The Simpsons showrunner Matt Selman has praised South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone for their speedy, topical political humour, calling them braver than he is. He clarified that The Simpsons still addresses politics, but tends to explore recurring themes because its longer production schedule makes direct responses to breaking events less practical.

Selman said Simpsons episodes can take around 10 months to reach viewers, while South Park can respond more quickly to headlines. South Park recently won the 2026 Creative Arts Emmy for its episode “Sermon on the ‘Mount” and received a Television Academy Honors Award. The Simpsons has begun its 38th season, while Selman says he is devoting 80 per cent of his energy to the next film, due in July 2027.