Satan According to South Park (or How Satan Got His Groove Back)

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The prince of darkness, the dark lord of the underworld, Lucifer. Satan has many names and has been portrayed countless different ways in modern media. In South Park, Satan has been a part of the show since literally season 1, but he’s actually really only made a handful of appearances over the years. Out of 300+ episodes, Satan has a substantial role in 10 of them, and of course a MAJOR role in the movie, South Park Bigger Longer and Uncut. And South Park actually takes a pretty unique approach in their portrayal of Satan as well. He’s not just some demonic presence with evil motivations, he’s actually portrayed with… substance. They give him his own fears and insecurities, his own hopes and dreams. Satan’s story in South Park contains multiple profoundly satisfying arcs, as well a majorly exciting and cinematic ending, that kind of leaves you saying “Wow, what a good guy.” So join me as we explore Satan according to South Park. (Or How Satan got his Groove Back)
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Music:
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Video Used:
South Park (1997-2021)
South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut (1999)
#SouthPark #SouthParq #VaccinationSpecial
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[@dynamilla8534]

taken out of context every word uttered in this video is insane

[@SasquatchOmega]

Oh I’m dying to hear this.!! OK...Why is it insane and How is it taken out of context.? 😃

[@strawberrydingdong4097]

@@SasquatchOmega They're saying if you take the context of this being a video about south park away, it sounds insane. not that the video lacks context and is insane

[@SasquatchOmega]

@@strawberrydingdong4097 oh OK. That makes sense to me. Thanks for explaining that. The first impression I got from her was that her comment had something to do with the strictly religious side of it. Like an evangelical Christian seeing this episode that depicts Satan as interesting and helpful and generally the opposite of everything taught in the Bible. So that’s where I thought she was going with it and I was dying to hear what she was going to say. Hopefully that makes sense. Thanks again 🤙🏼💪🏼

[@Laezar1]

@@SasquatchOmega What you read was : "Taken out of context. Every word uttered in this video is insane." which yes is the same words punctuation matters =p In your defense the original comment didn't have any punctuation at all. That being said that's why you should always try to go for the most charitable interpretation of what people say when possible. Don't instantly start being confrontational when there are other interpretations that don't require that ^^

[@SasquatchOmega]

@@Laezar1 Ya I would agree that’s the way it should be. Unfortunately myself and 86% of everybody else commenting on KZbin have had very specialized training that puts charitable comments behind confrontational, rude, threatening, etc. etc. LOL. Especially when you have a KZbin channel like mine...it’s almost in your blood to see the worst first unfortunately.

[@nathanflynn6092]

The line “He cannot deny his serious attraction towards Saddam” got me fucking wheezing

[@cookiesontoast9981]

I mean.. It's pretty well known information 🤷🏻‍♂️ not really a joke or anything.

[@nathanflynn6092]

@@cookiesontoast9981 I know it’s not intentionally a joke on his part, it’s just the context of Saddam Hussein that makes the line so funny to me

[@neoxus30]

@@cookiesontoast9981 Things can be funny without being jokes)

[@lincolnmoanei8324]

A Trip Into The Supernatural - Roger Morneau 1925-1998 kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6PHXnWBqrWFotk

[@eatatjoes6751]

South Park's Satan is so bizarrely tame-ish that it *looks* like the kind of disguise the actual Satan would use...and I *love* it.

[@jeffhough7460]

Were the idea of a satan being a rational thought to begin with

[@excretes_a_n_d8155]

It's cause in the Bible Satan is supposed to be an agent of God, he has to exist to tempt so people have free will.

[@Crailtep]

Did you know that almost everything we “know” about Satan comes from Dante’s Inferno and is almost literally just Christian fan-fic

[@sashapaleologue1234]

Besides. The actual entity is far far nicer than what they are portrayed as. Classical Christian denial and appropriation.

[@excretes_a_n_d8155]

@@Crailtep abandon all hope ye who enter here

[@TheRocketbabydoll]

Just realised with Satan in Heaven he will have to face Saddam Hussein again....

[@MrWarners14]

I’m hoping God might step in this time if he absolutely has to to defend Satan. Though given how they don’t seem to be on bad terms this time, that might be the case.

[@Axl794]

I believe in one of the seasons, Sadam was kicked out of heaven and returned to Earth (somehow) since there was a scene with a parody of the legion of doom and he was there, after that he never appeared at all throughout the series which is a shame, I like his character

[@jasonguarnieri4127]

It's hard to tell if Matt and Trey were just trolling with Satan's extensive character growth or if they were genuinely inspired by it. Then again I could say that about pretty much anything in this show.

