I am a Christian dad of a 12 year old boy and as long as you show your kids that they are not role models then I don't see anyharm in letting my kid watch it but I told him that if he starts acting like them then it's gone but it hasent effected him so maybe this wiill help you try to make a decision of your kids want to watch it
It surprises me that parents still feel like cartoons are only aimed towards children. But anyway...
This show comments on basically every social issue you can think of. Because it does it in a crude way, a lot of people don't understand that, while it is crude humor, it has an intelligent message that you can enjoy even if you're not interested in said social issues or political issues. As far as the portrayals of Jesus and the Devil, and the comments I've seen about it, that's no reason to put off a show. Not everyone is Christian, and there's no reason you can't enjoy the show even if you are. I consider myself to be a Christian, but still love this show.
The situations are bad, the kids have foul mouths, Jesus and Satan make appearances. Kenny dies... a lot, but if you can make it past the swears, violence and bigotry. It has many important issues being discused. Cartman our raciest Jew hateing evil master mind of the group, pretty much all ways get shut down. Stan and Kyle both work there way through morally corrupt topics ending the story with a moral, like parent take responsibility for what your kids are watching, don't be mean to the uncool kids "Melvins", and help kids in 3rd world countries "starving Marvin." and don't force your beliefs on others.
Great show! Everyone gets a kick out of watching the kids from South Park; I'd like to meet the poor soul who doesn't. However, most of their humor is sexual, immature, and offensive. Really, South Park is never meant to be taken seriously. There isn't much violence, but, when there is, it usually evolves Kenny, a character who dies in every episode. The catchphrase, "Oh, my God! They killed Kenny! You Bastards!" quickly became popular. Cartman, the main character, constantly makes fun of Kyle, for being Jewish. He also mocks "Ginger" kids. Saying they're "Weird, and they creep us out." The South Park theme intro is interesting. Each time, Kenny says a different phrase. (The phrases are usually extremely perverted) But, Kenny's hood from his jacket covers his mouth, so we're not supposed to know what he's saying.
In a nutshell, the ever-popular South Park, will please teens with it's pop cultural references and crude humor.
If you're letting your child watch this show I can't help but label you a moron. I don't even see the appeal for children... God knows most of it would be zooming over their heads-- with the exception of the over the top fart-jokes. (And if it isn't going over their heads then you may need to seriously re-evaluate your situation) Even when I watch episodes I saw not two years ago I catch things I missed previously simply because I was still a stupid kid (and in two years more I bet I'll see even more). I personally started watching this show much too early, but I would never let my own kids do the same.
But on the bright side-- it is a great and funny show. For adults. There's an episode I simply, flat-out, don't like once in a while (For either ethical reasons or simply being put off by the subject manner) but overall it's very intelligent. I think it's hilarious to read the comments of "I didn't watch it but--" , "They made fun of--" because it shows a certain immaturity. A) This show, quite literally, makes fun of everything. Eventually you will feel attacked! It's unavoidable, but also a part of everyday life. B) You've never seen it but you're passing judgement--? Nice. Don't get me started on the 11, 12 year olds commenting. I promise you kids, you aren't old enough to watch OR pass judgement on a show. People have a right to their own opinion, I wont look down on you just because you don't like a show I do... but those are all simply ridiculous examples of stupidity.
I just realised my nine year old was watching this on a regular basis, I thought it was ok because it was a cartoon and then I saw some of it. It is AWFUL and not appropriate for children.
Spot on humor, and suprisingly (some) good messages about our Society.
Its what every parent dreads hearing. Their kids begging, on their knees, saying "Can we watch South Park?". I remember asking this many times over, but now that I have my own access to the shows, and have seen some with my friends, I'm always coming back for more. Yes parents, I know how violent and sexually suggestive it can be, but some of the episodes really show how stupid or idiotic our own society can be at times, and make us drop-dead laughing about it. As far as I feel, if your child is over the age of 12, and he is sure that he has the maturity to, go ahead and let him watch some episodes. He probably will find a way around you anyway just like I did. I do admit the blood and gore is very intense in some episodes, but it's involving cartoons, and I've seen some stuff on kids show's like Spongebob that nearly have the same level of violence as South Park (I've seen an episode where Squidward looses his entire toe nail in a painful way, leaving a bloody mess as it rips off, Spongebob gets sharp cleats stuck in someone's eyes, and he pokes squidward's heart and makes it squirt blood as he preforms "surgery").
As an adult I love this show. I actually learned a lot because of the show. For example, things or jokes referenced in the show that I didn't "get" lead me to google where I in turn learned something new. That said, the show should not be watched by children who are still developing a sense of what is socially acceptable and what isn't. If you child knows not to act like Cartman, even though he is "funny", then you might give an episode a try. Not the show if you are easily offended. South Park makes fun of everything and everyone.