The premiere of South Park's 27th season, originally scheduled for July 23 on Comedy Central, faces uncertainty amid a legal and licensing dispute involving the show's creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, Paramount Global, and the incoming studio owner Skydance. The dispute centers on a proposed new 10-year, $3 billion deal for Parker and Stone, which would double the value of their current agreement set to expire in 2027. As tensions escalate, Parker and Stone have hired litigator Bryan Freedman to represent them in their conflict with David Ellison and the incoming Paramount regime. The dispute has also led to the removal of South Park from the Paramount+ streaming platform, causing frustration among global fans and casting doubt on the season's timely release.