“South Park” makes a highly-anticipated return, and fans are eager to see what the show will take on with its crude and buzz-worthy brand of animated comedy when Season 27, episode 5 airs on Wednesday, September 24 (9/24/2025) at 10 p.m. ET on Comedy Central.
Cord-cutters can sign up for Philo (7-day free trial), DirecTV (5-day free trial), Fubo (5-day free trial) or Sling to stream the episode live and on demand.
The series was delayed last week, amid the whirlwind of news around Charlie Kirk’s death, Jimmy Kimmel’s temporary suspension from ABC, and President Donald Trump’s commentary on all of it. But show runners Matt Stone and Trey Parker have insisted the episode’s delay was due only to their own inability to get it done in time, not due to censorship.
Where to watch ‘South Park’ live and on demand for free
Viewers without cable can watch the latest episodes of “South Park” live and on demand for free by signing up for trial offers from Philo (7-day free trial), DirecTV (5-day free trial) and Fubo (5-day free trial).
Sling also carries Comedy Central, but no free trials are offered.
Episodes will stream the following day on Paramount+.
What are the differences between the streaming services?
Philo – This is the best name for budget live TV around. You get 70+ channels and unlimited DVR for just $28/month, and it’s currently offering a 7-day free trial. You won’t find a ton of sports options on Philo, but if you love entertainment and lifestyle channels like Paramount Network, Comedy Central, BET, and more, the price can’t be beat.
Read more: Why we think Philo’s free trial on its streaming service is best in class
DirecTV – Watch live TV from major broadcast and popular cable networks. Enjoy local and national live sports, breaking news and must-see shows the moment they air. Included: unlimited cloud DVR storage space so you can record as many shows as you want and stream them from wherever you go. DTV starts at $34.99 per month after a 5-day free trial when you shop their customizable genre packs.
Read more: DirecTV is offering lowest price of the year in a rare, limited-time deal
Fubo – Fubo offers one of the widest selections of channels among live TV streaming services. More than 230 channels, including all the sports and entertainment you love, plus sports add-ons for those niche networks you rely on, and it all starts with a 5-day free trial and $30 off the first month of service.
Sling – One of the best bargains in the live TV streaming market at $45.99 per month. Sling lets you choose the channel lineup that best suits your needs, whether you prefer more sports, or more news and entertainment, and is available to stream on Roku, iOS, Apple Play, Xbox, Fire TV, Chromecast and most app-friendly devices.
What to expect from ‘South Park’ Season 27, Episode 5
In “South Park’s” Season 27, Episode 5 teaser, Kyle and Cartman are at odds when a prediction markets app gets popular with their fellow students.
It is also the first episode of the show to air since the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the conservative political figurehead who the series took jabs at earlier in the season. Kirk himself reacted good-naturedly to the episode after it aired.
It is unknown whether the new episode will address Kirk’s death.
What is ‘South Park’ about?
For those unfamiliar with the long-running animated series, “South Park” is an animated comedy that follows the misadventures of four boys — Stan, Kyle, Cartman and Kenny — in the Colorado town of South Park.
Since its debut in 1997, the series has been known for its offbeat humor and sharp satire, often addressing controversial topics and current events.
‘South Park’ Season 27 release schedule
“South Park” Season 27 follows a bi-weekly release schedule, but even that pace hasn’t been easy for the show runners to keep up with.
This alternating release format is expected to continue for the remainder of the 10-episode season, which is projected to conclude around December 10.
The shift comes amid the show’s focus on highly topical political content. According to Deadline, sources close to the production say the extra time between episodes allows creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone to produce scripts and animation that stay current with rapidly unfolding political events.