🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 62 (from laksa102)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa062.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.britannica.com/topic/South-Park-television-series\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.britannica.com/topic/South-Park-television-series\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/South-Park-television-series","crawl_time":1776216610,"first_indexed_time":1480527909,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,britannica!www,\/topic\/South-Park-television-series s443","src_root_hash":"5455945239613777662","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"South Park | Characters & Description | Britannica","meta_descriptions":["South Park, American adult-oriented animated comedy series that began airing on the cable network Comedy Central in 1997."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Top Questions\nWho is Matt Stone?\nWhat is Matt Stone best known for?\nWhat famous animated TV show did Matt Stone help create?\nWhat roles does Matt Stone have on the show 'South Park'?\nHow did Matt Stone and Trey Parker start working together?\nBesides 'South Park', what other projects has Matt Stone worked on?\nMatt Stone\n(born May 26, 1971,\nHouston\n,\nTexas\n, U.S.) is an American screenwriter, actor, and producer who was best known as the cocreator, with\nTrey Parker\n, of the subversive animated television series\nSouth Park\n(1997– ). Together with songwriter Robert Lopez, the pair also created the\nBroadway\nmusical\nThe Book of Mormon\n, which won numerous\nTony Awards\n.\nAt a young age, Stone moved with his family to\nLittleton\n,\nColorado\n, where he spent his childhood. While pursuing a double major in art and math at the\nUniversity of Colorado\nin Boulder (B.A., 1993), Stone met future collaborator Trey Parker. The duo began filming their first full-length project, the\nmovie\nCannibal!: The Musical\n(1993), while still enrolled in the university. In 1992 they created the short animated film\nThe Spirit of Christmas\n, which introduced early versions of the four foulmouthed boys who would become the characters of\nSouth Park\n. Stone and Parker remade the short in 1995, and the second version became one of the Internet’s earliest viral videos, spurring television network\nComedy Central\nto begin airing a half-hour program based on the short in 1997.\nSouth Park\n, named for the small-minded, perpetually wintry town in which it was set, brought Parker and Stone’s quartet of crudely animated grade-schoolers to a mainstream audience. Stone cowrote a number of the episodes with Parker, and both men voiced many of the characters.\nFollowing its debut on August 13, 1997,\nSouth Park\nwas an immediate sensation. Its emphasis on absurdist plot twists and casual profanity made it a huge critical and popular hit, though it also drew the\ncensure\nof, for example, religious organizations. The show frequently lampooned celebrities, including\nBarbra Streisand\n,\nBritney Spears\n, and\nKanye West\n. Within five months of being on the air,\nSouth Park\nwas the highest-rated program on Comedy Central. The show’s first\nEmmy Award\nnomination recognized the season-one episode “Big Gay Al’s Big Gay Boat Ride.”\nBritannica Quiz\nPop Culture Quiz\nStone’s film career included a small role in the comedy\nOrgazmo\n(1997), which Parker directed and cowrote. In 1998 he played opposite Parker in\nBASEketball\n, appearing as a star player of an invented sport. Two years after\nSouth Park\n’s debut, the feature film\nSouth Park: Bigger, Longer, & Uncut\nwas released. It received an\nAcademy Award\nnomination for best song. Its creators also\ncollaborated\non the short-lived sitcom\nThat’s My Bush!\n(2001) and the movie\nTeam America: World Police\n(2004).\nThe Book of Mormon\n(From left) actors Rory O'Malley (Elder McKinley), Josh Gad (Elder Cunningham), Andrew Rannells (Elder Price), Nikki M. James (Nabalungi), and Michael Potts (Mafala Hatimbi) performing on the opening night of\nThe Book of Mormon\non Broadway, March 24, 2011.\nBeginning in 2003, the pair began to craft the idea of an irreverent musical about\nJoseph Smith\n, the founder of the\nChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints\n. Together with Robert Lopez, one of the creators of the puppet-filled stage musical\nAvenue Q\n, they eventually created the satirical Broadway musical\nThe Book of Mormon\n(2011). The hit production, about LDS missionaries in Uganda, captured numerous\nTony Awards\n, including best musical. In addition, its original cast album won a\nGrammy Award\nin 2012.\nQuick Facts\nIn full:\nMatthew Richard Stone\nThroughout its long run,\nSouth Park\ncontinued to draw large audiences and critical acclaim, receiving five Emmys for outstanding animated program (2005, 2007–09, 2013). Its creators also continued to court controversy. Longtime cast member\nIsaac Hayes\n, a\nScientologist\n, left the show following a 2005 episode that mocked his belief system. The following year, Comedy Central’s discomfort with an episode initially intended to feature a depiction of the Prophet\nMuhammad\n—which many Muslims would have considered offensive—led Parker and Stone to run this message on a blank screen: “Comedy Central has refused to broadcast an image of Muhammad on their network.” Four years later Parker and Stone depicted Muhammad wearing a bear suit that hid his appearance.","attrs_markdown":"[![Encyclopedia Britannica](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel\/eb-logo\/MendelNewThistleLogo.png)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/)\n\n[![Encyclopedia Britannica](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel\/eb-logo\/MendelNewThistleLogo.png)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/)\n\n[SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/premium.britannica.com\/premium-membership\/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=global-nav&utm_campaign=blue-evergreen)\n\n[SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/premium.britannica.com\/premium-membership\/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=global-nav-mobile&utm_campaign=blue-evergreen)\n\nLogin\n\nhttps:\/\/premium.britannica.com\/premium-membership\/?utm\\_source=premium\\&utm\\_medium=nav-login-box\\&utm\\_campaign=evergreen\n\n[SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/premium.britannica.com\/premium-membership\/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=hamburger-menu&utm_campaign=blue)\n\n[Ask the Chatbot](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/chatbot)\n\n[Games & Quizzes](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/quiz\/browse) [History & Society](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/History-Society) [Science & Tech](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/Science-Tech) [Biographies](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/Biographies) [Animals & Nature](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/Animals-Nature) [Geography & Travel](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/Geography-Travel) [Arts & Culture](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/Arts-Culture) [ProCon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/procon) [Money](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/money) [Videos](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/videos)\n\n[South Park](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/South-Park-television-series)\n\n[Introduction](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/South-Park-television-series)   [References & Edit History](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/South-Park-television-series\/additional-info)  [Quick Facts & Related Topics](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/facts\/South-Park-television-series)\n\n[Images](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/South-Park-television-series\/images-videos)\n\n[![South Park](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/85\/149185-004-339E70CF\/characters-Stan-South-Park-Kyle-Kenny-Cartman.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/85\/149185-050-1220D0A3\/characters-Stan-South-Park-Kyle-Kenny-Cartman.jpg)\n\nQuizzes\n\n[![Illustration of missing, anonymous person in group. Quiz thumb, Guess Who is Missing?](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/74\/264874-131-21D625FD\/missing-anonymous-person-illustration.