Sarah Michelle Gellar’s reboot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer may be dead and buried, but the Buffyverse is still thriving. While fans hold out hope that Buffy can find another home, they can turn their attention to Tubi. The well-written, if somewhat infamous, spin-off is now free to stream with no subscription required.

Taking place after Buffy Season 3, Angel follows the titular vampire with a soul as he goes to the most soulless place in America — Los Angeles. The show starts slowly as Angel (David Boreanaz) teams up with Buffy’s old classmate Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter) to help the helpless. The first season centers on Angel Investigations, a supernatural private investigation service, but throughout its five seasons, Angel went to the depths of hell in many storylines which were too dark for its flagship series.

‘Angel’ Was a Proper Follow-Up to ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’

Spin-offs are typically considered worse versions of the series that made them famous, but Angel is an outlier. It beat the odds by not trying to replicate what made Buffy great, but by telling entirely new stories. Buffy had its dark days, such as Season 6, but largely stuck to coming-of-age stories set in high school. Angel had a significantly darker tone because it was thematically about the trials of adulthood.

The show forged its own path while still respecting the mythology and lore of the original. Angel and Buffy became their own extended universe with thrilling crossover events that made both shows much more enjoyable to watch. Angel also functioned as a story that stood on its own two feet, with plotlines that no other series was even attempting to tell.

The protagonist’s entire story arc stems from his attempt to redeem himself. At the time, Angel was the only vampire with a soul, cursed to relive every murder and atrocity he committed with a conscience. With the hope of one day becoming human, Angel takes each day as it comes, solving supernatural mysteries and saving the world.

At its heart, the series is a film noir that is emotionally harrowing at times. There is levity to the show as Angel tries for five years to fight against the most evil beings of all time – corporate lawyers. However, the story shines when it comes to its central thesis. Through sexual assault, misogyny, and soul-sucking lawyers, Angel always maintains that no matter what happens, it is important to keep fighting.

In a poignant line that defines the series, Angel states: “If nothing we do matters, then all that matters is what we do.” The cancellation of the show after Season 5 was unexpected, but the show hammers home this point in its final moments. Angel had a proper ending as the core group continues to fight because that is often what life as an adult feels like. It is a constant struggle, but a struggle that is important nonetheless. Viewers can experience the ups and downs of Angel’s fight against evil by streaming all five seasons on Tubi.

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Release Date

1999 – 2004

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Network

The WB

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Directors

James A. Contner, David Greenwalt, Tim Minear, Bill L. Norton, Terrence O’Hara, Marita Grabiak, Skip Schoolnik, David Grossman, Frederick King Keller, Jefferson Kibbee, Michael Grossman, Vern Gillum, Bruce Seth Green, David Straiton, Steven S. DeKnight, Turi Meyer, David Semel, Michael Lange, Scott McGinnis, Thomas J. Wright, Ben Edlund, David Boreanaz, James Whitmore Jr., Krishna Rao

Writers

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jeffrey bell, Mere Smith, Elizabeth Craft, Sarah Fain, Shawn Ryan, Drew Goddard, Howard Gordon, Jeannine Renshaw, Jim Kouf, Douglas Petrie, Tracey Stern, David H. Goodman, Brent Fletcher, Gary Campbell, Jane Espenson, Marti Noxon

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Kid Cudi is severing ties with M.I.A. after she was booed during her opening set on his Rebel Ragers Tour stop in Dallas, Texas.

“I told my management to send a notice to her team before we started tour that I didn’t want anything offensive at my shows, cuz I already knew what time it was, and I was assured things were understood,” the rapper, 42, said via his Instagram Stories on Monday, May 4. “After the last couple shows, I’ve been flooded with messages from fans that were upset by her rants.”

He continued, “This, to me, is very disappointing, and I won’t have someone on my tour making offensive remarks that upsets my fanbase. Thank you for understanding. Rager.”

The announcement from Kid Cudi (real name Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi) comes just two days after M.I.A. (real name Mathangi Arulpragasam) sparked backlash over a now-viral rant during their stop at Dos Equis Pavilion.

