As South Park embarks on its 27th season, it has ignited more controversy than it has in years—perhaps more than ever before—while simultaneously achieving some of its highest ratings to date. The latest episode took a pointed jab at the Trump administration's harsh policies regarding Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, poking fun at Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem's peculiar interests, which include puppy euthanasia and cosmetic surgery. In a twist, Noem has publicly accused the show of sexism, further fueling the show's already heated discourse.
This week’s episode, titled "Sickofancy", continues the satirical trend by targeting artificial intelligence, particularly the popular AI tool, ChatGPT, and the broader tech-bro industry. Picking up from the previous episode’s cliffhanger, the show’s quintessential character, Randy Marsh, finds his cherished Tegridy Weed marijuana farm raided by border patrol agents who kidnap his workers—a scene that starkly illustrates the absurdity of the situation with Randy exclaiming, “Hey! Those are my Mexicans!” With only one employee left, the perpetually high Towelie—a talking bath towel—Randy is left despondent.
In his quest for solutions, Randy turns to ChatGPT for advice. The AI-generated business plan proposes a new venture for Randy and Towelie: Techridy, an “AI-powered marijuana platform for global solutions.” To get their operation off the ground, they spring a single Mexican worker from an ICE detention center and indulge in ample amounts of recreational ketamine, leading to a rebranding that satirizes both the marijuana industry and tech culture.
Meanwhile, in the heart of Washington, President Trump is depicted taking a break from accepting lavish gifts and dubious compliments from politicians, business magnates, and foreign leaders. His character is shown remaking the capital into a dystopian police state, replete with his own image—complete with a less-than-flattering portrayal of his anatomy. The intertwining narratives culminate when Randy attempts to bribe Trump into legalizing marijuana nationwide by offering Towelie as a gesture of goodwill. However, the plan backfires when the advice from ChatGPT proves to be utterly ineffective, leading Randy to sell Tegridy Farms and relocate his family back to the suburbs.
Parker and Stone's critique of artificial intelligence is refreshingly perceptive, arguing that technology is eroding our personal connections and offering misguided advice. While the commentary on tech bros is solid, some viewers may find it disappointing that Elon Musk does not make an appearance, despite the episode's humorous references to ketamine addiction that seem directed at him. However, the jabs at Apple CEO Tim Cook and Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg provide a satisfying alternative, filling in gaps in the critique of the tech industry.
The humor surrounding Trump remains sharp and effective, and it is evident that South Park is building toward a significant conclusion in this season. This likely involves the character of Satan, who has finally begun taking steps to free himself from his toxic relationship with Trump. As the season progresses, viewers can expect more biting satire and sharp commentary on the state of politics and technology.
