7. Psychics
Episode: Cartman's Incredible Gift & Biggest Douche in the Universe While now we're more interested in watching people tear chunks off each other on Jeremy Kyle, in the early noughties (urgh) there was a very different phenomenon sweeping television TV psychics. South Park's approach to these topics was as irreverent as ever and came initially in the form of The Biggest Douche in the Universe. With Cartman seriously ill after being possessed by Kenny, the boys are forced to confront mortality. At the suggestion of Chef, they travel to watch Crossing Over with John Edwards live. What follows are a series of fantastic sequences where Stan tries to convince people he isn't a psychic causing the opposite effect. The grand finale sees him pit against Edwards in a psychic showdown which is cut short as an alien craft appears and abducts the TV clairvoyant. After an episode's worth of jokes at the expense of medium's the payoff is worth it as John Edwards is crowned Biggest Douche in the Universe. While South Park was very clear in its view of the practices of these people, it also made a point of showing how easily it is for people to get taken in by them, adding a serious layer beneath their humorous assault. Matt and Trey returned to the topic in Season 8 with Cartman's Incredible Gift, this time focusing on people who claim to be psychic helping the police. After Cartman attempts to fly off his roof and puts himself in a coma we are lead on a story of psychic rivalry which parodies not only the Psychic Investigator genre but also Red Dragon and other detective stories. This farce is made particularly hilarious by the standout moment of the episode; Cartman's mental battle with rival psychics in his living room.