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Related: Kid Cudi and Kanye West Reunite at Album Listening Event After Falling Out

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images; Karwai Tang/Getty Images Kanye West and Kid Cudi are seemingly burying the hatchet after their falling out. Cudi, 39, and West, 46, reunited on Thursday, December 14, during a listening event for Vultures, West’s joint album with Ty Dolla $ign. Cudi and West — who wore a red outfit featuring the double-headed […]

“I’ve been canceled for many reasons,” the “Paper Planes” hitmaker, 50, told the crowd on Saturday, May 2. “I never thought I would be canceled for being a brown Republican voter.” She also said during her set, “I can’t do ‘Illegal,’ though some of you could be in the audience.”

Kid Cudi will now perform alongside openers Big Boi, A-Trak, me n ü and Dot Da Genius.

Fans continued to sound off on M.I.A.’s remarks after clips were shared via TikTok capturing the show’s attendees booing and doing thumbs down gestures, with some defending the singer and arguing that she shouldn’t be “silenced.”

“I wrote illygal on the Maya LP a song from 2010,” M.I.A. wrote via X on Monday, responding to the drama, “I started this intro to the song with the statement saying I’m illygal, and I said my team hasn’t gotten visas yet. Then played a song that had lyrics saying ‘Fu&% the law,’ which I still believe, if the law is unjust f@%& it.”

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She continued, “Do not gaslight my words. That is the work of satan.”

The musician also responded to a tweet suggesting she voted for President Donald Trump.

“Don’t be an agent of division, I can’t vote in the US, and 48% of Latin community voted trump,” M.I.A. replied. “So are you going to hate them all?”

Diamond Brown has reportedly filed a paternity suit seeking custody and legal fees against Chris Brown.

RELATED: Diamond Brown’s Latest Social Media Post Has Some Internet Users Thinking She Has More Tea To Spill About Chris Brown (WATCH)

Diamond Brown Reportedly Files Paternity Suit Seeking Custody & Legal Fees Against Chris Brown

According to TMZ, on April 3, Diamond Brown filed a paternity suit regarding her and Chris’ 4-year-old daughter, Lovely Symphani Brown. Furthermore, she reportedly noted that “acknowledged paternity in a voluntary declaration,” which she attached.

Per the outlet, Diamond Brown reportedly requested to be awarded “legal and physical custody” of Lovely. This, while Chris reportedly be granted visitation. Additionally, Diamond reportedly noted that Lovely has lived with her since her birth.

Lastly, Diamond reportedly requested that Chris pay for the case’s legal fees.

Social Media Reacts

Social media users slid in TSR’s comment section with reactions to Diamond Brown’s paternity suit against Chris Brown.

Before Diamond Brown Filed Paternity Suit Seeking Custody & Legal Fees Against Chris Brown, She Aired Him OUT

As The Shade Room previously reported, in February, Diamond Brown took to her Instagram Story to air Chris Brown OUT, alleging he had a baby on the way.

Ultimately, she alleged that Chris was sabotaging her romantic relationships.

Ultimately, Chris Brown’s current, and then-pregnant boo, Jada Wallace, entered the drama and alleged that Diamond was keeping Lovely from seeing her dad, per The Shade Room. In response, Diamond denied the claim but asserted that she would be ready to throw hands with Wallace once she gave birth.

In the weeks that followed, Diamond continued to share cryptic messages that fans believed were about Chris, while also alleging that his baby on the way was a boy. Ultimately, her allegation proved to be right, as Wallace gave birth to a baby boy last week.

RELATED: Congrats! Chris Brown Seemingly Confirms Arrival Of Baby With Jada Wallace In Sweet Message (PHOTOS)

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Mikayla Matthews has been open about her ongoing chronic illness battle.

Matthews revealed that she was dealing with several unidentified health issues during the 2024 inaugural season of the hit Hulu reality TV series. At the time, Matthews had not received an official diagnosis.

“[I] haven’t found any answers yet,” she exclusively told Us Weekly in September 2024. “I’m a lot better than I was, but I still have my ups and downs, so it’s just frustrating to not get any answers and feel like I’m on my own and then have to navigate being in this really exciting time while not feeling my best, and so that’s kind of been the trickiest.”

