The animated comedy South Park, created by animators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, premiered on Comedy Central in August 1997 to rave reviews and loud criticism. The main characters, four roundheaded third graders, have been involved in unlikely adventures with zombies, aliens, and Mr. Hanky the Christmas Poo. Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny respond to most situations by belching, vomiting, or swearing. Kenny is killed in nearly every episode to the refrain: "They killed Kenny! You bastards!" The show is wildly popular among children, teens, and twenty-somethings. Its unflinching look at how sweet and innocent most children really are when left to themselves takes the portrait of childhood offered by such popular comics as Peanuts and Calvin and Hobbes several steps further. In a town where Jesus has his own cable access show, Parker and Stone have created an environment where nothing is sacred and everything is fodder for their satire.

Further Reading:

Gegax, T. Trent, et al. "South Park: The Rude Tube." Newsweek. March 23, 1998, 56-62.