South Park: 10 Saddest Episodes, Ranked

As a long-time fan of South Park, I must say that the show has a unique ability to tackle complex and sensitive topics with humor and insight. One episode that truly stood out for me was “Bloody Mary” from season 9. Randy’s struggle with alcoholism is a poignant portrayal of a real-life issue many families face. The episode masterfully demonstrates the devastating effects of addiction on both the individual and their loved ones.

South Park is renowned for its distinctive humor, often tackling contentious subjects involving various individuals and situations. Yet, the creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, unexpectedly crafted some of the most poignant South Park episodes that left viewers in tears.

As per the fans’ opinions, many of the most heart-wrenching episodes in South Park often featured characters like Kenny and Stan. These episodes tackled themes such as loss, bullying, psychological distress, and marital discord.

*Spoilers included*

This article addresses sensitive topics such as grief, poverty, loneliness, body shaming, family dysfunction, and religious beliefs.

10 Oh My God, They Killed Kenny! For Real This Time

Kenny Gets A Terminal Disease, Leaving His Friends Emotionally Destroyed

Name of the episode: Kenny Dies
Season: 5

Fans of South Park, who have been watching this animated series for quite some time, are well aware that Kenny’s death isn’t unusual. But in the 13th episode of season 5, the creators opted to make Kenny’s demise a permanent one.

In the show, each character copes uniquely with Kenny’s illness. For example, Kyle stands steadfastly by Kenny during his hospital ordeal. On the other hand, Cartman sheds a few tears, only to exploit the situation later on.

The most poignant moment unfolds when Stan, overcome with denial, fails to visit his ailing friend at the hospital. By the time he arrives, it’s too late. In a heart-wrenching conversation with Kyle, Stan inquires about Kenny’s whereabouts, only to be told that Kenny is no more, and his final words were “Where’s Stan?“. This scene is often hailed as one of the saddest episodes of South Park, as Stan misses the chance to bid farewell to his cherished friend.

9 Kenny Is No Longer The Poorest Kid In School

Kenny And His Siblings Are Transferred To A Foster Home

Name of the episode: The Poor Kid
Season: 15

Initially, Kenny’s guardians were taken into custody due to drug possession, causing him and his siblings to end up in an abusive foster home and a fresh school. Later on, an event from season 15 brings heart-wrenching news for Cartman, who often teased Kenny. With Butters by his side, he uncovers from the school records that he is now considered the financially struggling student.

In an attempt to swap places with his mother, Cartman feels discontented and plots to falsely incriminate her, hoping for a similar fate (this being typical of Cartman’s antics). However, the most heartbreaking aspect isn’t revealed yet.

In the foster home where I currently reside, I’ve been struggling lately because my foster parents can be harsh, and my little sister is terrified. Being the protective type, I devise a plan to reassure her that she’s never alone, even when our parents aren’t around. I decide to don the costume of a superhero, hoping it will comfort her and remind her that I’m here for her. It’s at this moment that the audience, moved by my empathy, can’t help but shed a tear or two. My sister’s wellbeing means everything to me.

8 Eric Cartman Gets Body-Shamed

After Posting Himself Lifting Weights On Social Media, Cartman Gets Bullied

Name of the episode: Safe Space
Season: 19

As a devoted South Park fan, you know all too well that Cartman never misses an opportunity to poke fun at others. In season 19’s fifth episode, the script was flipped! You see, our beloved Cartman decided to show off his muscle-building feats on social media, feeling quite pleased with himself. But as fate would have it, things didn’t go according to plan.

Fans Can Watch
Full
South Park
Episodes For Free
At

South Park Studios
.

Cartman begins to face rude remarks on social media due to his size. This issue strikes a chord with him as it taps into one of his deepest insecurities, and such emotional displays from Cartman are uncommon. However, when this occurs, it moves everyone deeply. The situation eventually improved when the school principal initiated a discussion about fat shaming within the school community, allowing students to share their own experiences.

7 Kip Drordy Has 0 Friends On Facebook

Kyle Helps Kip But Unfriends Him Again When He Starts Losing His Own Friends

Name of the episode: You Have 0 Friends
Season: 14

In episode 4 of season 14, creators illustrate how social media can significantly affect young individuals’ lives negatively. Kip Drordy, a socially isolated youth, spends most of his time glued to the computer, waiting for new friend requests. However, when Kyle encounters this predicament, he chooses to befriend him, transforming Kip’s life.

Initially, it’s heartbreaking when Kyle chooses to cut ties with the boy due to everyone teasing him. Consequently, Kip experiences a downward spiral, becoming deeply unhappy. Feeling remorseful about this, Kyle then transfers his entire friend list (over a thousand) to Kip, rekindling his joy once more. Fortunately, everything turns out favorably in the end.

6 Craig And Tweek Break Up

The Town’s Gay Couple Breaks Up, Leaving Everyone Sad

Name of the episode: Tweek x Craig
Season: 19

It’s celebration time in the town of South Park. Craig and Tweek announced their (fake) relationship, and everyone embraces the idea. Galleries are open with their portraits; the school is painted with their faces on the wall; it’s a big thing going on. However, with all this attention, they decide to stage a breakup because the lie was taken too far and is getting very overwhelming to keep up with.

