Television shows don’t get much more popular thanSouth Park. Since the first episode aired in 1998, the series has attracted a large following due to its dark and satirical humor. Something that even carries over to theseveral video games that are based on the show.
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During its long run on television, the series has featured some truly outstanding episodes, and several of the most significant ones have come right at the start of seasons. But which are the best? IMDB’s reviewers can help answer that, as these are the episodes they consider to be the show’s greatest premieres.
Updated June 13, 2025 By Ben Jessey:Few TV series in history get to have as many seasons asSouth Park.The raunchy comedy is on its 24th, and it shows no signs of stopping. As a result, there has been a whole lot of season premieres.
The previous version of this list covered the ten greatest openings in the show’s long history. But as there have been 24 of them, a few great episodes missed out, so we’ve added five more to the collection. Some of these picks show that it’s not only the best seasons ofSouth Parkthat start well.
15Season 16: Reverse Cowgirl (7.8)
In classicSouth Parkfashion, the first episode of season 16 takes a simple concept and makes it outrageous. This time it’s all about the social etiquette of men putting the toilet seat down.
Clyde’s failure to follow said etiquette leads to the death of his mother. Then the episode starts to parody airport security measures as the TSA (which in this version means Toilet Safety Administration) gets involved and implements ridiculous regulations for toilet usage, angering everyone in the process. It’s all classicSouth Parksilliness, and Butter’s input in the whole toilet using debate is especially hilarious.
14Season 20: Member Berries (7.9)
One ofSouth Park’smost quotable phrases in recent history is “I ‘member,” which is constantly uttered by a type of superfruit called the Member Berries. Those Berries debut in this episode, and constantly talk about how great things were in the past. They play into the social commentary on reboots and nostalgia that features heavily in this episode.
The show also tackles the debate about kneeling for the American National anthem in a funny and verySouth Parkway. Mr. Garrison’s presentational campaign arc continues in this episode as well, and the writers manage to cleverly link these storylines together.
13Season 12: Tonsil Trouble (7.9)
During the season 12 premiere, Cartman gets infected with HIV while having his tonsils removed. When Kyle pokes fun at his long-term rival’s misfortune, Cartman purposely infects him with the disease as revenge. Then the two go on an adventure to find a cure.
This episode is a classic example of the show’s willingness to joke about anything. The serious disease and victims of it are turned into a humorous punchline throughout. And perhaps the best part is Cartman constantly repeating the words “I’m not just sure, I’m HIV positive.”
12Season 1: Cartman Gets An A**l Probe (8.0)
The first-ever official episode ofSouth Parksees Cartman, and then later Ike, get abducted by aliens. They keep Kyle’s brother, so the boys have to figure out how to get him back.
As the episode was made back in the 90s, it’s not a technical marvel.However, “Cartman Gets An A**l Probe” perfectly establishesSouth Park’ssignature brand of crude and controversial humor that fans have come to love. Even though plenty has since changed about the show since its debut, a lot of the jokes still hold up.
While it isn’t generally considered the best season ofSouth Park, number 22 started well with the “Dead Kids” episode. The serious issue the show is making fun of in this one is school shootings. Throughout the episode, shootings are continually occurring at South Park Elementary, and nobody is giving them much attention. The only one who cares is Sharon Marsh, and because of her distressed response, everyone thinks somethings wrong with her.
Elsewhere, Cartman believes that Token hates him because he disliked the culturally significantBlack Panthermovie. As with mostSouth Parkepisodes, it’s all controversial yet hilarious.
10Season 6: Jared Has Aides (8.1)
Elsewhere, Jared tries to convey that his own weight loss was due to his aides, which everyone confuses with the disease. The misunderstanding becomes a hilarious running gag throughout. And a lot of credit should be given to the writers for getting so much mileage out of the mix-up, as it remains funny for the entire episode.
9Season 10: The Return Of Chef (8.1)
Chef is one ofseveral characters who have been written out of the show, and it happens during season 10’s ironically titled premiere episode. It sees the once lovable Chef return to South Park after spending time with the Super Adventure Club. While the kids are initially happy to see that the man has returned, he starts to act creepier than usual.
The character left the show becausehis voice actor, Isaac Hayes, had issues with how the series made fun of certain beliefs. Yet, despite the unceremonious parting, Chef’s last episode is still a strong one. Yes, he doesn’t get a heartfelt exit, but that’s in tune with the show.
8Season 13: The Ring (8.2)
Disney is a juggernaut in the entertainment industry due to its ability to continually produce excellent movies, TV shows, andeven video games. However, that doesn’t stopSouth Parkfrom poking fun at the giant company. Their mocking is at it’s best during the first episode of season 13.
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The episode revolves around Disney stars, The Jonas Brothers, being forced to preach abstinence to manipulate young girls.South Park’sversion of Mickey Mouse is the highlight of the episode. Instead of being a wholesome fictional character, he’s a cruel, power-hungry Disney executive.
7Season 4: The Tooth Fairy’s Tats 2000 (8.3)
When the boys find out they can make money from losing teeth, ala the Tooth Fairy, they attempt to turn it into a business. Naturally, as this isSouth Park, the simple premise escalates, and tooth-trading mobsters get involved.
The inclusion of the mob is funny enough, but it gets even more ridiculous when the American Dental Association starts to get suspicious about the missing teeth. This organization concludes that the culprit is a giant chicken and squirrel hybrid.South Parkexcels are these sort of over-the-top storylines, and this one is no different.
6Season 5: It Hits The Fan (8.5)
South Park is rocked when someone decides to use the word s*** during a popular TV show. Everyone in town responds by continually using the curse word themselves.
The result of their actions? A deadly plague, somehow. What’s more, their foul language awakens The Knights of Standards and Practices, who try to put a stop to the virus. It’s a crazy yet very entertaining storyline. And one that no other show could execute as convincingly.
