During their "commentary-minis" on the DVD collections, Trey Parker and Matt Stone often talk about running into a mental barrier in the writers room, and they explain that this is where ideas like "Crab People" and "Oprah Winfrey's Talking Vagina" came from. Although these ideas are pretty funny (to me), they're easily forgotten as soon as the episode ends and we're left thinking, "THAT'S what they came up with? It's...passable...I suppose." Don't get me wrong: I love every bit of this show, even the very base episodes like "Sarcastaball," which was chock-full of 'mock' humor and reminiscent of episodes like "More Crap" and "Faith Hilling." My only problem with this episode is that it lacks Trey Parker's signature touch of storyline progression, where 'A' leads logically to 'B' strictly because happens which MAKES IT go there (if you listen to his commentaries or watch interviews addressing his writing process, his hits on this point A LOT.) "Sarcastaball," as a full episode, is a continuous repetition of the first few minutes with very few laughs and nothing new to say. I would recommend the episode "Crack Baby Athletic Association" (15x5) over "Sarcastaball," mostly because the former is grounded (mostly) in reality and makes us think of a current topic while enjoying a few good laughs (again, a Trey Parker and Matt Stone signature), while the latter addresses a small topic in a completely unrealistic manner where even the characters we've come to love for all their goofiness don't act like themselves AT ALL. Not a mid-season opener, but I have faith the South Park Studios crew will deliver some mind-blowing episodes before Season 16 closes.

Animation is a form of visual storytelling that involves creating visual art and motion through the use of various techniques and technologies. In animation, images are manipulated to create the illusion of movement, bringing characters, objects, and environments to life. Animation can encompass a wide range of styles, themes, and intended audiences, making it a diverse and versatile form of storytelling.

Daveigh Chase, Rumi Hiiragi, and Mari Natsuki in Spirited Away (2001)

The comedy genre refers to a category of entertainment that aims to amuse and entertain audiences by using humor, wit, and comedic situations. Comedies are created with the primary intention of eliciting laughter and providing lighthearted enjoyment. They encompass a wide range of styles, tones, and themes, appealing to various tastes and audiences.

Will Ferrell, Angela Grillo, and Lap-Gei Cheung in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

Angered over the overly sensitive parents in South Park over their kids playing football because of recent news about concussions, Randy invents the game Sarcastaball in order to get people to see how stupid they've been.

The Biggest Movies and TV Coming in September

"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

&quot;The Gentlemen&quot; and &quot;Slow Horses&quot; return this fall, while the &quot;Reacher&quot; spin-off series &quot;Neagley&quot; makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

See who dazzled on the red carpet and took home gold at the 78th Primetime Creative Emmy Awards.

Primetime Creative Arts Emmys: Photos We Love

Matt Stone and Trey Parker in South Park (1997)

Sarcastaball

Episodes

Videos1

Photos6

Top Cast4

User reviews6

Related interests

Storyline

Did you know

Top picks

Details

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed