South Park is an iconic adult animated sitcom that has been airing on Comedy Central since 1997. It follows the misadventures of four grade-schoolers in South Park, Colorado. Its absurd humor and social commentary has earned it a cult following and critical praise. With 27 seasons, there are many great episodes to choose from. Here are our top picks for the best South Park episodes, ranked!
From classic episodes like "Scott Tenorman Must Die" and "Make Love, Not Warcraft" to more recent gems like "Band in China" and "Time to Get Cereal," South Park has offered up a wide variety of hilarious and thought-provoking stories over the years. With its blend of satire, parody, and wit, it's no wonder South Park is still going strong after 27 seasons.
Whether you're a die-hard fan or just getting into the show, these are the best South Park episodes you need to check out. From classic favorites to more recent standouts, there's something for everyone in this list of the best South Park episodes, ranked!
Written by Sophie and last updated on apr 22, 2024.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
#15- It's Christmas in Canada (Season 7 - Episode 15)
When Ike is claimed by his Canadian birth parents, the boys set out to gain an audience with the Canadian Prime Minister. Meanwhile, Cartman's biggest concern is that the boys don't spend all of Christmas in Canada.
The episode was rated 7.51 from 559 votes.
#14- Red Man's Greed (Season 7 - Episode 7)
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The owners of the Three Feathers Indian Casino have decided to buy out the town of South Park in order to create a super-highway from Denver to their Casino. The townfolk only have one night to make $350,000. So they head to the casino...
The episode was rated 7.60 from 608 votes.
#13- Butt Out (Season 7 - Episode 13)
After seeing an auditorium presentation on the dangers of smoking (and in some ways, not smoking), the boys light up behind the school and are soon caught in the middle of Rob Reiner's Anti-Tobacco campaign.
The episode was rated 7.62 from 626 votes.
#12- I'm a Little Bit Country (Season 7 - Episode 4)
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After participating in a walk-out against the war in Iraq, Mr. Garrison tells the boys they have to write a report on the founding fathers. Cartman decides he's going to figure out a way to flashback to the past and learn all about history first hand.
The episode was rated 7.71 from 662 votes.
#11- Krazy Kripples (Season 7 - Episode 2)
Jimmy is tired of the entire town talking about how great that "butthole" Christopher Reeve is. Jimmy and Timmy decide the only real "crips" are those who were crippled from birth. They then decide to seek out a gang with similar feelings. It's safe to say Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny are staying out of this one.
The episode was rated 7.76 from 680 votes.
#10- Fat Butt and Pancake Head (Season 7 - Episode 5)
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For a report on Cultural Diversity, Cartman chooses to do one on Latinos in the arts with the help of a Jennifer Lopez hand puppet. Later, at the mall, the puppet insists they make a music video, which launches the hand puppet's musical career. There's just one problem, the REAL J-Lo shows up to protest the hand's authenticity.
The episode was rated 7.78 from 669 votes.
#9- Cancelled (Season 7 - Episode 1)
The boys are at the bus stop and they seem to be reliving events that they went through 6 seasons earlier; that is Kyle "kicking the baby" his little brother Ike and Cartman talking about his strange dream, which the other boys identify as visitors. What's going on in South Park? Did the boys travel back in time, or is some sinister force at work?
The episode was rated 7.80 from 725 votes.
#8- Toilet Paper (Season 7 - Episode 3)
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The boys are given a detention due to their attitudes in art class. Cartman decides that they need to toilet paper (TP) the art teacher's house in revenge.
The episode was rated 7.83 from 679 votes.
#7- Raisins (Season 7 - Episode 14)
In an effort to find some closure in breaking up with Wendy, the boys take Stan to Raisins (a junior Hooters) so he can forget about her. Meanwhile, a trip to Raisins does big things for Butters, as he falls in love with a waitress.
The episode was rated 7.86 from 661 votes.
#6- Lil' Crime Stoppers (Season 7 - Episode 6)
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The boys are playing "junior detectives," and have to find a kidnapped doll. After a daring rescue, they are taken back to Park County Police Headquarters. Upon their arrival, the Chief makes them "real" junior detectives and gives them their first assignment: breaking up a meth lab. The boys soon learn being real detectives isn't as fun as they thought.
The episode was rated 7.86 from 693 votes.
#5- Grey Dawn (Season 7 - Episode 10)
Due to a rise in deaths due to senior citizens behind the wheel, the State of Colorado has revoked all the driver licenses of senior citizens. Soon after, the AARP shows up to fight for the rights of their comrades.
The episode was rated 7.87 from 631 votes.
#4- South Park is Gay (Season 7 - Episode 8)
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The metrosexual fad has hit South Park thanks to the "Queer Eye Guys," and all the men in town are affected, except for Kyle and his Dad. Stan, Kenny, and Cartman give Kyle a makeover, and Gerald isn't far behind. Soon the women of South Park grow tired of the fad, as does Mr. Garrison.
The episode was rated 7.91 from 749 votes.
#3- Christian Rock Hard (Season 7 - Episode 9)
The boys have hit a crossroads with their band "Moop." Cartman wants the band to play Christian Rock, and leaves the band when Stan, Kyle, and Kenny don't agree. Before leaving, Cartman bets Kyle $10 that he will get a platinum album with a Christian Rock band before "Moop" can.
The episode was rated 8.11 from 734 votes.
#2- All About Mormons (Season 7 - Episode 12)
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The South Park episode, "All About Mormons" is a classic for many viewers. The episode follows the story of the new 4th grade student, Gary Harrison, who is a Mormon from Utah. The other kids decide that Gary needs to get his "ass kicked," and Stan is chosen to do it. After an awkward exchange of words, Stan is invited to Gary's house, where he learns all about Mormons. The episode is highly rated, with a 9.5/10 score. It is praised for its comedic use of olden times videos or scenes from history, as well as its "kill em with kindness" vibe. The show brings up the idea that Mormons, despite their hard-to-believe origin story, have core teachings that are beneficial to their followers. It is ultimately an ecumenical and optimistic take from South Park, with plenty of laughs to be had.
However, some viewers wished that the episode could have shown the modus operandi of cults a bit more directly, as the Mormons are made to look like any other church. Nevertheless, the episode is still highly praised for its comedic and ecumenical take on the subject.
The episode was rated 8.15 from 748 votes.
#1- Casa Bonita (Season 7 - Episode 11)
In the South Park episode "Casa Bonita", Kyle is going to celebrate his birthday at the popular amusement park Casa Bonita. He is only allowed to bring three friends and decides to take Stan, Kenny, and Butters. Cartman, who was not invited, is outraged and comes up with a plan to take Butters out of the picture. After his plan fails, Cartman has an epic anti-Semitic rant at Kyle, causing the whole town to panic and leading him to juvenile hall for a week.
The episode "Casa Bonita" is full of mayhem and surprises. Cartman's plan to take Butters out of the picture is dramatic and outrageous. His epic anti-Semitic rant at Kyle is a twisted beauty that causes the entire town to panic and leads him to juvenile hall. In the end, despite the chaos he caused, Cartman proudly proclaims that it was all worth it.
The episode was rated 8.34 from 755 votes.
