Kicking off with South Park’s debut, in 1997 Season 1 received a 71 percent
Tomatometer rating. Critics seemed to enjoy South Park’s unabashed humor, reporting
it is unapologetic, shocking, and even “pants-wittingly”. However, many have made it a
point to say they found it to be dumb, crude, and widely controversial.

With that being said South Park remained afloat, with many seasons receiving 100
percent Tomatometer scores. For example, Seasons 5,10,11,12,16,19 each were rated
perfect scores from critics. With great ratings came great feedback: “a frequently
brilliant half-hour of television”, “wonderfully, horrifically hysterical”, and even “One of its
finest seasons.”

The more recent seasons have seen a dip in the Tomatometer; Season 22 at 77
percent, Season 23 at 50 percent, Season 24 at 63 percent, and Season 25 at 76
percent.

Even with fluctuation, South Park’s overall long-term ratings have sat steady. Currently
sitting at 80 percent average on rotten tomatoes, the show’s cultural relevance, bold
originality, and die-hard fans are few reasons why.

Having access to a constant influx of trending media South Park has cracked the code
to relevancy. And having debuted almost 30 years ago, the show has accumulated fans
from multiple generations, which means a more diverse audience range. With Season
27 being produced and published as we speak, South Park remains as unhinged and
hilarious as it first did just about three decades ago.