South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone have signed a new 5-year deal with Paramount Global worth $250 million annually. The deal ensures they continue to produce new episodes of the show. Paramount also acquired exclusive streaming rights to South Park for Paramount+ at a cost of $300 million annually over five years. The agreements secure long-term rights to one of Paramount's most important franchises.
South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone have signed a new five-year deal with Paramount Global, securing the streaming rights to their iconic animated series. The agreement, valued at $300 million annually, marks a significant milestone in the streaming wars and a strategic win for Paramount+ [1].
The new pact, which will bring regular episodes of South Park to Paramount+ in the U.S., comes following a contentious negotiation period between Parker, Stone, and Paramount. The duo previously accused incoming Paramount president Jeff Shell of interfering in their contract negotiations with Warner Bros. Discovery and Netflix [1].
The deal is expected to significantly boost Paramount+'s subscriber base and engagement metrics, given the show's enduring popularity and cultural relevance. South Park's ability to satirize current events and maintain a cult following ensures a consistent revenue stream, with distribution fees estimated to exceed $200 million annually [2].
However, the deal is not without risks. The pending $8 billion merger with Skydance has introduced uncertainty into the negotiations, with Skydance reportedly resisting the initial $3 billion, 10-year deal sought by Parker and Stone [2]. Additionally, a lawsuit from Warner Bros. Discovery over alleged breach of a 2019 licensing agreement adds further complexity.
For investors, the South Park deal underscores the premium paid for timeless intellectual property (IP) in the streaming era. It aligns with a broader industry trend of media companies prioritizing high-impact content to differentiate themselves in a crowded market [2].
References:
[1] https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/south-park-paramount-plus-billion-dollar-deal-1236466524/
[2] https://www.ainvest.com/news/streaming-rights-iconic-ip-south-park-paramount-1-5-billion-bet-2507/
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