Two years later, Matthews publicly shared she was diagnosed with chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), an innate immune dysregulation involving a range of symptoms that simultaneously affect multiple organ systems, per the National Library of Medicine.

“I’m genuinely just barely surviving,” she wrote via her Instagram Story in March 2026. “Chronic illness is all consuming and I haven’t been able to show up as the mom I want to be for the last couple years. I just want to feel like myself again.”

Keep scrolling for everything to know about Matthews’ health battle:

What Were Mikayla Matthews’ Symptoms?

During the first season of Mormon Wives, Matthews suffered from red splotches on her skin. She underwent a “hair analysis test, urine test, stool test” for her condition but did not immediately receive a concrete diagnosis. Not only did Matthews struggle with the ailment while filming, but also while taking care of her and ex Jace Terry’s three kids.

“There was the time where the back of my legs and every crease was cut and bleeding, and I could barely even stand up and walk and take care of my kids,” she exclusively told Us in September 2024. “And so that was a really hard time. I feel like my confidence was at an all time low. I feel like my quality of life wasn’t great because I could barely do anything.”

What Did Mikayla Matthews Do For Treatment?

Matthews revealed that she dedicated a year to “removing all toxic things” from her diet, body and overall life.

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“Took out my implants, infected root canal, mercury fillings, removed the toxic people from my life,” she wrote via Instagram in January 2025. “Did SO MUCH detoxing and finally have gotten some relief.”

What Happened After Mikayla Matthews Got Her Diagnosis?

After being diagnosed with CIRS, Matthews relocated from Utah to Hawaii to focus on her continued “healing.”

“I feel like I’m in a very transformative period of my health right now, making really big changes,” Matthews said in a May 2026 TikTok video. “I want to show my skin how it is and how it’s changing. I will be vlogging every single day and starting every video with a skin update.”

Beyond the Gates spoilers for May 4-8, 2026, plus some really exciting Cotillion spoilers. Shanice Johnson (Ernestine Johnson) is writing somebody a reality check this week.

Plus, Dana “Leslie” Thomas (Trisha Mann) just can’t stop being terrible. And there’s a special guest star in the next few episodes.

Beyond the Gates Spoilers Monday, May 4th: Season 2, Episode 82

Monday, May 4th, it’s season 2, episode 82 of BTG. And we’re going to pick up from Friday’s episode when Tomas Navarro (Alex Alegria) showed Katherine “Kat” Richardson (Colby Muhammad) the list of names of people that Lynette Wise (Dominique Madison) allegedly scammed. And Kat tells Tomas she knows one of the women on the list. And then Kat hightails it over to Garland Memorial with questions for Chief of Staff Lia Whitmore (Cecilia Specht) about Lynette.

Now, Lia doesn’t seem the type to fall for a con woman, but you never know. And I’m sure Kat knows Lia pretty well because she worked at the hospital for a long time running Ted Richardson (Keith D. Robinson) practice before Eva Thomas Richardson (Ambyr Michelle) took over for her. But even if Lia knows something, I doubt she would tell Kat anything because Lia has too many balls in the air and is hiding too many secrets of her own.

BTG Spoilers: News of Grayson’s Stabbing Spreads

This week, Ashley Morgan (Jen Jacob) tells Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne (Arielle Prepetit) that Grayson Perez (Jordie Vilasuso) was stabbed. And of course, Ashley still in the dark about exactly why he was attacked. Nicole Dupree Richardson (Daphnee Duplaix) and Leslie have a nasty run-in.

It’s been exactly a year since she ruined Nicole and Ted’s big anniversary party at Fairmont Crest. And I’m sure Leslie is going to be sure to wish Nicole a happy non-anniversary. Of course, she remains thrilled that she ruined Nicole and Ted’s marriage.

Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis) argues with Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) about Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) already. Vernon set up a meeting with Joey Armstrong (Jon Lindstrom). Remember, he had Elon Hawthorne (Malachi Malik) lure Joey to Uptown, and Vernon made it crystal clear that Martin owes nothing to Joey.

