If Hulu is your go-to spot for binge-watching and the question ‘Does Hulu have South Park?’ has been keeping you awake at night, then stay tuned. In this post we will give you the lowdown on whether Hulu has South Park. And if not what other option you have to watch this animated sitcom.
Is South park on Hulu?
The short answer, No. Unfortunately, South Park is not accessible on Hulu anymore. The show shifted its streaming rights to Max (the new name for HBO Max) in July 2020. As of today, only Max possesses the rights to stream all 25 seasons of South Park, including the most recent episodes. Nonetheless, there are a few other options to view South Park:
- You can watch new episodes on Comedy Central: Generally, South Park’s latest episodes premiere first on Comedy Central and can be viewed live if you have a cable subscription or a streaming service that includes Comedy Central.
- Selected episodes can be watched for free on South Park Studios: On the official website of South Park (https://southpark.cc.com), a handful of episodes are available for free viewing. This includes some old favorites and recent specials.
- Other streaming services like Pluto TV and Tubi occasionally offer free screenings of South Park episodes. However, their availability may be limited and inconsistent.
So even though Hulu no longer streams South Park, you still have multiple ways to get your dose of this provocative animation series featuring Cartman, Kyle, Stan and Kenny!
Why Did South Park Leave Hulu?
South Park’s exit from Hulu in 2020 was a result of a profitable licensing agreement and the introduction of a new streaming platform. To break it down:
Financial considerations
In October 2019, HBO Max obtained the exclusive U.S. streaming rights for all existing South Park seasons (23 at that point), as well as the next three seasons, in an agreement reportedly valued above $500 million. This substantial sum likely surpassed what Hulu was prepared to pay to keep the series.
Streaming competition
HBO Max’s debut in May 2020 marked a significant new player in the increasingly contested streaming market. Acquiring a notable and provocative series like South Park was a tactical decision by HBO Max to lure potential subscribers and set itself apart from rivals.
Contract termination
Hulu initially had the streaming rights for South Park until June 2020. After the contract ended, South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker were at liberty to negotiate with other platforms, and HBO Max’s lucrative proposal was irresistible. Moreover, there were industry rumors that ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global), Comedy Central’s owner (where South Park is aired), might have wanted to unify distribution rights for its content on its own platform (Paramount Plus), which debuted in 2021.
Thus, while Hulu viewers were saddened by South Park’s departure, it was primarily influenced by financial motives, streaming rivalry, and strategic platform objectives.
What Streaming Services have South Park Now?
Here’s a breakdown of current streaming services offering South Park and how to watch them:
1. South Park Studios (Website):
- Content: Free selection of episodes, rotating regularly. Currently includes classics like “Cartman Gets an Anal Probe” and recent specials like “The COVID Special.”
- How to watch: Visit https://www.southparkstudios.com/. No subscription required.
- Pricing: Free, but limited selection.
- Availability: US
2. HBO Max:
- Content: All 25 seasons, latest episodes, and exclusive specials like “The Streaming Wars.”
- How to watch: Subscribe directly or access through various cable providers, including AT&T TV, Cox, and DIRECTV.
- Pricing:
- $9.99/month with ads (limited availability)
- $14.99/month with ads
- $19.99/month ad-free
- Availability: US
3. YouTube TV:
- Content: All seasons, including new episodes when they air on Comedy Central.
- How to watch: Subscribe to YouTube TV.
- Pricing: $72.99/month as of January 23, 2024. Prices may change.
- Availability: US
4. Apple TV+:
- Content: All Seasons
- Pricing: From $4.99/month
- Availability: US
5. Philo:
- Content: Seasons 10, 16, 18-23, and 26 as of January 23, 2024.
- How to watch: Subscribe to Philo.
- Pricing: $25/month
- Availability: US
6. Amazon Prime Video:
- Content: Seasons 1-4 and 6-22. Does not include the latest seasons or specials.
- How to watch: Included with your Amazon Prime membership.
- Pricing: Varies depending on your Prime membership.
- Availability: UK
7. Paramount Plus:
- Content: All seasons, including latest episodes and specials.
