Those of us that grew up in the nineties were blessed with some extremely great television. Seinfeld and the Simpsons can easily be considered two of the greatest television shows of all time. But I'd like to take the time to introduce another show into the debate.
That's right, South Park.
This evening at 10/9 Central on Comedy Central, South Park continues it's thirteenth season on the air. As anyone who's seen a recent episode can tell you, South Park has not lost an ounce of steam, despite it's nearly decade long existence.
Let's compare that to the two giants of nineties television. Seinfeld lasted nine seasons, with arguably this 8th and 9th season's suffering slightly due to the departure of head writer Larry David. The Simpson's meanwhile is currently in it's 21st season, however in my opinion only a handful of episodes after season 9 are worth watching.
So let's say most good television shows have a shelf life of 9 years. South Park has outlasted that by a couple of years, and I'd even go so far as to say the tenth season is one of the best in the history of the show.
Even more amazing is that South Park is essentially written by one guy. Trey Parker has been the head writer for every episode of South Park. The two other shows feature a team of writers, which constantly changed and evolved. Let me say that again, Parker, with occasional help from Co-creator Matt Stone has written every freakin' episode of South Park himself. That's pretty impressive.
I also think South Park warrants a mention for how incredibly diverse the show remains, while still sticking to its original ethos. You know, little kids cussing. In this season alone they've tackled the economic crisis, fishsticks, Somalian pirates, and uhh, queefing. Not bad South Park, not bad.
Tonight's episode looks to be based on the movie the 6th Sense. It's been way too long since I've seen a 6th Sense parody. Wow, really takes me back.
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I love south park. Our generation has grown up with southpark. I would argue the the first couple of seasons are so stupid and crappy that they are unwatchable. However, at the time, in middle-school I loved it. Southpark is now sohpisticated, and now one of the most relevant shows on tv.
ReplyDeleteA lot of good points made by you Rizzo and by you Mark.
ReplyDeleteI did love the first few seasons of South Park but you're right, compared to the more recent episodes they just aren't that funny anymore. That's a testiment to the shows evolution.
Although, the South Park Movie is still glorious. (Does a movie factor into the excellence of the show? I'd say so.)
Not to mention like the Simpsons and Seinfeld the show has created some of the more hilarious 'side' characters of all time.
During last nights "Play in GAme" between the Tigers and Twins for baseball the home plate umpire's name was Randy Marsh, and I almost pissed myself laughing.
Randy Marsh being my favorite...I think Ike is my second favorite 'side' character on that show.
ReplyDeleteWho are some of YOUR favorites?
Randy Marsh is a good one. They aired the one last night were he get's into fights at the boys' little league games. Priceless.
ReplyDeleteI'm a HUGE fan of Butters. Anything he says cracks me up.
Jimmy Vulmer is alright, mostly in the recent episodes.
I dunno, Jesus?
...that was meant for everyone not just Rizzo.
ReplyDeleteMan who is the kid that goes to peru with them?
And is like, "this is why nobody at school likes you."
Craig? I think its Craig. He's the man. so is Token.
Oh man.
ReplyDeleteThis new episode came out swinging.
Chipotle...Michael Jackson...Pervert Judgest at Child Beauty Pagents...Airline Delays...God Damnit this show is excellent.
Rizzo remind me to email Trey Parker to give us a weekend guest rate.
The dragon in Heroin Hero. He is my fave.
ReplyDeletesaddam hussein. hilarious. especially in the "wizard of oz" episode journey thru "bullshit canada" (aka the worst christmas ever, nothing happened this year), just after he was found in that hole in the ground, all disshevled and such. relax, guy...
ReplyDeleteButters Parents are pretty awesome too.
ReplyDeleteThey just ground him for everything. (FYI this weeks episode Butters looks like he'll have a pivotal role.)