We saw Vernon take on the debt that Martin owes for the whole murder cleanup thing. So, when Vernon approaches Bill, I wonder if it’s to chew him out for dragging Joey into their lives or if it’s another topic. And I do wonder if Bill’s going to get sappy asking about Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley) because he’s obviously falling hard in love again with his ex.

Tuesday, May 5th & Wednesday, May 6th: Beyond the Gates Preemptions

Tuesday, May 5th, unfortunately, we have another soccer preemption. What’s aggravating is it’s supposed to mostly affect the western time zone for Y&R and B&B, but BTG tends to look for any excuse to preempt. I don’t know, you know, have the people at CBS not heard of Paramount Plus. They can do the sports stuff there, right? Then on Wednesday, May 6th, same bad news. Another preemption. We’re only going to get three new episodes of Beyond the Gates this week.

BTG Spoilers for Thursday, May 7th: Season 2, Episode 83

Thursday, May 7th is season 2, episode 83 of BTG, and we finally get back to new episodes. So, Joey has something urgent for Randy Parker (Maurice P. Kerry) to take care of. And I wonder if this is Dre related. Will Joey task Randy to keep an eye on Martin even though the congressman said no thank you. I also am really wondering what Randy did to Lynette. Kat gets all up in Bill’s business. So, I do wonder what Kat is challenging him about now. She’s playing detective with Tomas. And after talking to Lia, I wonder if Kat goes back to press Bill about his sketchy wife. Hayley seems destined to be exposed soon.

Lia makes a threat that scares Grayson. So, Lia may be the one who sends a photo of Ashley to Grayson with the threat. And then he shows Ashley and Naomi his phone and the photo of Ashley. But I’m sure he’s not going to reveal that it’s Lia and doesn’t have her listed as a contact under her name.

Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) worries that he and Grayson are in way over their heads. Bradley “Smitty” Smith (Mike Manning) too, and thinks a trap might have been set for them. Naomi calls Jacob to tell him that Grayson was sent a warning about Ashley. And Jacob is stunned and asking, “Wait, what?”

Vanessa McBride (Lauren Buglioli) offers Hayley Lawson (Marquita Goings) a business deal. And I wonder if this is somehow tied into the Lynette thing. Since Hayley was supposedly buying it as an investment property, Vanessa may ask Hayley if she still wants it. And I do wonder if Vanessa has suspicions about Hayley or is this a legit offer.

Beyond the Gates Spoilers Friday, May 8th Season 2, Episode 84: Grayson Makes Life-Changing Deal

Friday, May 8th is season 2, episode 84 of Beyond the Gates. And Grayson makes a deal that could change his life. At the hotel, he’s trying to leave and Jacob tells him, “Take one more step and I will arrest you.”

So, it looks like he may finally admit to Grayson that he’s not doing this for extra money on the side. He is working undercover and Jacob will destroy him unless Grayson helps nab his boss. Plus, with Ashley threatened, this may be Grayson’s one chance to save his butt.

Martin spends time catching up with one of his cousins and Shanice ranted at Ted if you remember when she walked in on him looking cozy with Leslie. That conversation is not over. Ted reassures Shanice and says the only woman he wants to be with is her, but Shanice asks, “Why does their bed feel so crowded?” Ted needs to get a restraining order on Leslie. I mean, let’s be real.

Beyond the Gates Spoilers: Sunny Anderson Guest Stars

Smitty finds out important info. No doubt it’s about the red market plasma ring. And I wonder if it’s from Jacob or another source he’s working. Nicole and Dr. Carlton Fitzgerald (Robert Christopher Riley) at Orphe Jeans and they run into Food Network star Sunny Anderson. Nicole introduces herself, says they’re huge fans.

There’s also some press pics of Sunny with Ambyr Michelle and Trisha Mann Grant who play Eva and Leslie. So she may have scenes with the bad girl duo. We’ll see. Sunny sees the heat with Nicole and Carlton and says she may need to change her order. I think this might be a whole Harry Met Sally homage.

