It’s a debate that’s lasted almost as long as the show itself: which is better, South Park or The Simpsons? Of course, The Simpsons is the original animated sitcom, and for that reason I imagine some will argue that it’s the best; after all, can a cover version ever be as good as the original?
Well, contrary to popular belief, I say a cover version can sometimes be superior, and South Park, despite being a new kid on the block while The Simpsons was in full bloom, has gone on to out-evolve its biggest competitor. It wasn’t always the case; in those first few seasons, when Matt and Trey were still finding their footing, South Park didn’t represent much of a threat to the Simpson’s throne. But that was then; this is now.
Over a fourteen year life-span, South Park has turned into a very different beast than it once was. While we’re still privy to as much filthy, offensive, scatological humour as we ever were there’s more to the whole experience now. The characters have grown, the world has become more in-depth and complex and the storylines have become much more sophisticated in their design. It’s grown up, but it’s managed to keep that same sense of humour that got us hooked as teenagers.
Without a doubt, South Park is better than any other animated TV sitcom and that includes The Simpsons. And here are ten of the reason why we think you should agree.
You Might Also Like...
- Top 5 South Park Episodes of All Time
- THQ Is No Longer Publishing Devil’s Third
- THQ Will Reverse Stock Split To Stay Listed In Nasdaq
Want to write about the stuff you're passionate about and have your work read by an audience of over 10 million a month? Click here to become a contributor.









15 Comments
Love both shows and don’t really disagree with any points. Nowadays South Park makes me laugh WAY harder but Simpsons seasons 3-9 is some of the smartest, funny, most complete TV writing of all time, let alone in comedy.
In my eyes its best not to compare, they both aim for a different audience, they just happen to be animated. Appreciate you not bringing Family Guy into the equation, in terms of overall quality its so far beneath the two in question. Cartman puts it best in the brilliant Cartoon Wars I reckon.
I agree that South Park is funnier now and has been for most of its run, but The Simpsons seasons 3-10 (not 7-12) is the best television we’ve ever had. The 4th season of The Simpsons might be the greatest season of television in the entire canon of pop culture. I’m serious.
South Park is offensive for the sake of being offensive, promoting stereotypes and poking fun at the vulnerable, it’s adult jokes are somewhat ‘kiddy’ and it always seems to have a provocative political message, btw, constant swearing, ridiculing of anti-Israeli arguments and insulting a whole religion is not funny!!!
Error…
Awesome and true!
South Park is amateur in every aspect.
Really, because the definition of ‘amateur’ is that it’s done for no money. I could be wrong but I’m fairly certain South Park makes money, lots and lots of money. So calling it amateur in any aspect is a mistake surely.
Totally agree!
Okay, I love South Park. I agree that it’s better than the Simpsons. It’s pretty much my favorite show. But, #7 is flat-out wrong. As great as South Park is, the Simpsons has a far more memorable and lovable supporting cast.
After all, about eighty-percent of South Park’s peripheral cast pretty much disappeared into the background within a few years of their debut. Characters like Timmy, Barbrady, and the Mayor barely even appear on the show anymore.
Springfield is populated by an unforgettable and beloved supporting cast. South Park just can’t compete with that in terms of characters.
Around 10 years ago I would have agreed, but around season 8 the show and its creators just got lazy. Once they made clever and unusual observations about our society, but today the punchline is usually just: “These guys are crazy, but the other guys are crazy too, so everybody is crazy.”
I pretty much gave up on the show, when they started to use the episodes to plug video games. I mean, they gave the PSP, the Wii and World Of Warcraft each one full episode! The WOW one was even made with the participation of the company that made the game and its message was pretty much: “WOW is so awesome!”
Not to mention that they started more and more to rely on lame popculture references, culminating in the horrible IMAGINATIONLAND trilogy, aka “Look, it’s ________, isn’t that awesome?!?” The show became pretty much what they accused FAMILY GUY of!
About the humor…well I don’t know. I’m not saying that I grew up and I’m too old for a good peepeepoopoofartyspermsex joke, but there weren’t any good ones in a while. It’s now more shock for shock’s sake, without even trying to be funny. (And on a more personal note: I hated that they turned Carman years ago from a racist, but funny a-hole into a full blown psychopath. It was fun when they did it once in the Scott Tenorman episode, but they should have left it as a one-time joke.)
From time to time I try to watch a new episode when it’s on TV, but I usually change the channel within less than 10 minutes.
Thank you! Everyone’s talking about the decline of The Simpsons (I agree BTW, that show is pretty much unwatchable these days) whereas a lot of people seem to think that South Park is still in its prime, which is something I trully cannot comprehend.
I especially agree about the whole ‘pop culture’ thing. It would be fine if they used it sparingly, as a means of inspiration now and then, but no: EVERY episode has to revolve around the hottest Movie/TV Show/Political Issue/Social Issue of the time. “Let’s take that, relocate it to South Park, Colorado and have it happen to one of the main characters. That’s it for the plot, ladies & gentlemen. To the Used Joke Library!”
Translation: Matt & Trey haven’t had an original idea since Season 10 (and I think I’m being generous here).
Really? Because I thought South Park was its best when it was at season 8, and, it stayed pretty strong till season 12, than the show started going downhill which was in 2008, Simpsons started going downhill in 1999, and it stayed pretty much that way. South Park on the other maybe going downhill too, but there are still great episodes in the show and way better ideas than The Simpsons. Just my opinion.
I totally have to disagree with you, because South Park has had a good number of great shows after season 10. I don’t see the problem with their inclusion of the PSP, the WOW game, the Facebook parody, the Rock Band storyline, and similar stuff. Actually, those have turned out to be some of their best episodes. Granted, some episodes of South Park have been hit or miss, but overall the quality of the show has been kept and it’s still worth to watch. Recent episodes like “Cash For Gold”, “Cartman Finds Love”, “A Nightmare on Facetime”, “Sarcastaball” and “Obama Wins!” prove it right away. The series may not be in its heyday, as on Seasons 3-12, but it still delivers funnier, smarter, more clever episodes than the Simpsons do.
I’ve never been a fan of the Simpsons myself, because I never really cared about the series. It ocassionally steals a smile from me, but it generally doesn’t do anything more. I respect the people who prefer the Simpsons over other animated TV comedy shows, but for me, South Park is the king of them all, IMO.
Very spot on article. I had a terrific time reading it!!
Sorry mate but I have to disagree with this review, Simpsons is more clever, creative, funnier, more characters, the characters have personality where in South Park they are quite wooden and rely on the same one note jokes. The Simpsons in it’s prime (3-9) is classic. But even Simpsons (10-23) still produces laughs and is enjoyable to watch.
Don’t get me wrong South Park is okay, I chuckle a few times an episode, but Simpsons is way better.
South park sucks ass I don’t like it at all