Exploring “What What in the Butt” South Park Episode

Have you ever wondered how a South Park episode turned a catchy song about buttocks into a viral sensation? In the Season Twelve episode titled “Canada on Strike,” the show takes a hilarious and satirical approach to create an internet phenomenon with Butters Stotch at the center. But what’s the story behind this episode, and how did it spark a lawsuit? Let’s dive into the world of “What What in the Butt” and discover the surprising journey it took.

Key Takeaways:

• South Park’s “What What in the Butt” episode features Butters Stotch in a viral music video parodying Samwell’s original song.
• The episode highlights South Park’s comedic and satirical take on various social and cultural topics.
• Following the episode’s release, a copyright infringement lawsuit was filed against South Park, but it was ruled as fair use.
• “What What in the Butt” explores themes of viral videos, pop culture, and the consequences of seeking attention online.
• Overall, this episode remains a controversial and memorable moment in South Park’s long history.

Background of “What What in the Butt”

In the South Park episode “Canada on Strike,” Eric Cartman devises a scheme to raise money for the striking Canadians. His plan involves featuring Butters Stotch in a viral music video, a parody of Samwell’s infamous song “What What (In the Butt).” The episode, which is part of South Park’s fifth season, showcases Butters Stotch’s unexpected rise to internet fame and explores the show’s characteristic comedic and satirical elements.

Eager to capitalize on the popularity of viral videos, Cartman enlists Butters as the star of the music video, in an effort to exploit his innocent and naive nature. The video gains traction online and quickly becomes an internet sensation, leading to Butters Stotch’s newfound fame and recognition. This episode of South Park offers a satirical commentary on the frivolous nature of viral videos and the pursuit of online validation.

Through the use of humor, South Park tackles various social and cultural topics, shedding light on the absurdity and contradictions within society. “What What in the Butt” is a prime example of the show’s ability to deliver thought-provoking messages wrapped in irreverent humor.

Butters Stotch’s Unexpected Rise to Fame

Throughout the South Park series, Butters Stotch has been portrayed as a naive, gullible character. However, in the “What What in the Butt” episode, he becomes an unwitting internet sensation, attracting widespread attention and adoration. This unexpected turn of events highlights the unpredictable nature of fame and the often bizarre path to stardom.

Butters Stotch’s portrayal as an unlikely celebrity serves as a comedic contrast to the more traditionally popular characters in the show. His innocence and vulnerability make him a relatable and endearing figure, drawing viewers further into the episode’s narrative.

The Comedic and Satirical Nature of South Park

South Park has become known for its unique blend of comedy and social commentary. By using satire, the show tackles a wide range of controversial and sensitive topics, presenting them in an exaggerated and often humorous light. “What What in the Butt” is an example of South Park’s ability to push boundaries and challenge societal norms while entertaining audiences.

“South Park has always been a master of brutal satire, and ‘What What in the Butt’ is no exception. The episode cleverly parodies the obsession with viral videos and the desire for instant fame, offering a scathing critique of our digital age.” – Entertainment Weekly

List of South Park Season 5 Episodes

Lawsuit Over “What What in the Butt” Parody

Following the use of “What What in the Butt” in a 2008 South Park episode, a copyright infringement lawsuit was filed against MTV Networks, South Park Studios, and Viacom by Brownmark Films. The lawsuit claimed that the use of the song violated copyright laws. However, in July 2011, a federal judge ruled that South Park’s use of the video fell under the fair use exception to copyright law and that the defendants did not owe any damages. This ruling solidified the show’s ability to use parodies and references in their storytelling.

Conclusion

The “What What in the Butt” episode of South Park exemplifies the show’s signature blend of humor and social commentary. Through the character of Butters Stotch’s unexpected internet fame, the episode delves into the themes of viral videos, pop culture, and the pitfalls of seeking validation online. This episode not only entertained audiences but also sparked controversy, as it faced a copyright infringement lawsuit.

Despite the legal challenges, “What What in the Butt” remains a memorable and significant addition to South Park’s extensive catalog of comedic and controversial episodes. The episode’s portrayal of Butters’ rise to fame is a satirical critique of society’s obsession with viral content and the consequences that come with it. South Park’s ability to tackle relevant and controversial topics while injecting humor continues to resonate with viewers.

The Butters Stotch character has become a fan favorite, capturing the hearts of South Park viewers with his innocent yet comically absurd nature. The episode featuring “What What in the Butt” is a prime example of Butters’ ability to both entertain and provoke thought among the audience.

With its blend of humor, social commentary, and memorable characters like Butters Stotch, “What What in the Butt” stands as a testament to South Park’s ability to push boundaries and challenge societal norms.