After Nicole and Carlton get spicy at Orphe Gene, they get some alone time and Nicole throws Carlton on the bed. Says she has a better idea and climbs aboard. Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman) and Dani get creative. Also, Andre asked if Dani’s accusing him of being a spy and she says she’s on to Andre and he may be packing a big secret.

Cotillion Coming Soon on BTG

Now, let’s talk Cotillion, which is coming soon. There was a little bitty promo for it. Not much, but some interesting tidbits. Dani is in a gorgeous turquoise gown announcing Cotillion is here. The Duprees are all dressed to the nines to celebrate and participate. Chelsea Hamilton (RhonniRose Mantilla) is in pink. Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie) looks like she may be in pale pink. Andre snapping photos.

Samantha Richardson (Najah Jackson) precious in her white Cotillion gown. The voice over says, “These white gloves are about to come off.” You know, the whole Anastasia Bellelaire (Timeca M. Seretti) and Francesca Belleclaire (Madison Alsobrook) thing. It’s going to be a throwdown with Anita and Samantha and others. Chelsea and Nicole, Anita and Naomi are all toasting to the festivities.

Supposed to be a huge event. They have a new ballroom set. There’s supposed to be some original music and almost 20 couples dancing all around the new ballroom. This sounds like a big deal. And of course, rivalry, Samantha versus Francesca for the Cotillion Platinum Debutante Prize.

And if you remember, Samantha bugged her bio mom June till she agreed to be there, but she’s concerned she’ll be an embarrassment. I would not be surprised if Francesca said something nasty about Samantha’s bio mom. So, we’ve got Donnell McBride (Alex Cheeks) escorting Samantha. I wonder if his twin Deanna McBride (Angela Fairley) is back to harass her mom, Vanessa. More about Joey. I really like Donnell though.

Beyond the Gates Spoilers: Tyrrell & Jessica’s First Time

We’ll also have Tyrrell Richardson (Jaden Lucas Miller) and Jessica (Camryn Jade) there. That should be the end of his grounding. Plus, Tyrrell and Jessica get intimate for the first time soon. And it may happen after Cotillion. We all remember prom night, right?

Also, in May sweeps, Nicole gets much closer to Carlton, but isn’t letting go of Kyle either. And Nicole is talking about her fantasies with Kyle, who of course is falling hard for her. Joey’s in big trouble with Vanessa soon. Shanice tells Ted whether or not she sees a future for them, and Anita and Vernon finally get back to romance, but their special night is interrupted.

Roommates, the first Monday of May is here! One celebrity who will definitely turn heads at the Met Gala 2026 is Beyoncé. Her appearance on the red carpet this year will mark her first time attending the fashion fundraiser in a decade. While we wait, let’s run down the details behind Bey’s very first Met look in 2008 and her last time gracing the carpet in 2016.

RELATED: Ciara Opens Up About Where Things Stand With Rihanna After Met Gala Reunion (VIDEO)

What’s The Met Gala For Again?

As mentioned, the Met Gala is a fundraiser for the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Last year, the event raised more than $31 million, but it’s only for the “rich, famous and powerful.” A single ticket costs $100,000 and a table of 10 people starts at $350,000, per the Associated Press.

This year, Beyoncé is one of the Met Gala’s co-chairs, along with Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams and Vogue’s Anna Wintour. A separate host committee includes big names like Teyana Taylor, Sabrina Carpenter, and Misty Copeland. The dress code for 2026 is “Fashion is Art.”

Beyoncé Wore Pink To Her First Met Gala

2008 marked the first time that Beyoncé stepped out for the Met Gala. The theme was ‘Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy.’ She stunned a strapless, light pink Armani Privé dress. The gown had a sweetheart neckline and ribbon detailing in the front. She added to the romantic look with emerald earrings, lots of body shimmer and a simple hair bun.

Ten Years Ago, Bey Pulled Up In Givenchy

After 2008, Beyoncé attended the Met Gala six more times, including in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. The last five times she pulled up, the singer slayed in a Givenchy Haute Couture gown. Her 2016 look fit like a glove, hugging every curve with its latex-like look. Her dress was a peachy pink color, adorned with 2,000 pearls, pink florals, and long sleeves. Also, the gown had a mermaid-style look with a train. She completed the look with a smoky eye and straight blonde hair.