[@veezopolis]

The answer I feel is always both. They write ridiculous things then fall in love with their creations. Like all artists

[@lincolnmoanei8324]

A Trip Into The Supernatural - Roger Morneau 1925-1998 kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6PHXnWBqrWFotk

[@appalachiabrauchfrau]

they read Paradise Lost and got real into the sympathy for the devil thing maybe lol

[@jessetorres8738]

South Park's Satan is definitely 1 of the strangest portrayals of him, yet he is 1 of the most interestingly developed (if that makes any sense)

[@Jadzebra]

He's not just the usual evil punching bag

[@26th_Primarch]

Satan from South Park was honestly a pretty cool dude and definitely someone that'd be great to hangout with

[@rahyansuryaramadhan7082]

Anything portrayed in South Park is strange

[@jessespringer7723]

I wish we had more stuff with him and Damien

[@lincolnmoanei8324]

A Trip Into The Supernatural - Roger Morneau 1925-1998 kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6PHXnWBqrWFotk

[@Justice1Knight3]

I love that, out all of the show's antagonists (including Eric Cartman), Satan is mostly portrayed as an anti-villain than as the personification of evil that most animated shows would portray him.

[@themilkman5004]

Satan’s death legit made me cry. I can’t be the only one

[@KittyMonk]

Then again, he is dead. He probably didn't go to Detroit

[@jokein1227]

You’re not he’s one of my favorite characters in the show next to Eric

[@sarahanniswerid]

Definitely not the only one. He was my favorite character and one I related with heavily

[@KingNexusMOCs]

"It must be good to be bad sometimes"

[@alexfinck4637]

He will be back. Where is he gonna go, Detroit?

[@lhfirex]

South Park's Satan is fantastic and I really enjoy that he's not a bad guy for most of the show's run. But man, I can't help but find it funny that Saddam's voice is the Butters voice.

[@jordanloux3883]

The best thing about Matt and Trey is that they may find religions silly, but they genuinely like it. They think it's fun and interesting and really mine it for interesting stories.

[@Doctor4077]

My favorite Satan moment was him just explaining to Stan addiction. Stan: so there’s nothing spiritually wrong with me? Satan: fuck no

[@crystalgemgirl731]

I like how he politely asked Stan if he could borrow his soul for a bit and actually brought Stan safely back home when he was done.

[@martinfawkes595]

Tbh the South Park portrayal of Satan is probably the most realistic one you’ll ever see. If you read the bible he does come off as a kinda likeable dude who just so happens to rule in hell forever more. An immortals video sounds like a really cool idea too.

[@eatatjoes6751]

Same with their portrayal of Jesus. It is the most chill, close-to-Biblical portrayal I have ever seen.

[@onebilliontacos3405]

Yeah, the only real difference is that in the Bible he has a distaste for humans.

[@alihasanaxe4936]

@@onebilliontacos3405 Personally I don't think his actions in the Bible indicate any distaste for humans at all. Hell, he even treats his subordinates exceptionally well. Think about it, every time he makes a direct appearance it's for the sake of spiting/competing with God (excluding his initial action with Eve and the apple which was arguably done out of goodwill). E.g. The torture of John the baptist was to compete with and to demonstrate God's hypocrisy (which it does a beautiful job of, the biblical God's actions are entirely inexcusable for a ruler), during the entirety of revelations his demonic subordinates treat humans who accept their occupation of the world incredibly well(likely a result of His orders, moral guidance or both), during revelations again God is the one sending plagues, diseased livestock, turning water into blood, killing children, etc while Satan erected rich cities all over the place. Considering even more that Lucifer was what was created when God said "let there be light" and it becomes abundantly clear that he's basically the big brother of humanity who got kicked out because he realised Dad is an abusive prick and fought back. He's known God longer than anyone else and clearly knows something about him no one else does, so he rebelled to show *us* the truth. I'm an athiest myself but the intricacies and symbolism I find absolutely fascinating.

[@Spooglecraft]

​@@alihasanaxe4936Satan in the original judaic sense basically means "accuser, adversary" and was actually more of a "job title" than a reference to an actual being. and his job was to question God and make him consider and reflect. this links to the culture judaic peoples have around arguing; it's not necessarily to fight about who's right, but moreso as a kind of sport and an exercise to reflect on ones own beliefs and views. Satan is still Gods subordinate, but God created him to make him reflect on his actions. which honestly just makes it more ironic how fundamentalist christians especially tend to portray Satan as the ultimate evil.

[@NemFX]

"Without evil there can be no good, so it must be good to be evil sometime." Probably the most profound line.

