South Park The Streaming Wars

South Park The Streaming Wars
Directed by	Trey Parker
Produced by	Eric Stough Bruce Howell Adrien Beard Vernon Chatman Daryl Sancton Jenny Shin Wonnie Ro Greg Postma Keo Thongkham Lydia Quidilla John Hansen David List Mark Munley Nate Pellettieri
Written by	Trey Parker
Based on	South Park by: Trey Parker & Matt Stone.
Music by	Les Claypool Adam Berry Scott Nickoley Jamie Dunlap
Production company(s)	South Park Digital Studios MTV Entertainment Studios Comedy Central Films
Distributed by	Paramount+
Release date(s)	June 1, 2022 (part 1) July 13, 2022 (part 2)
Running time	99 minutes
Language	English
Preceded by	Credigree Weed St. Patrick's Day Special (South Park)
External links
Official website
IMDb page

South Park The Streaming Wars Part 1 & 2 is a 2022 American adult animated comedy television films written and directed by Trey Parker. It is the third and fourth South Park television films produced for Paramount+ and was released on June 1, 2022. the Part 2 sequel was released a month later on Paramount+ which it concludes the storyline that began in its predecessor, South Park the Streaming Wars part 1. It also serves as the 318th and the 319th overall episode of the television series

Plot

Part 1

Denver is experiencing a large drought caused by ManBearPig, resulting in drying streams and discussions about reinstituting watering restrictions. The protesting citizens, including waterpark owner Pi Pi, are told that the city's water sees use in agriculture.

In South Park, Stan Marsh and Tolkien Black are concerned about the former's father, Randy, who is derisively referred to as "Karen". Randy and Steve Black's arguing is interrupted by a Denver water commissioner examining the water supplies at their respective farms. Meanwhile, Eric Cartman is despondent over residing in the abandoned hot dog stand. He is intrigued when he notices construction on a house across the street for golf course owner Talnua Cussler. Cartman suggests to his mother, Liane, that she get breast implants to attract Cussler. Liane refuses and informs Cartman of the cost of such a surgery.

Steve learns that he can sell some of his water supply if the stream reaches Denver's reservoir. At Stan and Tolkien's suggestion, they craft a small boat and send it downstream. The experiment is successful, and Steve begins accepting subscriptions to his streaming service, including Pi Pi. When Steve is told to send boats downstream daily, he pays Stan and Tolkien to increase their production. Randy becomes frustrated at Steve's success, so Stan and Tolkien agree to build him craft boats as well. They recruit Kyle Broflovski, Kenny McCormick and Butters Stotch to help them as demand increases; they initially refuse to recruit Cartman, but relent when Cartman tells them of the surgery. Cussler offers Stan and Tolkien $15,000 for 10,000 boats, thus covering the surgery's cost. Cartman tries to surprise Liane with the surgery, but she stands by her earlier decision, no longer giving in to his demands. He threatens to have the surgery done to himself, but Liane remains unfazed, allowing the surgery to proceed.

When Steve sees a report about ManBearPig's environmental damage, he hikes up the mountains to see for himself. He approaches a dying real estate agent, who tells Steve that a large swath of land near the streams has been sold to a wealthy buyer. When Randy sails one of his boats downstream, it is sunk by Cussler Industries boats. Randy confronts Stan about Cussler's boats and demands that he end their deal. When they visit Cussler's house, they find that he was killed by ManBearPig, and Randy wonders if Stan is in danger. At Pi Pi's Splashtown, Steve tells Pi Pi that he will have to cancel the waterpark's streaming rights to provide water to his farm. Pi Pi refuses, revealing that he is collaborating with the water commissioner and ManBearPig. Steve realizes that Pi Pi purchased the land in the mountains when ManBearPig attacks, stabbing Steve and throwing him out a window down a water slide. Pi Pi later reveals to the water commissioner his plan to replace all of Denver's water with his park's urine-contaminated water. He betrays the commissioner and has ManBearPig attack him in a similar fashion to Steve.

At school, Stan warns the others of Cussler's death when Cartman arrives with his breast implants. Tolkien's mother, Linda, calls him to inform him of Steve's disappearance. The people of Denver waste their water supply as the reservoir is slowly draining, while Randy investigates Cussler and the commissioner's histories.

Part 2

Amidst the streaming wars, the drought in South Park has significantly worsened. In court, Eric Cartman sues his mother Liane, forcing Stan Marsh, Tolkien Black, Butters Stotch and Kyle Broflovski to testify about how Cartman used the money they earned to pay for his breast implants; the case is ultimately dismissed. Elsewhere, Randy Marsh wakes up on a bench, surrounded by fearful onlookers. Police tranquilize Randy and transport him to the hospital, where Detective Harris explains that Randy went "full nuclear Karen". Meanwhile, Tolkien searches the late Robert Cussler's abandoned home for clues about his missing father, Steve. When he tells Cartman of Cussler's death, Cartman surmises that Tolkien is having sex with Liane, believing it to be why she is standing up to Cartman.

