Whether official or not, there has always been a degree of competition or at least playful pokes between the most established and beloved animated series of all time. Infamously, South Park took a shot at Family Guy when an episode “exposed” the writer as a dolphin who selects random prompts to deliver the show’s signature non-sequitur comedy styling. The fan-favorite show also had an episode where Butters was constantly thwarted by the line “Simpsons Did It” when trying to wreak havoc as Professor Chaos.
Heavily influenced by pop culture and nostalgia, Rick and Morty certainly has its fair share of references to other cartoons sprinkled throughout its seasons; “Kung Fu Godhood Stink-Stink Otters” as a stand-in for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a personal favorite. However, the series has mostly stayed in its own lane, choosing not to draw too many comparisons to other famous animated shows. Recently, show creator Dan Harmon discussed how the series adopted a “South Park rule,” which ensures they always stay distinct from their contemporaries.
- Release Date
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December 2, 2013
- Directors
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Bryan Newton, Dominic Polcino, Anthony Chun, John Rice, Stephen Sandoval, Jeff Myers
- Writers
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Tom Kauffman, Wade Randolph, Eric Acosta, David Phillips, Erica Rosbe, Sarah Carbiener, Matt Roller, Michael Waldron, Caitie Delaney
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Justin Roiland
Rick Sanchez / Morty Smith
‘Rick and Morty’ Has a Strict ‘South Park’ Rule
What exactly is the “South Park Rule?” Is it a dig at Matt Parker and Trey Stone’s iconic show, or is it a warning to not tread similar ground? Speaking with Cinemablend, creator Dan Harmon laid out what this rule is, and it actually comes with a bit of praise for the long-running South Park. He revealed his admiration for how fast South Park is able to tap into mainstream content to make timely commentary, a process which he does not believe anyone can do better, even Rick and Morty.
“We have a South Park rule, which is, ‘Let’s not play a South Park game because South Park can do it faster and better than us.’ So it’s one thing for the thing you’re referring to is like, ‘Oh, they’re in Squid Game outfits,’ so it’s a direct reference. And it’s sometimes hard to predict this, I think that it’s when something is so culturally impacting, then we go like, ‘Well, it’s going to be timeless no matter what or it’s gonna feel like a timely reference, but people will. If you get it or don’t, it doesn’t hinge on it.”
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In the interview, Harmon would go on to give an example, saying that if a writer pitched a joke related to a recent event like the drama between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni it would be an immediate decline, because of the belief that the quickness of South Park to pick up on hot button topics and that their turn around time could make the jokes painfully irrelevant. Harmon also noted that with Season 10 already written, if they had a joke planned for that series that was topical now, how would it land years later? Sticking with timeless pop culture references has been the way to go for Rick and Morty to establish itself as a powerhouse in the animated landscape.
‘Rick and Morty’ or ‘South Park,’ Who Approaches Pop Culture Better?
The process of making South Park has been documented in full, with an unprecedented turnaround of about six days from being written and animated before the release date. For this reason, combined with the obvious insane wealth the show has afforded the studio, seasons of South Park are very short compared to many other animated series. When an episode of South Park is released, it becomes a cultural event, its content often a scathing commentary on American culture that is very relevant at the time. This effect can be seen as having varied success, from just being a praised comedic episode to the dismantling of certain figures; the complete destruction of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle through their “Worldwide Privacy Tour” in the public eye comes to mind.
However, besides offering less content, it can be argued that South Park’s approach will ensure that some episodes don’t age well due to how specific they are, and the best episodes of South Park remain the timeless ones. There are some successes that will stay relevant: the brilliant transformation of Mr. Garrison to Trump will remain topical until the end of time, but the joke around the meltdown of Kony 2012’s figurehead Jason Russell where he appeared naked in the streets, is already a reference that is just a blip in American culture.
Comparatively, Rick and Morty relies on timeless pop culture references. Besides maybe missing out on a joke because of a generation just not being aware of what the animated show is poking fun at, watching an episode of Rick and Morty a decade from now will likely still land the same as it did not release. Neither approach is better, but it comes down to preference.
Have ‘Rick and Morty’ or ‘South Park’ Ever Referenced Each Other?
Okay, calm down, we hear you screaming “But what about!?!?!” after the intro stating the shows have not really traded any sort of barbs. Despite the “South Park rule,” Rick and Morty has referenced the show, but we see it as more of an homage than trying to tap into the same successful formula or mocking them. Notably, in Season 6, Episode 7, Morty makes a joke about South Park’s “Jesus vs. Frosty” pilot.
In addition, quick flashes of the appearance of other animated shows have popped up in Rick and Morty, including South Park, among other hits like Futurama and Bob’s Burgers. South Park, on the other hand, has never made any reference to Rick and Morty, which may be the best for the rocky moments that Rick and Morty has faced over its eight-season run.
South Park will be available on Paramount+ in July 2025, and Rick and Morty can be streamed on Max or Hulu.
