South Park Pulls ‘Chilling’ Charlie Kirk Episode After Backlash
Calls to cancel “South Park” surged on social media following the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Users argued a recent episode parodying Kirk should have been pulled sooner.
Comedy Central removed the episode, titled “Got a Nut,” from its scheduled cable reruns after Kirk’s death. However, the installment remains available on Paramount’s streaming platforms, including Paramount+.
The episode features a parody of Kirk’s campus debate style, with Eric Cartman adopting his mannerisms. It concludes with a gag awarding a “Charlie Kirk Award for Young Masterdebaters.”
This sparked a backlash, with some users claiming the show “fomented the hatred” that led to the shooting and demanding its permanent cancellation. They argued canceling the show would honor Kirk.
However, this sentiment was countered by Kirk’s own public reaction to the parody when it aired in August. He called the episode “hilarious” and a “badge of honor,” even changing his profile picture to a Cartman image.
Comedy Central has declined to comment on its decision. The move is seen as a common practice to adjust scheduling after a tragedy, without altering on-demand content.
The network has given no timetable for the episode’s return to linear TV. The debate over satire and responsibility continues as the investigation into Kirk’s killing remains ongoing.