At a Denver city council meeting, Pi Pi proposes his pitch deck to have his water park, and subsequently the entirety of Colorado, run entirely on urine. His service is endorsed by celebrities who promoted cryptocurrency and NFTs. Meanwhile, a remorseful Randy abandons his marijuana farming business and resumes his geology profession, searching for a solution to the drought. As Denver is about to commission Pi Pi's service, Randy arrives and proposes building a desalination plant, which Denver accepts. Enraged, Pi Pi orders his staff, including ManBearPig, to get rid of Randy. Cartman and Butters spy on Tolkien at his house; when Tolkien confronts them, Cartman reveals his research on the drought. Cartman, Butters and Tolkien tell Harris of their research; Harris, believing that Steve is behind the drought, reveals that ManBearPig is likely being exploited as it fears for its mate, PigBearGirl; and their offspring, Chuck Chuck. When Harris reveals a photo of Steve at the water park, the boys realize he must be there. Steve regains consciousness in a sewer; noticing his patched-up wound, he realizes that PigBearGirl and Chuck Chuck tended to him.

Construction of the desalination plant begins as Randy realizes that there will be an issue transporting saltwater uphill to the plant. As Cartman, Butters and Tokien survey the waterpark, they locate an employee entrance near the water slide seen in Harris' photo. Inside, they discover Chuck Chuck before being trapped by security. Pi Pi tells the boys his plans to have everyone invest in his urine service and eliminate the boys. Harris visits Linda Black at Credigree Weed, revealing his intent to kill Steve if he finds him, while Steve eavesdrops on their conversation. Randy receives a call from his coworkers that ManBearPig, referred to as "climate change," has destroyed the plant, presumably in search of Randy. Steve finds Randy and tells him of Pi Pi's plan. Randy's family convinces him to revert to his Karen persona, using a strain of marijuana Sharon had saved.

As Pi Pi films his latest commercial, Randy, as Karen, forces his way into the waterpark and reveals Pi Pi's plan to everyone present. The distraction allows the kids to escape with the help of Chuck Chuck and PigBearGirl. Tolkien and ManBearPig are reunited with their respective families. Now free from Pi Pi's control, ManBearPig decapitates him. Randy convinces Cartman and other women with breast implants to drain their saline implants and power the desalination plant. The plant restores water to the Denver area as ManBearPig and his family return to the woods. When Linda suggests that Chuck Chuck should be killed before he ends up like his father, Stan instead suggests that the people reach out to him, but Randy dismisses this, inviting everyone to simply smoke some marijuana.

Cast

• Trey Parker as Stan Marsh, Eric Cartman, Randy Marsh, Detective Harris, Pi Pi, Water Commissioner, Clyde Donovan, Stephen Stotch, Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Larry David, LeBron James, PiPi+ Annoucer 1, News Reporter
• Matt Stone as Kyle Broflovski, Kenny McCormick, Butters Stotch, ManBearPig, Talnua/Robert Cussler, Peter Nelson, Tom Brady
• April Stewart as Sharon Marsh, Liane Cartman, Shelly Marsh, Bus Driver
• Kimberly Brooks as Linda Black, Reese Witherspoon, Naomi Osaka, PiPi+ Annoucer 2, PiPi's Urineworld Annoucer
• Adrien Beard as Tolkien Black, Steve Black
• Vernon Chatman as Towelie
• Neyla Cantu as PigBearGirl
• Betty Boogie Parker as Chuck Chuck

Music

Featured music

The featured music that are shown in both films are mostly shown in audio (except for the show's theme song);

• "South Park theme song" by Les Claypool
• "Slippery When Wet" by Commodores
• "WAP" by Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion
• "Use Me" by Bill Withers
• "You Don't Miss Your Water" by Otis Redding

Production

Development

On August 5, 2021, Comedy Central announced that Parker and Stone had signed a $900 million deal for extending the series to 30 seasons through 2027 and 14 feature-length films, exclusive to Paramount+. It was eventually confirmed that they would be rolled out as two films per year.

The Streaming Wars was announced with its release date and synopsis on May 11, 2022. Streaming Wars Part 2 was announced with its release date and synopsis on June 29, 2022.

Reception

Part 1

John Schwarz of Bubbleblabber rated the episode a 9 out of 10, stating "South Park: The Streaming Wars continues to showcase the franchise creators' advanced forward thinking that seems to just be far beyond reach of what we deem reality." Schwarz also compared the episode to the episode "Dead Kids", stating "South Park: The Streaming Wars also features a litany of hilarious gags that, like 'Dead Kids', help you forget the seriousness of the matter at hand, but the signs are still all there."

Kayla Cobb of Decider noted in her recap that the ongoing references of the water streams from the various farms was a reference to the abundance of streaming services. As Cobb recapped a speech given by Butters about the state of streaming services, she commented "It's unknown if the monologue is something (Matt) Stone and (Trey) Parker have personally experienced or if they're reading the industry room, so to speak. For example, we don’t know if Paramount's reshuffling caused the company to lose a key player in one of South Park's deals or if there have been creative disputes between Stone, Parker, Paramount+, and this Paramount Global-owned version of Viacom. However, it's rare for the duo to get this specific and longwinded unless they're personally infuriated. It just goes to show that even TV's $900 million men have no idea what's happening."