RELATED: Usher Apologizes To Sabrina Carpenter’s Dad For Met Gala Cherry Feed (PHOTOS)

The Met Gala 2026 may be known for jaw-dropping couture, but this year, one unexpected moment completely hijacked the spotlight, and it wasn’t from an A-lister. As celebrities began stepping out near The Pierre Hotel, a PETA supporter made a dramatic entrance, shedding her coat to reveal a shocking, blood-splattered “bird” look designed to stop cameras and conversations in their tracks.

The activist can be seen sporting a look that featured faux feathered wings and body paint meant to resemble the raw, bloodied skin of a bird after being plucked. Across her chest, a bold message read: “Feathers: A Look That Kills.”

The visual protest was impossible to ignore, drawing attention from paparazzi and onlookers as she stood just steps away from where stars were preparing for fashion’s biggest night.

See the protestor here.

Internet Reacts To Shocking PETA ‘Bird’ Protest

The unexpected protest didn’t just turn heads in person. It quickly took over social media, where reactions poured in from all sides. Some users praised the bold visual and message, with one simply writing, “STUNNING!”, applauding the dramatic execution of the protest.

Others seemed to appreciate the fashion-forward approach to activism, with one person commenting, “One thing you’re always gonna do is throw some… protest looks.”

But not everyone was fully on board. Some reactions leaned more sarcastic, with one user joking, “Protesting birds losing their feathers, but I’m worried about the camel that lost its toe,” while another kept it short and blunt, writing, “Truth.”

‘Feathers: A Look That Kills’ Message Disrupts Met Gala Scene

In a statement, PETA President Tracy Reiman didn’t hold back, calling out the use of feathers in high fashion. “Behind every feathered frock on the red carpet is a bird who felt pain and fear and didn’t want to die for a fleeting fashion statement,” she said. “PETA is calling on designers and consumers to leave feathers on the birds who were born with them and embrace compassionate vegan couture.”

The protest comes amid a broader shift in fashion. Major brands and events, including Victoria’s Secret and Copenhagen Fashion Week, have already moved away from feathers, while designers like Stella McCartney have long championed cruelty-free fashion.

Protest Sparks Conversation As Feathered Fashion Takes Center Stage

From the minds of Trey Parker and Matt Stone, utilizing construction paper and crass comedy, South Park has become a definitive and polarizing pillar of modern comedy television, following the misadventures of four boys in the Colorado town of South Park, and the colorful characters they encounter along the way. Spanning back to 1997, the series has produced a staggering 26 seasons (and counting) throughout its run, securing 18 Emmy Awards from 92 nominations in that time, and producing many brilliant seasons of comedy television.

South Park is almost always at its best when it blends scorching social commentary with an irreverent love of crude humor to hit the hard-at-home truths of American society in the most offensive and controversial ways possible. From early seasons loaded with faultless episodes taking aim at celebrities and entertainment, to more recent seasons with overarching political stories, these are the best South Park seasons, ranked.

20

Season 28 (2025)

Number of Episodes: 5

Image via Paramount+

South Park exploded back into mainstream consciousness with the launch of its 27th season in July 2025, which famously opened with an episode that depicted President Donald Trump and Satan as bed-buddies. Such brazen and unapologetically controversial satire not only raised plenty of eyebrows, but it also saw viewership of the series skyrocket. It seems the creators were eager to capitalize on this trending popularity, as Season 28 premiered in October 2025, less than a month after Season 27 finished.

Continuing the story exactly where it left off, it re-commits to its skewering political parody, highlighted by brilliant moments like Stan’s fourth-wall-breaking monologue about the series becoming “too political,” and a hilarious aside in which Melania Trump’s ghost haunts the East Wing of the White House. Outbursts of inspired excellence, however, struggle to completely overshadow the fact that Season 28’s brief five-episode run doesn’t give it a lot of time to say anything substantial, even as a continuation of the season prior. It’s good, outstanding even when it’s firing, but it doesn’t live up to the consistent perfection of the series’ greatest seasons.