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/quiz\/whos-missing-quiz)\n\n[Who’s Missing? Quiz](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/quiz\/whos-missing-quiz)\n\n[![USA 2006 - 78th Annual Academy Awards. Closeup of giant Oscar statue at the entrance of the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Hompepage blog 2009, arts and entertainment, film movie hollywood](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/65\/129465-131-8F637272\/USA-Annual-Academy-Awards-Closeup-entrance-statue-2009.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/quiz\/pop-culture-quiz)\n\n[Pop Culture Quiz](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/quiz\/pop-culture-quiz)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-179\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9)\n\nContents\n\nAsk Anything\n\n[Entertainment & Pop Culture](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/browse\/Entertainment-Pop-Culture)    [Television & Radio](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/browse\/Television-Radio)    [TV & Radio Shows & Networks](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/browse\/TV-Radio-Shows-Networks)\n\nCITE\n\nShare\n\nFeedback\n\nExternal Websites\n\n[![South Park](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/85\/149185-050-1220D0A3\/characters-Stan-South-Park-Kyle-Kenny-Cartman.jpg?w=400&h=300&c=crop)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/85\/149185-050-1220D0A3\/characters-Stan-South-Park-Kyle-Kenny-Cartman.jpg)\n\n[*South Park*](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/85\/149185-050-1220D0A3\/characters-Stan-South-Park-Kyle-Kenny-Cartman.jpg) Animated characters from *South Park* (front, from left): Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny.\n\n(more)\n\n# South Park\nAmerican animated television series\n\nHomework Help\n\nWritten and fact-checked by\n\n[Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica\/4419)\n\nBritannica Editors\n\nLast updated\n\nMar. 12, 2026\n\n•[History](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/South-Park-television-series\/additional-info#history)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-179\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Britannica AI\n\nAsk Anything\n\nTable of Contents\n\nTable of Contents\n\nAsk Anything\n\n**South Park**, American adult-oriented animated comedy series that has aired on the cable network [Comedy Central](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Comedy-Central) since 1997. The controversial series won [Emmy Awards](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Emmy-Award) for outstanding animated program in 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2012.\n\n*South Park* is set in a fictional [Colorado](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Colorado-state) town of the same name and focuses largely on the antics of four grade-school boys: Eric Cartman, Stanley Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, and Kenneth (Kenny) McCormick, although numerous episodes have dealt with the town’s other [denizens](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/denizens), most of whom are recurring characters. The series was created by [Trey Parker](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Trey-Parker) and [Matt Stone](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Matt-Stone), who, in addition to writing, directing, and editing each episode, provide the voices of the four boys as well as of nearly every other male character in the series (though, notably, the late soul singer [Isaac Hayes](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Isaac-Hayes) voiced Chef from the late 1990s until 2006).\n\nAwards And Honors:\n\n[Emmy Award (2007)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Emmy-Award)\n\n[Emmy Award (2005)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Emmy-Award)\n\n*(Show more)*\n\n[See all related content](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/facts\/South-Park-television-series)\n\n*South Park* is decidedly low-budget in appearance, with the characters and landscapes rendered in the style of crude cut-out [animation](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/animation) (although, in reality, high-end video processing is used to achieve this effect). It is almost always winter in South Park, with snow covering the ground. The town is [inhabited](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/inhabited) by a population of odd and improbable characters, including [Jesus](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jesus), who hosts a local public-access [talk show](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/talk-show). Nearly every social institution, from law enforcement to education, is portrayed as inept. The show revels in controversy and [taboo](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/taboo-sociology) subjects and often parodies celebrities and public figures. Much of its humour relies on pop-culture references, [slapstick](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/slapstick-comedy), shock value, and scatological jokes, as exemplified by the episode in which the boys befriend a singing, dancing piece of fecal matter named Mr. Hankey the Christmas Poo. In 1999 the show engendered a feature-length musical cartoon, *South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut*, which was nominated for an [Academy Award](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Academy-Award) for best original song.\n\n[![Illustration of missing, anonymous person in group. Quiz thumb, Guess Who is Missing?](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/74\/264874-131-21D625FD\/missing-anonymous-person-illustration.jpg) Britannica Quiz Who’s Missing? Quiz](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/quiz\/whos-missing-quiz)\n\nThis article was most recently revised and updated by [Adam Augustyn](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/Adam-Augustyn\/6394).\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-179\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9)Britannica AI\n\n*chevron\\_right*\n\nSouth Park\n\n*close*\n\n[AI-generated answers](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.\n\n[Matt Stone](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Matt-Stone)\n\n[Introduction](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Matt-Stone)   [References & Edit History](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Matt-Stone\/additional-info)  [Quick Facts & Related Topics](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/facts\/Matt-Stone)\n\n[Images](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Matt-Stone\/images-videos)\n\n[![South Park](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/85\/149185-004-339E70CF\/characters-Stan-South-Park-Kyle-Kenny-Cartman.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/85\/149185-050-1220D0A3\/characters-Stan-South-Park-Kyle-Kenny-Cartman.jpg)  [![The Book of Mormon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/80\/254880-004-889FD29B\/The-Book-of-Mormon-cast-opening-night-Broadway-March-24-2011-NYC-Rory-OMalley-Josh-Gad-Andrew-Rannells-Nikki-M-James-Michael-Potts.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/80\/254880-050-5ED347B7\/The-Book-of-Mormon-cast-opening-night-Broadway-March-24-2011-NYC-Rory-OMalley-Josh-Gad-Andrew-Rannells-Nikki-M-James-Michael-Potts.jpg)\n\nQuizzes\n\n[![USA 2006 - 78th Annual Academy Awards. Closeup of giant Oscar statue at the entrance of the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Hompepage blog 2009, arts and entertainment, film movie hollywood](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/65\/129465-131-8F637272\/USA-Annual-Academy-Awards-Closeup-entrance-statue-2009.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/quiz\/pop-culture-quiz)\n\n[Pop Culture Quiz](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/quiz\/pop-culture-quiz)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-179\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9)\n\nContents\n\nAsk Anything\n\n[Entertainment & Pop Culture](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/browse\/Entertainment-Pop-Culture)    [Actors](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/browse\/Actors)\n\nCITE\n\nShare\n\nFeedback\n\nExternal Websites\n\n[![South Park](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/85\/149185-050-1220D0A3\/characters-Stan-South-Park-Kyle-Kenny-Cartman.jpg?w=400&h=300&c=crop)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/85\/149185-050-1220D0A3\/characters-Stan-South-Park-Kyle-Kenny-Cartman.jpg)\n\n[*South Park*](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/85\/149185-050-1220D0A3\/characters-Stan-South-Park-Kyle-Kenny-Cartman.jpg) Animated characters from *South Park* (front, from left): Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny.\n\n(more)\n\n# Matt Stone\nAmerican screenwriter, actor, and producer\n\nHomework Help\n\nAlso known as: Matthew Richard Stone\n\nWritten by\n\n[Melissa Albert Melissa Albert was a research editor at Encyclopædia Britannica. Her first novel, *The Hazel Wood* (2018), was a *New York Times* bestseller.](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/Melissa-Albert\/6809)\n\nMelissa Albert\n\nFact-checked by\n\n[Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica\/4419)\n\nBritannica Editors\n\nLast updated\n\nFeb. 27, 2026\n\n•[History](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Matt-Stone\/additional-info#history)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-179\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Britannica AI\n\nAsk Anything\n\nTable of Contents\n\nTable of Contents\n\nAsk Anything\n\nTop Questions\n\n- Who is Matt Stone?\n- What is Matt Stone best known for?\n- What famous animated TV show did Matt Stone help create?\n- What roles does Matt Stone have on the show 'South Park'?\n- How did Matt Stone and Trey Parker start working together?\n- Besides 'South Park', what other projects has Matt Stone worked on?\n\nShow more\n\nShow less\n\n**Matt Stone** (born May 26, 1971, [Houston](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Houston), [Texas](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Texas-state), U.S.) is an American screenwriter, actor, and producer who was best known as the cocreator, with [Trey Parker](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Trey-Parker), of the subversive animated television series [*South Park*](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/South-Park-television-series) (1997– ). Together with songwriter Robert Lopez, the pair also created the [Broadway](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Broadway-street-and-district-New-York-City) musical [*The Book of Mormon*](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/The-Book-of-Mormon), which won numerous [Tony Awards](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Tony-Awards).\n\nAt a young age, Stone moved with his family to [Littleton](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Littleton-Colorado), [Colorado](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Colorado-state), where he spent his childhood. While pursuing a double major in art and math at the [University of Colorado](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/University-of-Colorado) in Boulder (B.A., 1993), Stone met future collaborator Trey Parker. The duo began filming their first full-length project, the [movie](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/film) *Cannibal!: The Musical* (1993), while still enrolled in the university. In 1992 they created the short animated film *The Spirit of Christmas*, which introduced early versions of the four foulmouthed boys who would become the characters of *South Park*. Stone and Parker remade the short in 1995, and the second version became one of the Internet’s earliest viral videos, spurring television network [Comedy Central](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Comedy-Central) to begin airing a half-hour program based on the short in 1997. *South Park*, named for the small-minded, perpetually wintry town in which it was set, brought Parker and Stone’s quartet of crudely animated grade-schoolers to a mainstream audience. Stone cowrote a number of the episodes with Parker, and both men voiced many of the characters.\n\nFollowing its debut on August 13, 1997, *South Park* was an immediate sensation. Its emphasis on absurdist plot twists and casual profanity made it a huge critical and popular hit, though it also drew the [censure](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/censure) of, for example, religious organizations. The show frequently lampooned celebrities, including [Barbra Streisand](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Barbra-Streisand), [Britney Spears](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Britney-Spears), and [Kanye West](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Kanye-West). Within five months of being on the air, *South Park* was the highest-rated program on Comedy Central. The show’s first [Emmy Award](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Emmy-Award) nomination recognized the season-one episode “Big Gay Al’s Big Gay Boat Ride.”\n\n[![USA 2006 - 78th Annual Academy Awards. Closeup of giant Oscar statue at the entrance of the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Hompepage blog 2009, arts and entertainment, film movie hollywood](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/65\/129465-131-8F637272\/USA-Annual-Academy-Awards-Closeup-entrance-statue-2009.jpg) Britannica Quiz Pop Culture Quiz](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/quiz\/pop-culture-quiz)\n\nStone’s film career included a small role in the comedy *Orgazmo* (1997), which Parker directed and cowrote. In 1998 he played opposite Parker in *BASEketball*, appearing as a star player of an invented sport. Two years after *South Park*’s debut, the feature film *South Park: Bigger, Longer, & Uncut* was released. It received an [Academy Award](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Academy-Award) nomination for best song. Its creators also [collaborated](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/collaborated) on the short-lived sitcom *That’s My Bush\\!* (2001) and the movie *Team America: World Police* (2004).\n\n[![The Book of Mormon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/80\/254880-050-5ED347B7\/The-Book-of-Mormon-cast-opening-night-Broadway-March-24-2011-NYC-Rory-OMalley-Josh-Gad-Andrew-Rannells-Nikki-M-James-Michael-Potts.jpg?w=300)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/80\/254880-050-5ED347B7\/The-Book-of-Mormon-cast-opening-night-Broadway-March-24-2011-NYC-Rory-OMalley-Josh-Gad-Andrew-Rannells-Nikki-M-James-Michael-Potts.jpg)\n\n[*The Book of Mormon*](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/80\/254880-050-5ED347B7\/The-Book-of-Mormon-cast-opening-night-Broadway-March-24-2011-NYC-Rory-OMalley-Josh-Gad-Andrew-Rannells-Nikki-M-James-Michael-Potts.jpg)(From left) actors Rory O'Malley (Elder McKinley), Josh Gad (Elder Cunningham), Andrew Rannells (Elder Price), Nikki M. James (Nabalungi), and Michael Potts (Mafala Hatimbi) performing on the opening night of *The Book of Mormon* on Broadway, March 24, 2011.\n\n(more)\n\nBeginning in 2003, the pair began to craft the idea of an irreverent musical about [Joseph Smith](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Joseph-Smith-American-religious-leader-1805-1844), the founder of the [Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints). Together with Robert Lopez, one of the creators of the puppet-filled stage musical *Avenue Q*, they eventually created the satirical Broadway musical *[The Book of Mormon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/The-Book-of-Mormon)* (2011). The hit production, about LDS missionaries in Uganda, captured numerous [Tony Awards](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Tony-Awards), including best musical. In addition, its original cast album won a [Grammy Award](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Grammy-Award) in 2012.