[@mathieuleader8601]

I miss when the celebs had photorealistic heads

[@SDSypher]

Too many of em get butthurt and sue

[@ThePhenomenalEX]

Satan was always one of my favorite characters in the show. Every time he was around the show got interesting.

[@derpy2688]

It's my favourite)

[@goreobsessed2308]

Yeah he definitely stole the show Everytime he was around

[@craftybeldam]

I love this! I always think "Nobody can dress as The Crow" when choosing an outfit

[@rozasupreme]

I can never hear about an Acura without saying "BUT I WANTED A FERARI!"

[@GreatMewtwo]

"Dang it! What didn't Diddy do?!"

[@mr.waffles8739]

I really love the way they wrote Satan' s character, I always felt they wanted to portray him as a normal dude that happens to be the lord of Hell lol great vid! would love to see more about southpark!

[@KittyMonk]

Satan is definitely my favorite South Park character. One of my favorite modern season episodes was the one where he teaches Stan about addiction. Thank you for discussing him!

[@MissysWorld5]

i forgot that satan was sent to heaven as a reward for his kind act and now i’m crying

[@dionnebarry8654]

“He HELPS people” I mean... Satan IS the ‘Light Bringer’-turns out he’s just here to help the South Park kids crack open a book to solve their problems and get BRIGHTER (Great video!!!)

[@lucyferos205]

Yeah, to be fair, the dispute between Jehovah and Satan seems to be more of a feud between ascetic collectivism vs hedonistic individualism

[@Pssybart]

I wonder why Satan got a re-design in later seasons. The changes are minor, but he does look more menacing. The original Satan looked a lot more lovable.

[@SDSypher]

just makes his personality more ironic

[@hot_soup4319]

"Just because you are bad guy, does not mean you are bad guy."

[@sondreeggan6299]

His ascending really makes me curious when I remembered Saddam also went to heaven. Also, really wanna see that video about South Park immortals!

[@JambiStambi]

this rocks, i definitely hope to see more of these South Park character study videos from you! also would love to see the immortal character video (and i'm also glad i don't have to make these myself 💀)

[@Johnny2Cellos]

Thanks Johnnie! I’ve got TOO many South Park video ideas now 😂 can’t wait to see your next season retrospective!

[@todangtall]

The Devil in "South Park" sort of reminds me of the Devil in "God, the Devil, and Bob. It's kind of a tenuous connection, but I really like that show despite it's short runtime.

[@undeadblizzard]

You should watch Devil May Care . I love how God is a perfectionist prick and the Devil is just a weirdo

[@terencemcfadden7466]

I would be interested in a video about immortals in South Park(also a video about one of or all of the boys).

[@KittyMonk]

I wanna know how death works in this world, ie Britney Spears gets sacrificed in one episode and she's alive and well as part of a class action lawsuit in another. Do celebrities have the same power Kenny does?

[@pickerjo2000]

Up There is probably my favourite ever South Park song

[@potatogamer5559]

I think you are the only youtuber I watch that I stay the entire end card just jammin to the music, or as dale gribble would say. *muzak* Also I would love a vid on the immortal beings of south park, that sounds awesome :D

[@kutoramo8875]

I think Satan in south park is a representation on how sometimes we judge our person's opinion on how other people see em or for things they did in the past

[@blindey]

Timestamps and Episodes 4:30 Season 2: "The Mexican Staring-Frog of Shri Lanka" 7:50 Season 4: "Do the Handicapped Go To Hell?" 8:00 Season 4: "Probably" 10:00 Season 10: "Hell On Earth 2006" 10:48 Season 18 "Freemium Isn't Free" 11:30 Season 22 "Time To Get Cereal" 11:30 Season 22 "Nobody Got Cereal?"

[@NanashiAkai]

Satan ascends to heaven Me: uuuh wait a minute isn't Saddam in heaven?

[@gravy4425]

Oh no

[@AgentKyo]

It may not be all that impressive but I still can't believe Satan is genuinely one of the nicest, if *the nicest character* of South Park.

[@painvillegaming4119]

Kenny is the nicest guy Or you know Jesus

[@nuclearcatbaby1131]

He was a bit of a spoiled brat in the birthday episode though.

[@carpenoctem3257]

I love the episode where Stan is addicted to mobile games and Satan shows up and says “let me show you the error of your ways!” and then has a whiteboard and is actually sitting down and explaining what’s going on.

[@anthonypapa6513]

God, I love this video! Thinking about immortal beings, I'd love to see a video on Kenny! I think they did him super dirty towards the later and most recent seasons, like, he's got the muffled voice joke and dying, and I think it would be cool for you to look at him, he's a favorite of mine

[@WobblesandBean]

As a Satanist, I'm actually quite happy with how SP portrays him. He's just, like, this guy, you know?