19

Season 1 (1997)

Number of Episodes: 13

Image via Comedy Central

While it lacks the polish and politically pointed punch of the series’ latter seasons, South Park undeniably hit the ground running with an attention-grabbing and profoundly shocking first season. Debuting with “Cartman Gets an Anal Probe,” in which Cartman insists he was abducted by aliens and the boys only believe him when Ike is taken as well, the animated series immediately distinguished itself from other adult animated comedies with its absurdity and its crude humor.

Also containing such striking episodes as “Starvin’ Marvin,” in which the boys’ Ethiopian sponsor child shows up in South Park, and “Mr. Hankey, the Christmas Poom,” which satires social sensitivities around religious holidays, Season 1 features many of the ideas, themes, and chaotic, controversial comedy that would define the series. Finishing on a high with “Cartman’s Mom is a Dirty Slut,” the season makes for a spectacular platform for all the carnage to come, even if it is a touch raw and unrefined when revisited today.

18

Season 2 (1998)

Number of Episodes: 18

Image via Comedy Central

Premiering just a month after Season 1 finished and containing the most episodes of any South Park season to date, the series’ sophomore outing presents more of the same erratic fun that made its debut season such a hit, while still finding time to deepen its characters across the board. While it has a couple of misfires, namely its premiere “Terrence and Phillip in Not Without My Anus”, Season 2 is largely defined by its consistency more so than its highlights.

That being said, “Cartman’s Mom is Still a Dirty Slut” offers plenty of hilarity as a callback to the Season 1 finale, while episodes like the bizarre “Gnomes”—which introduces the boys’ twitchy classmate Tweek—and “Spookyfish” are also noteworthy standouts. Also rife with celebrity cameos and plenty of offensive antics, Season 2 maintained the first season’s comedic zest and was instrumental in ensuring the series developed a steadfast fanbase for decades to come.

17

Season 4

Number of Episodes: 17

Image via Comedy Central

Like many of South Park’s earliest seasons, Season 4 is a sporadic and venomous satire of contemporary issues, featuring the series’ appetite for social commentary at its most barbed and frenzied. As such, its highlights are truly incredible and surprisingly enduring, with such episodes as “Cartman Joins NAMBLA,” “Cherokee Hair Tampons,” and “The Wacky Molestation Adventure” remembered as having a particularly strong impact upon release while losing none of their comedic punch over the years.

Interestingly, the season also contains what is widely regarded to be the series’ weakest installment in “Pip,” a parody of Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations” that doesn’t feature any of the core South Park characters and is narrated by Malcolm McDowell. A season of highs and lows, Season 4 is ultimately defined by its greatest triumphs, which display South Park at its irreverent and outrageous best.

16

Season 18

Number of Episodes: 10

Image via Comedy Central

While South Park has always featured ongoing gags and recurring characters, Season 18 marked the series’ introduction of seasons having serial plots throughout. Though experimental and largely reserved, the series famously explores ongoing subplots such as Randy Marsh being Lorde and Eric Cartman’s efforts to create an online gaming persona to capitalize on the interest in gaming YouTubers among younger audiences.

The season’s balance between isolated narratives and ongoing subplots is an intriguing one. It enables the series to maintain its sporadic irreverence by exploring new narrative ideas in each episode while also seeing the direct and indirect consequences of the boys’ actions become more apparent and even central to the story. Intriguing in its experiments yet maintaining the show’s week-to-week flexibility, Season 18 strikes the ideal balance between serialized storytelling and one-off episodes. Some of its best entries include “The Cissy,” “Grounded Vindaloop,” and “Cock Magic.”

15

Season 15 (2011)

Number of episodes: 14

Image via Comedy Central

Season 15 of South Park is noted by fans to be more introspective than previous seasons, as it takes a look at the show’s impact on the fans and the world. A noteworthy episode in the season is “You’re Getting Old,” following Stan as he turns ten and starts seeing everything around him as literal crap. The scene of Stan’s parents’ separation, needle dropped by Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide,” is a stark departure from the show’s usual comedic chaos.