Spencer Legacy of Comingsoon.net rated the episode a 7 out of 10, and stated in the review "The Streaming Wars juggles a few too many elements later on, as the introduction of ManBearPig in relation to streaming is seemingly random. There’s probably an argument to make about streaming services contributing to climate change, but that’s not a recent or major news story, so the connection seems odd. But even if the link is hazy at best, it’s still quite funny to drag out that long-running bit." The website explains that the rating equates to "Good" and "A successful piece of entertainment that is worth checking out, but it may not appeal to everyone."

Cathal Gunning of Screen Rant wrote about the ending of the episode, and stated "The ending of South Park: The Streaming Wars is a bleak one that will be familiar to fans of the classic film noir Chinatown. The evil Pi Pi ends up achieving all of his goals, with ManBearPig tearing down the dam holding Denver's water supply in reserve while the local citizens unknowingly waste their precious, limited water. The true meaning of the South Park special is that real-life companies are doing the same thing, with Pi Pi standing in for corporations profiting off water scarcity while ManBearPig acts as an allegory for climate change."

Part 2

Spencer Legacy with Comingsoon.net rated the episode a 9 out of 10, which the site equates to "Excellent", and stated in the summary of his review "South Park: The Streaming Wars Part 2 is a strong step up from the first part, featuring a mix of both sharp commentary and stupid yet hilarious gags. Randy had a neat arc that old-school fans will appreciate, and no celebrity was spared from South Park's hilarious wrath. Whether we get another special or season 26 next, the show is in a good spot, ripe with opportunities for silly stories and topical jabs. Even if you didn't dig the first part of The Streaming Wars, I recommend checking out Part 2, as it's a fun burst of classic South Park comedy."

David Pierce with The Verge particularly enjoyed the episode's roast of celebrities who have endorsed cryptocurrency and NFTs in commercials, stating "Matt Damon making that 'Fortune Favors The Brave' commercial for Crypto.com will go down in history as one of the best things that ever happened to South Park...The show has been making fun of crypto, Damon, and that phrase ever since. But with South Park The Streaming Wars Part 2, which just hit Paramount Plus, the show's crypto jokes hit a new level."

John Schwarz with Bubbleblabber.com rated the episode a 9 out of 10, which the site equates to "Awesome: Not quite perfect, but you should watch whatever this is even if you think you're not a fan of the franchise or are familiar with the subject matter", noting how he particularly enjoyed the releases of adult animation specials on Paramount+. He stated in his review: "In the last 45-days, Paramount+ has sandwiched two South Park movies with a new Beavis and Butt-Head movie in the meaty middle, making this the most fulfilling event-filled summer yet for adult animation. I don't know if more specials are hitting by the end of the summer as of this writing, but I’m loving this back and forth between Mike Judge and Matt/Trey as it's making both creative camps come forward with their best stuff. As stupid as it is that Cartman gets boobs in South Park The Streaming Wars Part One, it's equally as dumb for Beavis and Butt-head to be sent to space. South Park The Streaming Wars Part Two answers back with a piss-filled tour de force that will have people talking for weeks…just in time for Paramount+ to hit us with hopefully another adult animated comedy special of some kind."

External links

• South Park wiki (Part 1)
• South Park wiki (Part 2)
• Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Park_The_Streaming_Wars
• Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Park_The_Streaming_Wars_Part_2

v - e - d

Media Pilot Shorts: South Park: The Spirit of Christmas • South Park (pilot) • TV Series: South Park • Films: South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut • South Park: Post Covid • South Park: Post Covid - The Return of Covid • South Park: The Streaming Wars Part 1 & 2 Video games South Park • South Park: Chef's Luv Shack • South Park Rally • South Park 10: The Game • South Park: Let's Go Tower Defense Play! • South Park: Tenorman's Revenge • South Park: The Stick of Truth • South Park: The Fractured but Whole • South Park: Phone Destroyer • South Park: Snow Day! Characters Stan Marsh • Kyle Broflovski • Eric Cartman • Kenny McCormick • Butters Stotch • Wendy Testaburger • Craig Tucker • Clyde Donovan • Tolkien Black • Jimmy Valmer • Randy and Sharon Marsh • Gerald and Sheila Broflovski • Liane Cartman • Mr. Garrison • Mr. Mackey • Chef • Terrence and Phillip • Mr. Hankey Seasons 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 • 16 • 17 • 18 • 19 • 20 • 21 • 22 • 23 • 24 • 25 Locations South Park, Colorado (USA) • South Park Elementary Songs South Park Theme Song • Chocolate Salty Balls • Blame Canada • What Would Brian Boitano Do? • Timmy and the Lords of the Underworld Related Trey Parker • Matt Stone • South Park Studios • Comedy Central • MTV Entertainment Studios