The South Park Ozempic special, titled The End of Obesity, is a bold, funny, and chaotic dive into the weight loss drug craze. Released on May 24, 2024, on Paramount+, it tackles Ozempic, a diabetes drug used off-label for weight loss.
This article explores the special’s plot, themes, and impact in simple language. It breaks down why this episode stands out and how it fits into South Park’s legacy of sharp satire.
What Is the South Park Ozempic Special?
South Park: The End of Obesity is the seventh South Park streaming special on Paramount+. It’s a 50-minute episode focusing on Eric Cartman’s struggle with obesity.
A doctor suggests semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, to help him lose weight. When Cartman can’t access the drug, chaos ensues with his friends Kyle, Stan, Kenny, and Butters.
The special satirizes the hype around weight loss drugs like Ozempic. It also mocks the U.S. healthcare system, celebrity culture, and body positivity. True to South Park style, it blends crude humor with social commentary. The episode is packed with absurd gags and unexpected twists.
Plot Overview
The story begins with Cartman’s doctor warning that his obesity threatens his health. Diet and exercise haven’t worked, so the doctor recommends semaglutide.
Cartman dreams of a slimmer body to insult others without backlash. However, he’s denied Ozempic due to cost and access issues.
Kyle, Stan, Butters, and Kenny try to help Cartman get the drug. Their quest leads to wild adventures, including battles with cereal mascots and shady pharmacies. Meanwhile, Randy Marsh gets caught up in a bizarre subplot involving Ozempic parties with local moms.
Key Themes in the Special
The South Park Ozempic special targets several real-world issues. It pokes fun at the obsession with quick-fix weight loss solutions. Ozempic’s popularity, especially among celebrities, is a central focus. The episode exaggerates its effects for comedic impact.
It also critiques the U.S. healthcare system’s inaccessibility. Cartman’s struggle to afford Ozempic highlights inequities in medical care. Additionally, the special mocks body positivity and Big Sugar, adding layers to its satire. These themes are woven into a ridiculous yet pointed narrative.
Eric Cartman’s Role
Cartman is the heart of the South Park Ozempic special. His obsession with losing weight isn’t about health—it’s about power. He imagines a slim body letting him insult others freely. This selfish motive drives the episode’s humor.
When denied Ozempic, Cartman is offered “Lizzo,” a fictional drug parodying body positivity. The gag, while controversial, fits his crude character. His antics, like threatening “cereal bombs,” keep the episode absurdly funny. Cartman’s arc ends with a surprising vow to stop fat-shaming.
Randy Marsh’s Hilarious Subplot
Randy Marsh, South Park’s lovable goof, gets a side story that steals the show. He notices local moms wearing crop tops after using Ozempic.
To embarrass his daughter into dressing modestly, Randy wears a crop top himself. This backfires when the moms invite him to an Ozempic-sharing party.
Randy mistakes Ozempic for a party drug, enjoying its appetite-suppressing effects. His wife, Sharon, feels insecure and tries “Lizzo,” leading to a gross side effect. Randy’s journey from clueless to reflective adds heart to the chaos.
Satire of Weight Loss Culture
The special mocks society’s fixation on weight loss drugs. Ozempic, once for diabetes, is now a Hollywood trend for rapid weight loss. The episode exaggerates this craze, showing moms and kids obsessed with slim bodies. It highlights the pressure to conform to beauty standards.
Celebrities like Rebel Wilson have admitted to using Ozempic, fueling its popularity. South Park amplifies this to absurd levels, with characters chasing drugs at all costs. The satire stings because it reflects real-world trends. It’s both hilarious and thought-provoking.
The Lizzo Controversy
One of the special’s boldest gags involves Lizzo, the singer known for body positivity. When Cartman can’t get Ozempic, his doctor prescribes “Lizzo”—her music as a cheap alternative. It causes “diabeardes,” a fictional condition where users defecate from their ears. This sparked mixed reactions.
Lizzo responded on Instagram, calling it her “worst fear” but taking it in stride. Some fans found the joke cruel, while others saw it as classic South Park provocation. The gag underscores the show’s no-holds-barred humor. It’s a risky move that stirred debate.
Cereal Mascots and Big Sugar
The special takes a wild turn with evil cereal mascots representing Big Sugar. They plot to sabotage Ozempic because it reduces appetite for sugary foods. The mascots infiltrate a drug plant in India, leading to a violent showdown. This absurdity is peak South Park.
The cereal subplot parodies corporate greed. It suggests food industries profit from unhealthy diets, clashing with weight loss trends. The “Oppenheimer cereal bomb” gag adds a dark, hilarious twist. It’s a creative way to critique consumer culture.
Critique of the Healthcare System
Access to Ozempic is a major hurdle for Cartman, reflecting real healthcare barriers. The special shows him navigating a maze of insurance denials and high costs. Butters laments, “I almost died!” while dealing with the system. This exaggeration highlights a serious issue.
