5 classic South Park episodes that speak to our current moment

An astonishing 25 seasons after South Park debuted on August 13, 1997, creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone continue to satirize hot-button topics and prominent public figures without restraint. Admirably, they’ve let the show grow over the years, and even contradict itself as their own views have evolved. Lately, they’ve embraced opportunities to course correct and retcon when necessary. But the series’ crude humor and dramatic excesses remain unbridled, and the show’s mission remains the same—to hold a funhouse mirror up to society and force the audience to feel something, whether it be revulsion, inspiration, recognition, or simply mindless laughter. Out of 317 episodes (and counting), we’ve picked five that capture our current moment and represent South Park at its topical best.