- How to watch: Subscribe to Paramount Plus.
- Pricing: $4.99/month with ads, $9.99/month ad-free.
- Availability: US, UK
Important Notes:
- Availability of seasons and specials may vary slightly depending on region.
- Pricing may change over time.
- Always check the platform’s official website or app for the most up-to-date information on content and pricing.
How to Watch South Park Outside of US
Watching the outrageous exploits of Cartman, Stan, Kyle, and Kenny in South Park might pose a challenge if you’re not in the US due to varying streaming landscapes. But don’t worry! We have some solutions for enjoying South Park outside the confines of the US.
Use a VPN Service
- Access South Park from anywhere, bypassing geo-restrictions (like HBO Max being US-only).
- Enhance privacy and security while streaming.
Top VPNs for South Park:
- NordVPN:
- Pros: Great speed, server variety, excellent security features, good for streaming.
- Cons: Slightly higher price, not the most user-friendly interface.
- ExpressVPN:
- Pros: Superb speed, user-friendly interface, strong security, reliable for streaming.
- Cons: Most expensive option, limited free trial.
- CyberGhost:
- Pros: Affordable, user-friendly, large server network, good for beginners.
- Cons: Not the fastest speeds, some security features lacking compared to others.
Brief pros and cons of each:
- NordVPN: Powerful, secure, but pricey.
- ExpressVPN: Fast, easy to use, but the most expensive.
- CyberGhost: Budget-friendly, user-friendly, but not the fastest or most secure.
Other VPN Options:
- Surfshark: Affordable, unlimited connections, but lower server diversity.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): Budget-friendly, strong security, but slightly slower speeds.
Remember:
- Using a VPN for accessing content you don’t have the rights to might be illegal in some regions.
- Free VPNs often have limitations like slow speeds or data caps.
Tip: Always check the VPN’s money-back guarantee and try it out before committing.
How to Watch South Park without Subscription
Even though the majority of official platforms to view South Park online require a subscription to streaming services, there are a few alternatives that allow you to watch without spending money. Here are some possibilities, which include both official and unofficial methods:
Official Free Options:
South Park Studios (Website): This site offers a limited but rotating selection of free episodes. It includes classic episodes such as Cartman Gets an Anal Probe as well as recent specials like The COVID Special. They also provide mini-games and clips for your entertainment.
Comedy Central App: This app will occasionally offer reruns and previews of new episodes. You’ll have to set up a free account with your TV provider details.
Unofficial (and possibly risky) methods:
Free VPNs and Streaming Sites: It might be tempting to use a free VPN to access South Park on streaming services like HBO Max in the US, but proceed with caution. Free VPNs often suffer from restricted bandwidth, unstable connections, and dubious security measures. Moreover, accessing content you don’t have rights to could be illegal in your area.
Streaming Websites: Some websites provide access to illegally uploaded TV shows and movies, including South Park. These sites are frequently infested with malware and pop-up ads, and the quality of the streams is often inconsistent. Additionally, it’s ethically wrong to watch copyrighted content without paying for it.
Alternative Entertainment:
If you’re craving some good animated laughs but South Park isn’t accessible, check out some other great options available for free or through affordable subscriptions:
Rick and Morty: This Adult Swim sci-fi sitcom shares some of South Park’s dark humor and irreverence. You can find several seasons on Hulu with a free trial or through other streaming services.
Futurama: Another Matt Groening creation, Futurama offers sci-fi satire and slapstick humor. All seven seasons are available on Hulu with a free trial or through other streaming services.
BoJack Horseman: This Netflix dramedy blends humor and heartbreak, exploring the life of a washed-up sitcom horse. All six seasons are available on Netflix.
These alternatives should satisfy your South Park cravings in 2024, whether through official means or other forms of entertainment. Don’t forget to ensure safety and legality when venturing into unofficial routes though!
Wrap
So, there you have it. Hopefully this should clear up whether Hulu carries the show. Now you can decide if a Hulu subscription is worthwhile to meet your animation comedy needs or you should explore other options.