The saddest part of the episode starts when Say Something by A Great Big World starts playing, the town turns gray, and everyone is struggling to get over their breakup. It’s all very sad and dramatic until Tweek and Craig reconnect again (for real this time) because they feel a genuine connection with each other. The episode ends with them walking away while holding hands.

5 It’s The Landslide

Stan’s Parents Got Divorced And Everything Turns Into… Rubbish

Name of the episode: You’re Getting Old
Season: 15

At age ten, Stan experiences a significant shift in his life that takes a turn for the worse. His parents are experiencing difficulties and have come to the decision to part ways. The separation deeply affects Stan, causing him to retreat into solitude and feel overwhelming sadness.

Whatever he gazes upon – be it the sun or blossoms – seems to transform into trash. Yet, his father makes an effort to converse with him, alas to no avail. As the somber tune of “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac echoes, a montage of melancholic scenes unfolds.

4 Cartman Doesn’t Have A Dad To Play Airsoft

Cartman Wishes He Had A Present Dad…and That He Didn’t Live in A Hotdog

Name of the episode: Help, My Teenager Hates Me!
Season: 25

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but appreciate the genius behind the episode titled “Help, My Teenager Hates Me“. It tackles some real-life adult issues that resonate with many of us. In this season 25 gem, our beloved quartet – Kyle, Stan, Kenny, and Cartman – find themselves in a pickle. They’re fed up with hanging out with the trendy “bruh” teenagers, and it shows in their grumpy faces. After venting to their parents about their shared frustration, they hit upon a brilliant plan. When the four of us are engrossed in an airsoft game, the dads of Kyle, Stan, and Kenny make a surprise entrance, each armed with their loaded airsoft weapons.

After sharing that they have fresh companions to engage with, everyone else seems cheerful except for Cartman who feels left out and sad. In a melancholic tone, he expresses his longing, “If only I had a father.” But then, he spoils the moment by blabbering something foolish like “I Wish I Didn’t Reside in a Hot Dog.” However, things eventually take a turn for the better as Uncle Jimbo shows up to team up with Cartman.

3 Randy Is An Alcoholic

Stan Gets Embarrassed By His Father After Drunk Driving

Name of the episode: Bloody Mary
Season: 9

In the ninth season’s Bloody Mary episode, Stan’s father, Randy, struggles with alcoholism. Overwhelmed by his actions while drunk driving and humiliating Stan, he decides to enter rehab. Yet, in rehab, he misunderstands one of the key principles: admitting that alcoholism is a disease. Instead of understanding it as a step towards recovery, Randy wrongly concludes that since it’s a disease over which he has no control, he starts drinking even more.

While a statue of the Virgin Mary is said to have healing powers on TV, people believe it can cure any illness. Eventually, Stan decides to visit, joining the queue for his chance at healing. In the end, he gives up alcohol. However, he later finds out that it was not the statue but his determination to recover that brought about the change. Unhappy with this realization, Stan resumes drinking, leaving Stan feeling very sad.

2 Aquarium Workers Prank Kyle

Kyle Thinks He Can Talk With Jambu, A Whale

Name of the episode: Free Willzyx
Season: 9

During Kyle’s trip to the aquarium, he finds himself drawn towards a massive whale named Jambu. He engages in conversation with this sea-dwelling creature, and the staff at the aquarium playfully decide to pull a prank on him by responding as if they were Jambu herself. In their unique “whale language,” Jambu tells Kyle about her ambitions of traveling to the moon to reunite with her family.

Kyle catches up with his pals and shares his recent aquarium adventure; they trust him and strategize to rescue the whale. Later, they secretly take the whale during the night and transfer her onto a rocket for a lunar journey. The quartet depart victoriously, assuming Jambu has rejoined her kin. Kyle later delivers an address (characteristic of Kyle) praising their accomplishments, oblivious to the whale’s demise on the trip.

1 Kenny Works To Buy A Doll For His Sister

Kenny’s Poverty Situation Is Put Into Contrast With A Fancy Restaurant Next Door

Name of the episode: The City Part Of Town
Season: 19

As a dedicated South Park fan, I’ve always felt that Kenny, a character who often appears in some of the saddest episodes, doesn’t get the recognition he deserves within the series. Take the episode “The City Part of Town” for instance. Here, a swanky new restaurant opens up, causing quite the stir among the southern residents who can no longer afford anything. The impact on Kenny’s family is particularly severe since the restaurant is right next to their humble abode. It’s episodes like these that make me believe Kenny is an undervalued gem in South Park’s vast character pool.

Currently, Kenny is employed at City Wok restaurant, where he’s tasked with cleaning the floors. Meanwhile, his parents lounge on the couch at home, drinking beers. Upon returning from work one day, Kenny’s questioned about earning money, to which he replies negatively. However, contrary to this response, he actually did make some money. He chose to use this small amount to buy a doll for his sister, a gesture that tugged at heartstrings. The story ends with Kenny retreating to his room, allowing us a glimpse of an upscale restaurant through the window, highlighting the stark differences in his life.

2024-10-26 10:04