Three More Years for 'South Park'
Thursday, September 08, 2005
11:42 AM PT
Kenny McCormick has died dozens of times on "South Park" over the years, but the folks at Comedy Central aren't ready to kill him for good just yet.
The cable network has extended the contract of "South Park" creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker for three more years, ensuring that the animated series will continue through 2008. The show returns with new episodes in October, and the new contract will kick in after that batch ends.
"I was at Comedy Central when we launched the first season of 'South Park,' and I am thrilled to see them continue through 2008," network president Doug Herzog says. "Matt and Trey are creative geniuses and a huge part of the Comedy Central family, and we look forward to continued success."
The new contract calls for 14 episodes of "South Park" each year from 2006-08, with Parker and Stone writing, directing and editing each one. The additional 42 installments will push the show close to the 200-episode mark -- an impressive feat for any series, let alone one that features potty-mouthed fourth-graders who began life as crudely animated paper cutouts.
"South Park" is currently in its ninth season and remains Comedy Central's highest-rated series. It's nominated for an Emmy this year for outstanding animated program, the show's fifth nod in the category. The show debuts in syndication this fall and returns to Comedy Central on Oct. 19.