Comedy Central Pulls South Park Episode After Charlie Kirk’s Assassination

A Comedy Central rerun of South Park Season 27, Episode 2, “Got a Nut,” was pulled from the network’s schedule Wednesday night after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University.

The decision to remove the episode, which originally aired Aug. 6, underscores the sensitivity surrounding Kirk’s death and the episode’s direct parody of his debating style.

Key Details

  • “Got a Nut” is the second episode of South Park’s 27th season (330th overall), featuring Eric Cartman and Clyde Donovan as right-wing podcasters in a campus debate format that mirrors Kirk’s public appearances.
  • The rerun was slated for Sept. 10 but was replaced mid-schedule with the season premiere, “Sermon on the Mount,” hours after news of Kirk’s killing emerged.
  • Despite its removal from Comedy Central’s linear rotation, the episode remains available on Paramount+ and CC on Demand.

Episode Synopsis and Controversy

In “Got a Nut,” Cartman adopts Kirk’s hairstyle and mannerisms, competing in a mock podcast debate and ultimately awarding Clyde the “Charlie Kirk Award for Young Masterdebaters.” Kirk himself had praised the satire as “hilarious” and a “badge of honor” when it first aired.

Following the shooting at the Turning Point USA event on Wednesday afternoon, MAGA supporters online blamed the episode for stoking animosity against Kirk, prompting Comedy Central’s swift action to pull the rerun.

Network Response and Streaming Access

Comedy Central issued no formal public statement but confirmed to industry outlets that the removal is temporary. Paramount+ and CC on Demand viewers can still stream “Got a Nut,” and its availability online suggests the network’s intent to balance respect for the tragedy with unrestricted access for subscribers.

Broader Impact on South Park’s Syndication

  • South Park has a long history of lampooning political figures across the spectrum.
  • The show’s remaining Season 27 episodes continue to parody high-profile targets, including former President Trump and public officials.
  • Upcoming episodes are scheduled to air Sept. 17, with no changes announced to future programming.