\n\nQuick Facts\n\nIn full:\n\nMatthew Richard Stone\n\n*(Show more)*\n\nBorn:\n\nMay 26, 1971, [Houston](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Houston), [Texas](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Texas-state), U.S. (age 54)\n\n*(Show more)*\n\nAwards And Honors:\n\n[Tony Awards](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Tony-Awards)\n\n[Emmy Award (2013)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Emmy-Award)\n\n[Emmy Award (2009)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Emmy-Award)\n\n[Emmy Award (2008)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Emmy-Award)\n\n[Emmy Award (2007)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Emmy-Award)\n\n[Emmy Award (2005)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Emmy-Award)\n\n*(Show more)*\n\nNotable Works:\n\n[“South Park”](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/South-Park-television-series)\n\n[“The Book of Mormon”](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/The-Book-of-Mormon)\n\n*(Show more)*\n\n[See all related content](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/facts\/Matt-Stone)\n\nThroughout its long run, *South Park* continued to draw large audiences and critical acclaim, receiving five Emmys for outstanding animated program (2005, 2007–09, 2013). Its creators also continued to court controversy. Longtime cast member [Isaac Hayes](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Isaac-Israel-Hayes), a [Scientologist](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Scientology), left the show following a 2005 episode that mocked his belief system. The following year, Comedy Central’s discomfort with an episode initially intended to feature a depiction of the Prophet [Muhammad](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Muhammad)—which many Muslims would have considered offensive—led Parker and Stone to run this message on a blank screen: “Comedy Central has refused to broadcast an image of Muhammad on their network.” Four years later Parker and Stone depicted Muhammad wearing a bear suit that hid his appearance.\n\n[Melissa Albert](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/Melissa-Albert\/6809) [The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica\/4419)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-179\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9)Britannica AI\n\n*chevron\\_right*\n\nMatt Stone\n\n*close*\n\n[AI-generated answers](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.\n\nLoad Next Page\n\nFeedback\n\nThank you for your feedback\n\nOur editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.\n\n*verified*Cite\n\nWhile every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.\n\nSelect Citation Style\n\nBritannica Editors. \"South Park\". *Encyclopedia Britannica*, 12 Mar. 2026, https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/South-Park-television-series. Accessed 15 April 2026.\n\nCopy Citation\n\nShare\n\nShare to social media\n\n[Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BRITANNICA\/) [X](https:\/\/x.com\/britannica)\n\nURL\n\n<https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/South-Park-television-series>\n\nExternal Websites\n\n- [Television Encyclopedia - \"South Park\"](https:\/\/www.tvencyclopedia.org\/tv-encyclopedia-15\/south-park)\n- [Official Site of South Park](https:\/\/www.southparkstudios.com\/)\n\nFeedback\n\nThank you for your feedback\n\nOur editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.\n\n*verified*Cite\n\nWhile every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.\n\nSelect Citation Style\n\nAlbert, Melissa. \"Matt Stone\". *Encyclopedia Britannica*, 27 Feb. 2026, https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Matt-Stone. Accessed 15 April 2026.\n\nCopy Citation\n\nShare\n\nShare to social media\n\n[Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BRITANNICA\/) [X](https:\/\/x.com\/britannica)\n\nURL\n\n<https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Matt-Stone>\n\nExternal Websites\n\n- [Turner Classic Movies - Matt Stone](https:\/\/www.tcm.com\/tcmdb\/person\/509547%7C0\/Matt-Stone#overview)\n- [ABC listen - The Conversation Hour: South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone](https:\/\/www.abc.net.au\/listen\/programs\/theconversationhour\/the-conversation-hour\/8219378)\n- [Fresh Air Archive - Matt Stone](https:\/\/freshairarchive.org\/guests\/matt-stone)\n- [BBC Sounds - Graham Norton - Matt Stone and Trey Parker chat to Graham Norton](https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/sounds\/play\/p0163np0)\n- [NPR - Making Fun Of Everyone On 'South Park'](https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2010\/05\/28\/127210540\/making-fun-of-everyone-on-south-park)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Top Questions\n\n- Who is Matt Stone?\n- What is Matt Stone best known for?\n- What famous animated TV show did Matt Stone help create?\n- What roles does Matt Stone have on the show 'South Park'?\n- How did Matt Stone and Trey Parker start working together?\n- Besides 'South Park', what other projects has Matt Stone worked on?\n\n**Matt Stone** (born May 26, 1971, [Houston](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Houston), [Texas](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Texas-state), U.S.) is an American screenwriter, actor, and producer who was best known as the cocreator, with [Trey Parker](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Trey-Parker), of the subversive animated television series [*South Park*](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/South-Park-television-series) (1997– ). Together with songwriter Robert Lopez, the pair also created the [Broadway](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Broadway-street-and-district-New-York-City) musical [*The Book of Mormon*](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/The-Book-of-Mormon), which won numerous [Tony Awards](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Tony-Awards).\n\nAt a young age, Stone moved with his family to [Littleton](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Littleton-Colorado), [Colorado](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Colorado-state), where he spent his childhood. While pursuing a double major in art and math at the [University of Colorado](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/University-of-Colorado) in Boulder (B.A., 1993), Stone met future collaborator Trey Parker. The duo began filming their first full-length project, the [movie](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/film) *Cannibal!: The Musical* (1993), while still enrolled in the university. In 1992 they created the short animated film *The Spirit of Christmas*, which introduced early versions of the four foulmouthed boys who would become the characters of *South Park*. Stone and Parker remade the short in 1995, and the second version became one of the Internet’s earliest viral videos, spurring television network [Comedy Central](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Comedy-Central) to begin airing a half-hour program based on the short in 1997. *South Park*, named for the small-minded, perpetually wintry town in which it was set, brought Parker and Stone’s quartet of crudely animated grade-schoolers to a mainstream audience. Stone cowrote a number of the episodes with Parker, and both men voiced many of the characters.\n\nFollowing its debut on August 13, 1997, *South Park* was an immediate sensation. Its emphasis on absurdist plot twists and casual profanity made it a huge critical and popular hit, though it also drew the [censure](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/censure) of, for example, religious organizations. The show frequently lampooned celebrities, including [Barbra Streisand](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Barbra-Streisand), [Britney Spears](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Britney-Spears), and [Kanye West](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Kanye-West). Within five months of being on the air, *South Park* was the highest-rated program on Comedy Central. The show’s first [Emmy Award](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Emmy-Award) nomination recognized the season-one episode “Big Gay Al’s Big Gay Boat Ride.”\n\n[![USA 2006 - 78th Annual Academy Awards. Closeup of giant Oscar statue at the entrance of the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Hompepage blog 2009, arts and entertainment, film movie hollywood](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/65\/129465-131-8F637272\/USA-Annual-Academy-Awards-Closeup-entrance-statue-2009.jpg) Britannica Quiz Pop Culture Quiz](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/quiz\/pop-culture-quiz)\n\nStone’s film career included a small role in the comedy *Orgazmo* (1997), which Parker directed and cowrote. In 1998 he played opposite Parker in *BASEketball*, appearing as a star player of an invented sport. Two years after *South Park*’s debut, the feature film *South Park: Bigger, Longer, & Uncut* was released. It received an [Academy Award](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Academy-Award) nomination for best song. Its creators also [collaborated](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/collaborated) on the short-lived sitcom *That’s My Bush\\!* (2001) and the movie *Team America: World Police* (2004).