[@eatatjoes6751]

As a Christian, him and Jesus are the best portrayals I have ever seen and I am entirely happy with them.

[@g2worn92]

@@eatatjoes6751 I’m a Christian too ✝️

[@NickCC23]

Who just happens to be gay. LGBT+ groups have praised the portrayal as well.

[@buddha3209]

i really hope they bring Satan back in more episodes. Hes the best character of the series.

[@lyndjo]

The Sweet 16 Halloween episode is one of my favorites of the entire series. It’s so funny and ridiculous. I love Satan as the bratty teenage girl.

[@taylorhill4677]

Yes, a video about all the immortals in SouthPark would be awesome!

[@dnegel9546]

Forgot how epic that Satan vs manbearpig fight was. 😢

[@takeshikujo2909]

My heart broke when I saw Satan lose to ManBearPig. After the journey we went through with him, it was like being attached to a Jojo character fated to die! 😭

[@painvillegaming4119]

He will be back and get his revenge

[@undeadblizzard]

I never this happy. Satan is a dude. His arc to learn to be independent was my favorite. Also apparently he is gay ? You watch Devil May Care. It is pretty short I like how the Devil is just a good old weirdo and God is a perfectionist who sends everyone to hell who isn't perfect.

[@cihloun]

Satan is the best character, because of how he is wholesome sometimes and his voice is perfect

[@varietyhub2948]

Satan really is the most relatable character in the show

[@pinecone3054]

0:53 “...Or How Satan Got His Groove Back” I want to see 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙤

[@alejandragarcis5228]

Loving the south park videos do Kenny next 💯

[@Johnny2Cellos]

Definitely want to cover Kenny, that might take a minute tho

[@butters9848]

More south park breakdowns!!!! These are fantastic

[@TheWinstonSlip]

Can you please review Undergrads, Mission Hill, Clone High, Duckman, and The Critic?

[@redacted5035]

"how Satan got his groove back" holy shit 💀😭🤣

[@coreysmithson4002]

3:04 is absolutely hysterical to me everytime i see it haha. The setup to it over the 10 seconds before makes it perfect

[@masonschwalm2010]

I would definitely watch a video about immortal beings in South Park! 👍🏻

[@ghostsurfer23]

Wow, there's a video I could never have predicted I wanted until now. Kudos, Johnny; may Satan's blessings be upon you. And I ABSOLUTELY want you to do a video on all the immortals in South Park. Give me all the magical creatures, different alien species, weird cosmic lore; I want it ALL!

[@michaelsmith3424]

I always thought it was so bizarre that some of the best lessons, and sometimes just straight up advice, came from Satan. I'm glad others also recognize that he is such a fantastic, important character.

[@tackyoptic]

I'd be interested in an immortals analysis, yeah. This one was so good I could watch anything honestly lol

[@Taraku43]

What I find interesting about Satan in South Park is, he shows that everybody can be a good person. And Satan just went through the biggest growth to prove it

[@drew899]

You mean “how satan requisitioned his groove back” right?

[@chrisblatner31]

Just found your channel, instantly one of my favorite on KZbin!

[@robinscompass5951]

Honestly I really like portrayals of Satan that don’t just make him inherently evil, cause he really isn’t even evil if you look at all his actions in the bible

[@annebruecks7381]

There’s a commercial for a dating app or something that shows Satan meeting some woman, it’s Hilarious as they sit on a couch to be interviewed about meeting each other/their relationship. I always laugh when I see it. But I had a weird soft spot for the demon bull thing in Labrynth so maybe I’m just a nut!

[@KittyMonk]

Literature would sometimes use this interpretation, if super sparingly. I had to read Paradise Regained for a class (it's the sequel to Paradise Lost by the same author) and the point's made Satan has to tempt certain people in order to be sure there's free will, their heart is in the right spot and things can proceed a certain way. It was pretty surprising to say the least.

[@TheAbigailDee]

This is such a fab topic and it's done so well!!!

[@dariahill]

Yeah, well, where was i supposed to go, Detroit?

[@Nuennin]

I found Ur Channel Like a Week ago and now i cant Stop watching Ur videos

[@hylwicks]

I’d love to see a video on immortal characters in South Park from you, it sounds like a really fun idea

[@MrLeafeater]

Fantastic video! Of COURSE I wanna see a video about South Park's immortals.

[@agdgdgwngo]

"where was I gonna go, Detroit?“

[@AvengedHate26]

How fucked up would it be if religion and church made us all hate satan when in all reality he just needs a friend. Lol doubtful but that would just be the biggest plot twist in all human history

[@darkcat282]

I would love to see an episode on immortal South Park characters.