Despite its introspective tone, the laughs are still plentiful in Season 15. “The Last of the Meheecans” finds the boys playing a border patrol game that hilariously spirals into a biting social commentary on immigration. The episode masterfully balances humor and sharp wit, with Butters’ absurd transformation into “Mantequilla” becoming an instant fan favorite. This episode exemplifies South Park at its best—equal parts outrageous and thought-provoking—while elevating the season given some of its less than stellar low points.

14

Season 3 (1999)

Number of episodes: 17

Image via Comedy Central

By the time Season 3 of South Park premiered in 1999, the show had already solidified its reputation as a groundbreaking animated series. Season 3 continued the show’s trajectory of irreverent humor and satirical flair, capitalizing on the momentum generated in the previous season. A particularly memorable episode is “Rainforest Shmainforest,” which sees the boys joining a choir group and flying to Costa Rica. The episode is a satirical take on environmental activism and cultural ignorance, with its unforgettable musical number, “Don’t Cut Down the Rainforest” and a spectacular guest appearance from Jennifer Aniston.

While the season may be sparse in terms of all-time series highlights beyond “Rainforest Shmainforest,” it doesn’t present any blatant misfires either. “Sexual Harassment Panda” would be regarded by many to be another gem of the season, with its blend of absurd plotting and biting underlying commentary about how issues of sexual harassment are handled in schools. Add in such irreverent and joyously juvenile episodes like “World Wide Recorder Concert”, in which the boys learn of a defecation-inducing mythical musical note, and Season 3 is a wonderful array of comedy styles that revels in the plain dumb fun of its animated antics.

13

Season 7 (2003)

Number of episodes: 15

Image via Comedy Central

In Season 7, Kenny, the gang’s perpetually doomed friend, returns from his cosmic hiatus. His absence in Season 6 left fans clutching their Cheesy Poofs in existential despair. Culturally, South Park was a reflection of the early 2000s, a time marked by political upheaval and rapid technological advancements. The show mirrored these changes, often skewering the absurdities of contemporary life.

One of the most celebrated episodes from Season 7 is “Casa Bonita,” a masterclass in character-driven comedy that follows Cartman’s elaborate scheme to secure an invitation to Kyle’s birthday party at the titular Mexican restaurant. However, the season contains plenty of other highlights, from celebrity-targeting episodes like “Fat Butt and Pancake Head” to entries that parody religious music like “Christian Rock Hard.” Also mocking gang wars, metrosexuality, and everything else that was an inflammatory topic in 2003, South Park‘s seventh season represents the show at its most punchy and profound.

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Season 27 (2025)

Number of Episodes: 5

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After a wait of almost two years since the finale of Season 26, South Park wasted no time in showing it still had the satirical wrath and absurdist, shock-value genius to not only touch on trending issues, but take a sledgehammer to them with reckless abandon. While featuring just five episodes that aired from July to September 2025, Season 27 makes its presence felt with searing and relentless social commentary.

Lampooning everything from the administration of President Donald Trump and the nature of political discourse in modern-day America to cultural anxieties surrounding A.I., the belligerent nature of ICE, and even Israel’s actions in the war with Palestine, South Park’s 27th season epitomizes the series at its most societally attuned and aggressive. Its five-episode run does leave something to be desired as it prevents the season from forming an elaborate, serialized story with any might, but its best moments exemplify why South Park is such a cultural phenomenon.

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Season 17 (2013)

Number of Episodes: 10

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Featuring masterpieces of parody and skewering satire, Season 17 thrives as an almighty takedown of the pop culture and political scene of the early 2010s. Among its boldest and most pointed episodes are “World War Zimmermann,” a gasp-worthy episode that examines the George Zimmermann trial while parodying World War Z, and “Informative Murder Porn,” in which the children of South Park grow concerned over their parents’ consumption of violent television and use the videogame Minecraft to distract them.

However, the season’s magnum opus, and one of the greatest triumphs of South Park at large, comes in the form of the three-episode arc that sees the children split over which new gaming console they should all buy. It explores the division between the kids by parodying Game of Thrones, making for a relentlessly hilarious South Park trilogy rife with razor-sharp social commentary and outstanding referential gags.