\n\n[*The Book of Mormon*](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/80\/254880-050-5ED347B7\/The-Book-of-Mormon-cast-opening-night-Broadway-March-24-2011-NYC-Rory-OMalley-Josh-Gad-Andrew-Rannells-Nikki-M-James-Michael-Potts.jpg)(From left) actors Rory O'Malley (Elder McKinley), Josh Gad (Elder Cunningham), Andrew Rannells (Elder Price), Nikki M. James (Nabalungi), and Michael Potts (Mafala Hatimbi) performing on the opening night of *The Book of Mormon* on Broadway, March 24, 2011.\n\nBeginning in 2003, the pair began to craft the idea of an irreverent musical about [Joseph Smith](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Joseph-Smith-American-religious-leader-1805-1844), the founder of the [Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints). Together with Robert Lopez, one of the creators of the puppet-filled stage musical *Avenue Q*, they eventually created the satirical Broadway musical *[The Book of Mormon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/The-Book-of-Mormon)* (2011). The hit production, about LDS missionaries in Uganda, captured numerous [Tony Awards](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Tony-Awards), including best musical. In addition, its original cast album won a [Grammy Award](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/art\/Grammy-Award) in 2012.\n\nQuick Facts\n\nIn full:\n\nMatthew Richard Stone\n\nThroughout its long run, *South Park* continued to draw large audiences and critical acclaim, receiving five Emmys for outstanding animated program (2005, 2007–09, 2013). Its creators also continued to court controversy. Longtime cast member [Isaac Hayes](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Isaac-Israel-Hayes), a [Scientologist](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Scientology), left the show following a 2005 episode that mocked his belief system. The following year, Comedy Central’s discomfort with an episode initially intended to feature a depiction of the Prophet [Muhammad](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Muhammad)—which many Muslims would have considered offensive—led Parker and Stone to run this message on a blank screen: “Comedy Central has refused to broadcast an image of Muhammad on their network.” Four years later Parker and Stone depicted Muhammad wearing a bear suit that hid his appearance.","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Top Questions Who is Matt Stone? What is Matt Stone best known for? What famous animated TV show did Matt Stone help create? What roles does Matt Stone have on the show 'South Park'? How did Matt Stone and Trey Parker start working together? Besides 'South Park', what other projects has Matt Stone worked on? Matt Stone (born May 26, 1971, Houston , Texas , U.S.) is an American screenwriter, actor, and producer who was best known as the cocreator, with Trey Parker , of the subversive animated television series South Park (1997– ). Together with songwriter Robert Lopez, the pair also created the Broadway musical The Book of Mormon , which won numerous Tony Awards . At a young age, Stone moved with his family to Littleton , Colorado , where he spent his childhood. While pursuing a double major in art and math at the University of Colorado in Boulder (B.A., 1993), Stone met future collaborator Trey Parker. The duo began filming their first full-length project, the movie Cannibal!: The Musical (1993), while still enrolled in the university. In 1992 they created the short animated film The Spirit of Christmas , which introduced early versions of the four foulmouthed boys who would become the characters of South Park . Stone and Parker remade the short in 1995, and the second version became one of the Internet’s earliest viral videos, spurring television network Comedy Central to begin airing a half-hour program based on the short in 1997. South Park , named for the small-minded, perpetually wintry town in which it was set, brought Parker and Stone’s quartet of crudely animated grade-schoolers to a mainstream audience. Stone cowrote a number of the episodes with Parker, and both men voiced many of the characters. Following its debut on August 13, 1997, South Park was an immediate sensation. Its emphasis on absurdist plot twists and casual profanity made it a huge critical and popular hit, though it also drew the censure of, for example, religious organizations. The show frequently lampooned celebrities, including Barbra Streisand , Britney Spears , and Kanye West . Within five months of being on the air, South Park was the highest-rated program on Comedy Central. The show’s first Emmy Award nomination recognized the season-one episode “Big Gay Al’s Big Gay Boat Ride.” Britannica Quiz Pop Culture Quiz Stone’s film career included a small role in the comedy Orgazmo (1997), which Parker directed and cowrote. In 1998 he played opposite Parker in BASEketball , appearing as a star player of an invented sport. Two years after South Park ’s debut, the feature film South Park: Bigger, Longer, & Uncut was released. It received an Academy Award nomination for best song. Its creators also collaborated on the short-lived sitcom That’s My Bush! (2001) and the movie Team America: World Police (2004). The Book of Mormon (From left) actors Rory O'Malley (Elder McKinley), Josh Gad (Elder Cunningham), Andrew Rannells (Elder Price), Nikki M. James (Nabalungi), and Michael Potts (Mafala Hatimbi) performing on the opening night of The Book of Mormon on Broadway, March 24, 2011. Beginning in 2003, the pair began to craft the idea of an irreverent musical about Joseph Smith , the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . Together with Robert Lopez, one of the creators of the puppet-filled stage musical Avenue Q , they eventually created the satirical Broadway musical The Book of Mormon (2011). The hit production, about LDS missionaries in Uganda, captured numerous Tony Awards , including best musical. In addition, its original cast album won a Grammy Award in 2012. Quick Facts In full: Matthew Richard Stone Throughout its long run, South Park continued to draw large audiences and critical acclaim, receiving five Emmys for outstanding animated program (2005, 2007–09, 2013). Its creators also continued to court controversy. Longtime cast member Isaac Hayes , a Scientologist , left the show following a 2005 episode that mocked his belief system. The following year, Comedy Central’s discomfort with an episode initially intended to feature a depiction of the Prophet Muhammad —which many Muslims would have considered offensive—led Parker and Stone to run this message on a blank screen: “Comedy Central has refused to broadcast an image of Muhammad on their network.” Four years later Parker and Stone depicted Muhammad wearing a bear suit that hid his appearance.
Markdown	[![Encyclopedia Britannica](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel/eb-logo/MendelNewThistleLogo.png)](https://www.britannica.com/) [![Encyclopedia Britannica](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel/eb-logo/MendelNewThistleLogo.png)](https://www.britannica.com/) [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=global-nav&utm_campaign=blue-evergreen) [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=global-nav-mobile&utm_campaign=blue-evergreen) Login https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm\_source=premium\&utm\_medium=nav-login-box\&utm\_campaign=evergreen [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=hamburger-menu&utm_campaign=blue) [Ask the Chatbot](https://www.britannica.com/chatbot) [Games & Quizzes](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/browse) [History & Society](https://www.britannica.com/History-Society) [Science & Tech](https://www.britannica.com/Science-Tech) [Biographies](https://www.britannica.com/Biographies) [Animals & Nature](https://www.britannica.com/Animals-Nature) [Geography & Travel](https://www.britannica.com/Geography-Travel) [Arts & Culture](https://www.britannica.com/Arts-Culture) [ProCon](https://www.britannica.com/procon) [Money](https://www.britannica.com/money) [Videos](https://www.britannica.com/videos) [South Park](https://www.britannica.com/topic/South-Park-television-series) [Introduction](https://www.britannica.com/topic/South-Park-television-series) [References & Edit History](https://www.britannica.com/topic/South-Park-television-series/additional-info) [Quick Facts & Related Topics](https://www.britannica.com/facts/South-Park-television-series) [Images](https://www.britannica.com/topic/South-Park-television-series/images-videos) [![South Park](https://cdn.britannica.com/85/149185-004-339E70CF/characters-Stan-South-Park-Kyle-Kenny-Cartman.