do so by joining a choir that tries to save the rainforest through song and dance. It doesn't go well, as they all end up getting lost in the place they're trying to help.
The episode features some great satire about people who blindly join environmental groups. Equally funny is Cartman's antics throughout, from asserting his authority over the wildlife to making unsavory comments about Costa Rica.
3 Season 24: The Pandemic Special (8.5)
As it is just a one-off special, it's not entirely clear if this Pandemic episode is the premiere of season 24. But the Comedy Central site refers to it as one, so it counts. The episode revolves around the COVID-19 Pandemic and how the town is reacting to it.
South Park is no stranger at turning real-world issues into storylines, and they excel at it in this one. Their social commentary on people's differing behavior during the Pandemic is particularly well-done. And the creators' work was rewarded as the special scored big ratings.
2 Season 11: With Apologies To Jesse Jackson (8.8)
Episodes like "With Apologies To Jesse Jackson" are why South Park is considered one of the best comedies of the 21st century. It includes two hilarious and very memorable storylines. One involves Randy being ostracized for saying the N-word on television. The other is about Cartman relentlessly making fun of a man with dwarfism.
Even by South Park standards, the episode is extremely controversial. But as often with the animated sitcom, the jokes are smart enough that it's more humorous than offensive.
1 Season 8: Good Times With Weapons (9.2)
Throughout the 20+ seasons of South Park, there have been some amazing parody episodes. In "Good Times With Weapons," the show expertly parodies various Japanese anime. It starts with the boys getting their hands on some dangerous Asian weapons. Then they go on an imaginary adventure where all four of them are powerful ninjas.
It's during these imaginary scenes where the parody occurs. The art-style is changed to resemble more of a traditional anime, as do the characters' expressions and fighting abilities. It's all so wonderfully over the top, especially the hilarious music. The whole thing makes for a spectacular episode that ranks among the series greatest and kicks off one of South Park's best seasons in style.