With South Park returning with brand new episodes this week, fans of the animated series for adults have been patiently waiting to see what the show's creators have up their sleeves for the milestone 20th season.
While there has been no shortage of topics and events in the news for South Park to explore, viewers are finally getting some insight to see which hot button issue will be talked about in the premiere episode.
South Park Studios released a new promo on Tuesday that reveals the residents of the Colorado town reciting a modified version of the National Anthem.
Of course, this is in reference to the protests started by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick for taking a kneel instead of standing at attention during "The Star-Spangled Banner" for what he says is to bring awareness to the wrongdoings against African Americans in the U.S.
While his protest began during preseason games, Kaepernick has refused to stand during the National Anthem during the NFL season opener against the San Diego Chargers on Monday alongside his teammate Eric Reid.
The protest has become a trend in the NFL, with players on the Miami Dolphins refusing to stand during their season opener against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Sept. 11. Players on other teams, like the Kansas City Chiefs and L.A. Rams, held up fists while standing during the anthem.
It should come to no surprise that these acts of protest are very controversial, since some may believe it is extremely disrespectful to our country and those who serve and protect us, while others may side with Kaepernick that he has the freedom of speech to peacefully address it and take a stand against the current relationship between minorities and the police.
Now, the Kaepernick controversy is getting the South Park treatment.
Titled "South Park is BACK!," the promo for the first episode of season 20 features the reboot of the National Anthem thanks to the "American icon."
We see the residents of South Park at the stadium with their hands over their hearts as they recite the updated version of the formerly-patriotic song. Set to the "The Star-Spangled Banner," the words to the song include the following:
Colin Kaepernick is great.
Cops are pigs, cops are pigs.
Wait, someone just took my stuff, I need to call the cops.
Oh, no, I just said cops are pigs.
Who's gonna help me get my stuff?
Why did I listen to Colin Kaepernick, he's not even any good.
Oh, I just got all my stuff back.
Cops are pigs again, cops are pigs.
Show creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone have revealed that this season will see the continuation of themes and topics across episodes, so it looks like the gun violence and police brutality conversation is not yet off the table in the series.
South Park season 20 premieres on Wednesday, Sept. 14 on Comedy Central. Watch the promo below.