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/85/149185-050-1220D0A3/characters-Stan-South-Park-Kyle-Kenny-Cartman.jpg) Quizzes [![Illustration of missing, anonymous person in group. Quiz thumb, Guess Who is Missing?](https://cdn.britannica.com/74/264874-131-21D625FD/missing-anonymous-person-illustration.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/whos-missing-quiz) [Who’s Missing? Quiz](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/whos-missing-quiz) [![USA 2006 - 78th Annual Academy Awards. Closeup of giant Oscar statue at the entrance of the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Hompepage blog 2009, arts and entertainment, film movie hollywood](https://cdn.britannica.com/65/129465-131-8F637272/USA-Annual-Academy-Awards-Closeup-entrance-statue-2009.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/pop-culture-quiz) [Pop Culture Quiz](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/pop-culture-quiz) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Contents Ask Anything [Entertainment & Pop Culture](https://www.britannica.com/browse/Entertainment-Pop-Culture) [Television & Radio](https://www.britannica.com/browse/Television-Radio) [TV & Radio Shows & Networks](https://www.britannica.com/browse/TV-Radio-Shows-Networks) CITE Share Feedback External Websites [![South Park](https://cdn.britannica.com/85/149185-050-1220D0A3/characters-Stan-South-Park-Kyle-Kenny-Cartman.jpg?w=400&h=300&c=crop)](https://cdn.britannica.com/85/149185-050-1220D0A3/characters-Stan-South-Park-Kyle-Kenny-Cartman.jpg) [South Park](https://cdn.britannica.com/85/149185-050-1220D0A3/characters-Stan-South-Park-Kyle-Kenny-Cartman.jpg) Animated characters from South Park (front, from left): Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny. (more) # South Park American animated television series Homework Help Written and fact-checked by [Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....](https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419) Britannica Editors Last updated Mar. 12, 2026 •[History](https://www.britannica.com/topic/South-Park-television-series/additional-info#history) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Britannica AI Ask Anything Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask Anything South Park, American adult-oriented animated comedy series that has aired on the cable network [Comedy Central](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Comedy-Central) since 1997. The controversial series won [Emmy Awards](https://www.britannica.com/art/Emmy-Award) for outstanding animated program in 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2012. South Park is set in a fictional [Colorado](https://www.britannica.com/place/Colorado-state) town of the same name and focuses largely on the antics of four grade-school boys: Eric Cartman, Stanley Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, and Kenneth (Kenny) McCormick, although numerous episodes have dealt with the town’s other [denizens](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/denizens), most of whom are recurring characters. The series was created by [Trey Parker](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Trey-Parker) and [Matt Stone](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Matt-Stone), who, in addition to writing, directing, and editing each episode, provide the voices of the four boys as well as of nearly every other male character in the series (though, notably, the late soul singer [Isaac Hayes](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Isaac-Hayes) voiced Chef from the late 1990s until 2006). Awards And Honors: [Emmy Award (2007)](https://www.britannica.com/art/Emmy-Award) [Emmy Award (2005)](https://www.britannica.com/art/Emmy-Award) (Show more) [See all related content](https://www.britannica.com/facts/South-Park-television-series) South Park is decidedly low-budget in appearance, with the characters and landscapes rendered in the style of crude cut-out [animation](https://www.britannica.com/art/animation) (although, in reality, high-end video processing is used to achieve this effect). It is almost always winter in South Park, with snow covering the ground. The town is [inhabited](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/inhabited) by a population of odd and improbable characters, including [Jesus](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jesus), who hosts a local public-access [talk show](https://www.britannica.com/topic/talk-show). Nearly every social institution, from law enforcement to education, is portrayed as inept. The show revels in controversy and [taboo](https://www.britannica.com/topic/taboo-sociology) subjects and often parodies celebrities and public figures. Much of its humour relies on pop-culture references, [slapstick](https://www.britannica.com/art/slapstick-comedy), shock value, and scatological jokes, as exemplified by the episode in which the boys befriend a singing, dancing piece of fecal matter named Mr. Hankey the Christmas Poo. In 1999 the show engendered a feature-length musical cartoon, South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut, which was nominated for an [Academy Award](https://www.britannica.com/art/Academy-Award) for best original song. [![Illustration of missing, anonymous person in group. Quiz thumb, Guess Who is Missing?](https://cdn.britannica.com/74/264874-131-21D625FD/missing-anonymous-person-illustration.jpg) Britannica Quiz Who’s Missing? Quiz](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/whos-missing-quiz) This article was most recently revised and updated by [Adam Augustyn](https://www.britannica.com/editor/Adam-Augustyn/6394). ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9)Britannica AI chevron\_right South Park close [AI-generated answers](https://www.britannica.com/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. [Matt Stone](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Matt-Stone) [Introduction](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Matt-Stone) [References & Edit History](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Matt-Stone/additional-info) [Quick Facts & Related Topics](https://www.britannica.com/facts/Matt-Stone) [Images](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Matt-Stone/images-videos) [![South Park](https://cdn.britannica.com/85/149185-004-339E70CF/characters-Stan-South-Park-Kyle-Kenny-Cartman.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/85/149185-050-1220D0A3/characters-Stan-South-Park-Kyle-Kenny-Cartman.jpg) [![The Book of Mormon](https://cdn.britannica.com/80/254880-004-889FD29B/The-Book-of-Mormon-cast-opening-night-Broadway-March-24-2011-NYC-Rory-OMalley-Josh-Gad-Andrew-Rannells-Nikki-M-James-Michael-Potts.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/80/254880-050-5ED347B7/The-Book-of-Mormon-cast-opening-night-Broadway-March-24-2011-NYC-Rory-OMalley-Josh-Gad-Andrew-Rannells-Nikki-M-James-Michael-Potts.jpg) Quizzes [![USA 2006 - 78th Annual Academy Awards. Closeup of giant Oscar statue at the entrance of the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Hompepage blog 2009, arts and entertainment, film movie hollywood](https://cdn.britannica.com/65/129465-131-8F637272/USA-Annual-Academy-Awards-Closeup-entrance-statue-2009.