Additional Coverage:
- Emmy Award viewers in shock after South Park is recognized for ‘reminding us of what’s at stake’ (irishstar.com)
Emmys Shout-Out to ‘South Park’ Leaves Viewers Surprised
The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 14th, celebrated the best of television. While stars like Sydney Sweeney and Jenna Ortega graced the event, an unexpected moment stole the show.
Television Academy Chairman Cris Abrego’s speech took a surprising turn when he mentioned “South Park” alongside groundbreaking series like “MASH,” “Roots,” and “Will and Grace.” Abrego’s speech emphasized television’s power to unite and shape culture, particularly in times of societal division. He highlighted the role of artists in challenging the status quo and advocating for connection, inclusion, and empathy.
The mention of the often-irreverent animated series sparked a flurry of reactions on social media. Fans expressed disbelief and amusement, with one user finding it hard to believe “South Park” would be mentioned in the same breath as the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Others admitted to being completely shocked by the unexpected shout-out.
The recognition comes amidst “South Park’s” 27th season, which has satirized the Trump administration.
This year’s Emmys, hosted by first-timer Nate Bargatze, saw Apple TV+’s “Severance” leading with 27 nominations, followed by HBO Max’s “The Penguin” with 24. Streaming platforms dominated the nominations overall, with shows like “The White Lotus,” “Only Murders in the Building,” and “The Studio” also receiving recognition.