“South Park” And “The Simpsons” Both Set Ratings High Marks In Premiere Weeks

TV is dead? Not so fast. Both season premieres for The Simpsons and South Park respectively DOUBLED their year over year overnight ratings with the latter becoming the #1 cable telecast of the entire week with 4 million viewers with Comedy Central accounting for more than half of that (personally, I love the 8 pm ET start time).This is also the highest-rated South Park telecast in seven years.

In the hour-long South Park special, Randy comes to terms with his role in the COVID-19 outbreak as the ongoing pandemic presents continued challenges to the citizens of South Park. The kids happily head back to school but nothing resembles the normal that they once knew; not their teachers, not their homeroom, not even Eric Cartman.

Likewise, The Simpsons season 32 premiere doubled it’s year over year as well, with 5.5 million overnight viewers that helped lead an Animation Domination premiere week that saw each of the series (Bless The Harts, Bob’s Burgers, and Family Guy) get increases when compared to the prior year. The Simpsons have had a bevy of news worthy headlines that range from constantly predicting the future (both actual and fake) to the debut of a new voice for Carl Carlson which at this point is getting mixed reviews. 

Synopses:

Comedy Central’s South Park launched on August 13, 1997. Trey Parker and Matt Stone are the co-creators of South Park. Parker, Stone, Anne Garefino and Frank C. Agnone II are the Executive Producers of the Emmy^® and Peabody^® Award-winning South Park. Eric Stough, Adrien Beard, Bruce Howell, Jack Shia, Vernon Chatman, Daryl Sancton, Giancarlo Ganziano, John Hansen, David List, Mark Munley, Nate Pellettieri, Greg Postma, Lydia Quidilla, Wonnie Ro, Jenny Shin, Keo Thongkham are Producers. Chris Brion is the Creative Director of South Park Digital Studios.

The longest-running primetime scripted show in television history, THE SIMPSONS exploded into popular culture in 1990 and has remained one of the most groundbreaking and innovative entertainment franchises, recognizable throughout the world. HOMER (Dan Castellaneta), MARGE (Julie Kavner), BART (Nancy Cartwright), LISA (Yeardley Smith) and MAGGIE are instantly identifiable television icons. Rounding out this cast of characters are many beloved Springfield residents, including tavern proprietor MOE SZYSLAK (Hank Azaria) and nuclear power plant owner MR. BURNS (Harry Shearer). The Emmy Award-, Annie Award- and Peabody Award-winning animated comedy will begin its 32nd season this year and will celebrate a landmark 700 episodes this spring. Additional upcoming guest voice stars this season include Olivia Colman, Hannibal Buress, Ben Platt and Michael Palin.

THE SIMPSONS is a Gracie Films Production in association with 20th Television. James L. Brooks, Matt Groening and Al Jean are the executive producers. The Gracie Films Worldwide Brand Division develops and produces the licensed content for the series.