In reality, Ozempic can cost $900-$1,200 monthly without insurance. Many can’t afford it, especially for off-label use like weight loss. The episode uses humor to expose these inequities. It’s a sharp jab at a broken system.
Absurd Humor and Classic South Park Vibes
The South Park Ozempic special feels like a return to the show’s early, chaotic roots. Gags like murderous moms, ear diarrhea, and a “Mad Max”-style road battle are delightfully unhinged.
The cereal mascot war is a standout, blending nostalgia with dark comedy. Fans on Reddit called it “peak South Park” for its absurdity.
Critics praised its pacing and character focus. John Schwarz of Bubbleblabber gave it an 8/10, noting its movie-parody style. The special balances modern topics with the show’s signature randomness. It’s a wild ride from start to finish.
Table: Key Moments in the South Park Ozempic Special
| Scene | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Cartman’s Doctor Visit | Doctor suggests Ozempic for Cartman’s obesity | Sets up the main plot |
| Lizzo Prescription | Cartman gets “Lizzo” instead of Ozempic | Sparks controversy and humor |
| Randy’s Crop Top Party | Randy joins moms at an Ozempic-sharing party | Hilarious subplot with heart |
| Cereal Mascot Attack | Mascots sabotage a drug plant in India | Absurd, action-packed satire |
| Final Battle | Kids and moms clash over a semaglutide truck | Classic South Park chaos |
This table highlights pivotal scenes that define the special’s tone and themes.
Reception and Fan Reactions
The special earned strong reviews for its bold humor and social commentary. Critics like Cathy O’Neil praised its take on weight loss culture. On Reddit, fans loved the return of all five main kids and Randy’s subplot. Some called it the best streaming special yet.
However, not everyone was impressed. Some fans found the Lizzo jokes mean-spirited. Others felt the Pakistan references were random or offensive.
Overall, the special’s mix of absurdity and satire resonated with most viewers. It topped Paramount+’s movie charts after release.
Impact on South Park’s Legacy
South Park has tackled hot topics for 27 years, from politics to pop culture. The South Park Ozempic special continues this tradition, proving the show’s relevance.
Its fast production allows timely commentary, unlike most animated series. The special’s streaming format gives creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone room to experiment.
The episode also retires Cartman’s fat-shaming gags, a bold move. While some see it as growth, others view it as ironic given the Lizzo jab. Either way, it shows South Park’s willingness to evolve. The special cements its place in the show’s storied history.
Why It Works
The special succeeds because it balances humor with insight. It mocks Ozempic’s hype without preaching, letting viewers draw their own conclusions. The absurdity—cereal bombs, ear diarrhea—keeps it entertaining. Every character shines, from Cartman’s schemes to Randy’s cluelessness.
It also taps into real issues like healthcare access and body image. By exaggerating these, South Park makes them impossible to ignore. The special’s mix of silly and serious is why fans keep coming back. It’s a masterclass in satire done right.
What’s Next for South Park?
South Park is renewed through 2027, ensuring more episodes and specials. The 27th season is delayed, with no release date yet. Fans expect two specials annually on Paramount+, tackling new controversies. Past specials covered COVID, streaming wars, and OnlyFans, showing the show’s range.
The South Park Ozempic special sets a high bar for future specials. Its success proves Parker and Stone can still surprise after decades. Whether it’s politics or fads, South Park will keep pushing buttons. Fans eagerly await what’s next.
Summary
The South Park Ozempic special, The End of Obesity, is a hilarious and sharp satire of weight loss drugs and more. Released on May 24, 2024, it follows Cartman’s quest for Ozempic, exposing healthcare flaws and cultural obsessions. With wild gags like cereal mascots and “Lizzo” side effects, it’s peak South Park chaos.
Randy’s subplot and the Lizzo controversy add depth and debate. The special blends crude humor with real-world critiques, earning praise for its pacing and absurdity. It’s a must-watch for fans and a bold addition to South Park’s legacy.
FAQ
What is the South Park Ozempic special about?
The End of Obesity follows Cartman’s attempt to get Ozempic for weight loss. Denied access, he and his friends face absurd obstacles. It satirizes weight loss drugs, healthcare, and body positivity.
When did the South Park Ozempic special air?
It premiered on May 24, 2024, on Paramount+. It’s available to stream anytime on the platform. Check Paramount+ for access details.
Why was the Lizzo joke controversial?
The special prescribes “Lizzo” as a body positivity drug with gross side effects. Some fans found it cruel, while others saw it as typical South Park humor. Lizzo herself responded lightheartedly.
Does the special critique Ozempic itself?
It mocks the hype around Ozempic and similar drugs, not the drug itself. It focuses on societal obsession and healthcare barriers. The satire is more about culture than medicine.
Will there be more South Park specials?
Yes, South Park is renewed through 2027, with two specials expected yearly on Paramount+. No date is set for the 27th season. Fans can expect more timely satires.
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