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/pop-culture-quiz) [Pop Culture Quiz](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/pop-culture-quiz) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Contents Ask Anything [Entertainment & Pop Culture](https://www.britannica.com/browse/Entertainment-Pop-Culture) [Actors](https://www.britannica.com/browse/Actors) CITE Share Feedback External Websites [![South Park](https://cdn.britannica.com/85/149185-050-1220D0A3/characters-Stan-South-Park-Kyle-Kenny-Cartman.jpg?w=400&h=300&c=crop)](https://cdn.britannica.com/85/149185-050-1220D0A3/characters-Stan-South-Park-Kyle-Kenny-Cartman.jpg) [South Park](https://cdn.britannica.com/85/149185-050-1220D0A3/characters-Stan-South-Park-Kyle-Kenny-Cartman.jpg) Animated characters from South Park (front, from left): Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny. (more) # Matt Stone American screenwriter, actor, and producer Homework Help Also known as: Matthew Richard Stone Written by [Melissa Albert Melissa Albert was a research editor at Encyclopædia Britannica. Her first novel, The Hazel Wood (2018), was a New York Times bestseller.](https://www.britannica.com/editor/Melissa-Albert/6809) Melissa Albert Fact-checked by [Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....](https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419) Britannica Editors Last updated Feb. 27, 2026 •[History](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Matt-Stone/additional-info#history) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Britannica AI Ask Anything Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask Anything Top Questions - Who is Matt Stone? - What is Matt Stone best known for? - What famous animated TV show did Matt Stone help create? - What roles does Matt Stone have on the show 'South Park'? - How did Matt Stone and Trey Parker start working together? - Besides 'South Park', what other projects has Matt Stone worked on? Show more Show less Matt Stone (born May 26, 1971, [Houston](https://www.britannica.com/place/Houston), [Texas](https://www.britannica.com/place/Texas-state), U.S.) is an American screenwriter, actor, and producer who was best known as the cocreator, with [Trey Parker](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Trey-Parker), of the subversive animated television series [South Park](https://www.britannica.com/topic/South-Park-television-series) (1997– ). Together with songwriter Robert Lopez, the pair also created the [Broadway](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Broadway-street-and-district-New-York-City) musical [The Book of Mormon](https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Book-of-Mormon), which won numerous [Tony Awards](https://www.britannica.com/art/Tony-Awards). At a young age, Stone moved with his family to [Littleton](https://www.britannica.com/place/Littleton-Colorado), [Colorado](https://www.britannica.com/place/Colorado-state), where he spent his childhood. While pursuing a double major in art and math at the [University of Colorado](https://www.britannica.com/topic/University-of-Colorado) in Boulder (B.A., 1993), Stone met future collaborator Trey Parker. The duo began filming their first full-length project, the [movie](https://www.britannica.com/art/film) Cannibal!: The Musical (1993), while still enrolled in the university. In 1992 they created the short animated film The Spirit of Christmas, which introduced early versions of the four foulmouthed boys who would become the characters of South Park. Stone and Parker remade the short in 1995, and the second version became one of the Internet’s earliest viral videos, spurring television network [Comedy Central](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Comedy-Central) to begin airing a half-hour program based on the short in 1997. South Park, named for the small-minded, perpetually wintry town in which it was set, brought Parker and Stone’s quartet of crudely animated grade-schoolers to a mainstream audience. Stone cowrote a number of the episodes with Parker, and both men voiced many of the characters. Following its debut on August 13, 1997, South Park was an immediate sensation. Its emphasis on absurdist plot twists and casual profanity made it a huge critical and popular hit, though it also drew the [censure](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/censure) of, for example, religious organizations. The show frequently lampooned celebrities, including [Barbra Streisand](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Barbra-Streisand), [Britney Spears](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Britney-Spears), and [Kanye West](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kanye-West). Within five months of being on the air, South Park was the highest-rated program on Comedy Central. The show’s first [Emmy Award](https://www.britannica.com/art/Emmy-Award) nomination recognized the season-one episode “Big Gay Al’s Big Gay Boat Ride.” [![USA 2006 - 78th Annual Academy Awards. Closeup of giant Oscar statue at the entrance of the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Hompepage blog 2009, arts and entertainment, film movie hollywood](https://cdn.britannica.com/65/129465-131-8F637272/USA-Annual-Academy-Awards-Closeup-entrance-statue-2009.jpg) Britannica Quiz Pop Culture Quiz](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/pop-culture-quiz) Stone’s film career included a small role in the comedy Orgazmo (1997), which Parker directed and cowrote. In 1998 he played opposite Parker in BASEketball, appearing as a star player of an invented sport. Two years after South Park’s debut, the feature film South Park: Bigger, Longer, & Uncut was released. It received an [Academy Award](https://www.britannica.com/art/Academy-Award) nomination for best song. Its creators also [collaborated](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collaborated) on the short-lived sitcom That’s My Bush\! (2001) and the movie Team America: World Police (2004). [![The Book of Mormon](https://cdn.britannica.com/80/254880-050-5ED347B7/The-Book-of-Mormon-cast-opening-night-Broadway-March-24-2011-NYC-Rory-OMalley-Josh-Gad-Andrew-Rannells-Nikki-M-James-Michael-Potts.jpg?w=300)](https://cdn.britannica.com/80/254880-050-5ED347B7/The-Book-of-Mormon-cast-opening-night-Broadway-March-24-2011-NYC-Rory-OMalley-Josh-Gad-Andrew-Rannells-Nikki-M-James-Michael-Potts.jpg) [The Book of Mormon](https://cdn.britannica.com/80/254880-050-5ED347B7/The-Book-of-Mormon-cast-opening-night-Broadway-March-24-2011-NYC-Rory-OMalley-Josh-Gad-Andrew-Rannells-Nikki-M-James-Michael-Potts.jpg)(From left) actors Rory O'Malley (Elder McKinley), Josh Gad (Elder Cunningham), Andrew Rannells (Elder Price), Nikki M. James (Nabalungi), and Michael Potts (Mafala Hatimbi) performing on the opening night of The Book of Mormon on Broadway, March 24, 2011. (more) Beginning in 2003, the pair began to craft the idea of an irreverent musical about [Joseph Smith](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joseph-Smith-American-religious-leader-1805-1844), the founder of the [Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints). Together with Robert Lopez, one of the creators of the puppet-filled stage musical Avenue Q, they eventually created the satirical Broadway musical [The Book of Mormon](https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Book-of-Mormon) (2011). The hit production, about LDS missionaries in Uganda, captured numerous [Tony Awards](https://www.britannica.com/art/Tony-Awards), including best musical. In addition, its original cast album won a [Grammy Award](https://www.britannica.com/art/Grammy-Award) in 2012. Quick Facts In full: Matthew Richard Stone (Show more) Born: May 26, 1971, [Houston](https://www.britannica.com/place/Houston), [Texas](https://www.britannica.com/place/Texas-state), U.S. (age 54) (Show more) Awards And Honors: [Tony Awards](https://www.britannica.com/art/Tony-Awards) [Emmy Award (2013)](https://www.britannica.com/art/Emmy-Award) [Emmy Award (2009)](https://www.britannica.com/art/Emmy-Award) [Emmy Award (2008)](https://www.britannica.com/art/Emmy-Award) [Emmy Award (2007)](https://www.britannica.com/art/Emmy-Award) [Emmy Award (2005)](https://www.britannica.com/art/Emmy-Award) (Show more) Notable Works: [“South Park”](https://www.britannica.com/topic/South-Park-television-series) [“The Book of Mormon”](https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Book-of-Mormon) (Show more) [See all related content](https://www.britannica.com/facts/Matt-Stone) Throughout its long run, South Park continued to draw large audiences and critical acclaim, receiving five Emmys for outstanding animated program (2005, 2007–09, 2013). Its creators also continued to court controversy. Longtime cast member [Isaac Hayes](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Isaac-Israel-Hayes), a [Scientologist](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Scientology), left the show following a 2005 episode that mocked his belief system. The following year, Comedy Central’s discomfort with an episode initially intended to feature a depiction of the Prophet [Muhammad](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Muhammad)—which many Muslims would have considered offensive—led Parker and Stone to run this message on a blank screen: “Comedy Central has refused to broadcast an image of Muhammad on their network.” Four years later Parker and Stone depicted Muhammad wearing a bear suit that hid his appearance. [Melissa Albert](https://www.britannica.com/editor/Melissa-Albert/6809) [The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9)Britannica AI chevron\_right Matt Stone close [AI-generated answers](https://www.britannica.com/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. Load Next Page Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. verifiedCite While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Select Citation Style Britannica Editors. "South Park". Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Mar. 2026, https://www.britannica.com/topic/South-Park-television-series. Accessed 15 April 2026. Copy Citation Share Share to social media [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BRITANNICA/) [X](https://x.com/britannica) URL <https://www.britannica.com/topic/South-Park-television-series> External Websites - [Television Encyclopedia - "South Park"](https://www.tvencyclopedia.org/tv-encyclopedia-15/south-park) - [Official Site of South Park](https://www.southparkstudios.com/) Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. verifiedCite While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Select Citation Style Albert, Melissa. "Matt Stone". Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Feb. 2026, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Matt-Stone. Accessed 15 April 2026. Copy Citation Share Share to social media [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BRITANNICA/) [X](https://x.com/britannica) URL <https://www.britannica.com/biography/Matt-Stone> External Websites - [Turner Classic Movies - Matt Stone](https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/509547%7C0/Matt-Stone#overview) - [ABC listen - The Conversation Hour: South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone](https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/theconversationhour/the-conversation-hour/8219378) - [Fresh Air Archive - Matt Stone](https://freshairarchive.org/guests/matt-stone) - [BBC Sounds - Graham Norton - Matt Stone and Trey Parker chat to Graham Norton](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0163np0) - [NPR - Making Fun Of Everyone On 'South Park'](https://www.npr.org/2010/05/28/127210540/making-fun-of-everyone-on-south-park)
Readable Markdown	Top Questions - Who is Matt Stone? - What is Matt Stone best known for? - What famous animated TV show did Matt Stone help create? - What roles does Matt Stone have on the show 'South Park'? - How did Matt Stone and Trey Parker start working together? - Besides 'South Park', what other projects has Matt Stone worked on? Matt Stone (born May 26, 1971, [Houston](https://www.britannica.com/place/Houston), [Texas](https://www.britannica.com/place/Texas-state), U.S.) is an American screenwriter, actor, and producer who was best known as the cocreator, with [Trey Parker](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Trey-Parker), of the subversive animated television series [South Park](https://www.britannica.com/topic/South-Park-television-series) (1997– ). Together with songwriter Robert Lopez, the pair also created the [Broadway](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Broadway-street-and-district-New-York-City) musical [The Book of Mormon](https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Book-of-Mormon), which won numerous [Tony Awards](https://www.britannica.com/art/Tony-Awards). At a young age, Stone moved with his family to [Littleton](https://www.britannica.com/place/Littleton-Colorado), [Colorado](https://www.britannica.com/place/Colorado-state), where he spent his childhood. While pursuing a double major in art and math at the [University of Colorado](https://www.britannica.com/topic/University-of-Colorado) in Boulder (B.A., 1993), Stone met future collaborator Trey Parker. The duo began filming their first full-length project, the [movie](https://www.britannica.com/art/film) Cannibal!: The Musical (1993), while still enrolled in the university. In 1992 they created the short animated film The Spirit of Christmas, which introduced early versions of the four foulmouthed boys who would become the characters of South Park. Stone and Parker remade the short in 1995, and the second version became one of the Internet’s earliest viral videos, spurring television network [Comedy Central](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Comedy-Central) to begin airing a half-hour program based on the short in 1997. South Park, named for the small-minded, perpetually wintry town in which it was set, brought Parker and Stone’s quartet of crudely animated grade-schoolers to a mainstream audience. Stone cowrote a number of the episodes with Parker, and both men voiced many of the characters. Following its debut on August 13, 1997, South Park was an immediate sensation. Its emphasis on absurdist plot twists and casual profanity made it a huge critical and popular hit, though it also drew the [censure](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/censure) of, for example, religious organizations. The show frequently lampooned celebrities, including [Barbra Streisand](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Barbra-Streisand), [Britney Spears](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Britney-Spears), and [Kanye West](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kanye-West). Within five months of being on the air, South Park was the highest-rated program on Comedy Central. The show’s first [Emmy Award](https://www.britannica.com/art/Emmy-Award) nomination recognized the season-one episode “Big Gay Al’s Big Gay Boat Ride.” [![USA 2006 - 78th Annual Academy Awards. Closeup of giant Oscar statue at the entrance of the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Hompepage blog 2009, arts and entertainment, film movie hollywood](https://cdn.britannica.com/65/129465-131-8F637272/USA-Annual-Academy-Awards-Closeup-entrance-statue-2009.jpg) Britannica Quiz Pop Culture Quiz](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/pop-culture-quiz) Stone’s film career included a small role in the comedy Orgazmo (1997), which Parker directed and cowrote. In 1998 he played opposite Parker in BASEketball, appearing as a star player of an invented sport. Two years after South Park’s debut, the feature film South Park: Bigger, Longer, & Uncut was released. It received an [Academy Award](https://www.britannica.com/art/Academy-Award) nomination for best song. Its creators also [collaborated](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collaborated) on the short-lived sitcom That’s My Bush\! (2001) and the movie Team America: World Police (2004). [The Book of Mormon](https://cdn.britannica.com/80/254880-050-5ED347B7/The-Book-of-Mormon-cast-opening-night-Broadway-March-24-2011-NYC-Rory-OMalley-Josh-Gad-Andrew-Rannells-Nikki-M-James-Michael-Potts.jpg)(From left) actors Rory O'Malley (Elder McKinley), Josh Gad (Elder Cunningham), Andrew Rannells (Elder Price), Nikki M. James (Nabalungi), and Michael Potts (Mafala Hatimbi) performing on the opening night of The Book of Mormon on Broadway, March 24, 2011. Beginning in 2003, the pair began to craft the idea of an irreverent musical about [Joseph Smith](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joseph-Smith-American-religious-leader-1805-1844), the founder of the [Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints). Together with Robert Lopez, one of the creators of the puppet-filled stage musical Avenue Q, they eventually created the satirical Broadway musical [The Book of Mormon](https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Book-of-Mormon) (2011). The hit production, about LDS missionaries in Uganda, captured numerous [Tony Awards](https://www.britannica.com/art/Tony-Awards), including best musical. In addition, its original cast album won a [Grammy Award](https://www.britannica.com/art/Grammy-Award) in 2012. Quick Facts In full: Matthew Richard Stone Throughout its long run, South Park continued to draw large audiences and critical acclaim, receiving five Emmys for outstanding animated program (2005, 2007–09, 2013). Its creators also continued to court controversy. Longtime cast member [Isaac Hayes](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Isaac-Israel-Hayes), a [Scientologist](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Scientology), left the show following a 2005 episode that mocked his belief system. The following year, Comedy Central’s discomfort with an episode initially intended to feature a depiction of the Prophet [Muhammad](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Muhammad)—which many Muslims would have considered offensive—led Parker and Stone to run this message on a blank screen: “Comedy Central has refused to broadcast an image of Muhammad on their network.” Four years later Parker and Stone depicted Muhammad wearing a bear suit that hid his appearance.
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