[@TweekerMcCormick]

I would LOVE a video on immortal beings in South Park (particularly Kenny, I don't know if the lore has changed since I stopped watching so often). Honestly I'd love to see more videos about South Park in general!

[@dreamman5588]

Just a great serious in general, can't get enough of it

[@tetsushatarii2108]

It never ceases to make me laugh when I realize my favorite side character in South Park is Satan lol

[@leonedevaudier76]

Yes please an immortals video sounds amazing great video btw

[@radarlove8893]

Great video Johnny and yes please I'd love to see you do a video on immortal beings

[@mehlover]

Dang, I didn't know Satan developed so much. It's sweet he finally got to go back to heaven

[@kelen_tate]

Saran had always been my favorite character alongside Kenny

[@LydiAtheistLady]

This is a great breakdown!

[@willhibbard6903]

A video on the Immortals of South Park would be pretty fun ^^ Also, great video

[@ashleightompkins3200]

I would have loved to see what might happen if Satan met the Woodland Critter's who so worship him.

[@turntninja2617]

I remember expecting some super cinermatic fight, but nope. Satan got the living 💩 beat out of him. My mans ManBearPig is ruthless. 🤣

[@mikaelabailey423]

Immortal Beings, do it. Also, I enjoyed this video, and many of your other videos. But also do the Immortal Beings of South Park breakdown, cause I wanna hear whatjoo gotta say.

[@MastaBlasterHank]

Mad music you've made for the background. I swear i recognise one hook from the spontaneous bootay fight in the game 🤓

[@checocartoons342]

“Satan is actually a Good Guy! Brought you by SquareSpace! 😅”

[@Johnny2Cellos]

Lol I was half expecting them to take issue with the subject matter 😂

[@eatatjoes6751]

@@Johnny2Cellos *theremin music*

[@skyxr2406]

This video is unintentionally hilarious

[@DimitriTFrost]

If Satan goes to heaven, isn't he the same place as Sadam again? He had finally gotten rid of him and now they can run into each other again.

[@romanograsnick]

Nice summary of his character arc, good job! Though I ask myself what does it mean for any religioua institution to know that the circumstances are thus altered that the worst being in at least two religions is redeemed and worthy to go to heaven. Does it mean, inside the church lives always a devil? ;p

[@andrewgarcia6724]

I love the movie. And he was one of the best characters

[@CollinMcLean]

Satan being on Earth during Halloween makes a lot of sense when you remember Halloween's pagan origin was that the veils between worlds was weak and allowed the Aos Si (Fairies, monsters, ghosts, and ghoulies in Irish lore) could freely walk around the mortal realm. So of course he'd be able to spend more time on Earth.

[@justincooper1342]

With it all put together, Satan in this show really DID have an amazing story

[@ipacklunches]

Whenever I see SP's Satan I can't help but hear Stephen Lynch's "Beelz/My Name is Satan" in the background.

[@commonviewer2488]

Cartman is more evil than Satan and Cthulu. The only one who rivals him is Mickey Mouse.

[@undeadblizzard]

Mickey Mouse isn't evil he a Capitalist there is a difference.

[@ryancox6059]

Yes please do a breakdown of all immortal characters in sp

[@ratchetxtreme6591]

South Park : A show were somehow Satan is the most likable character in it.

[@jeffjones6951]

Spot on! [too buzzed for more insightful feedback]

[@kyrasoze516]

My favorite part of the Chris arc was that they collaborated with Dian Bachar again. He was my favorite part of all of their movies with him.

[@godlovinpaperclip]

that hail satan was crazy

[@thebiglich]

Satan should have been in the antivaxer special episode

[@WhosAlx]

Now you gotta cover Sadaam’s story in South Park

[@heatfist6]

Especially since Saddam and satan are both in heaven now

[@KittyMonk]

@@heatfist6 I was super disappointed we never got that episode. Maybe they thought it'd be super disrespectful, but if Hitler and Princess Diana are close friends with Satan in this world, I don't think much is off the table.

[@patrickpittman538]

Yes, I would love a video on South Park's immortality be fair I would love every south park video

[@8265]

It’s ironic that Satan is evil incarnate yet he is a GOOD guy

[@nmoney6655]

Satan is literally my favorite character in South Park because he’s pretty cool compared to Jesus and he’s more tame

[@PapoCulturaPop]

Yes, please make a video on immortal beings on South Park!

[@sorlakgear]

I love when he helps the kids, it's so bizzare and funny

[@treflosho]

South Park, where Satan is kinder than Cartman.