People used to be impressed that “Gunsmoke” lasted 20 seasons, but “South Park” is now contracted to go to 23, and that’s only five fewer than the 28 seasons “The Simpsons” now has locked in.
The three new seasons will comprise 10 episodes each for a total of 30. The series settled into producing 14 episodes per season between 2004 and 2012, but cut back to 10 yearly episodes, all airing in autumn, in 2013.
Trey Parker will write and direct all 30 episodes, as he has since the series’ first. Parker’s longtime producer (and voice of Kyle and Kenny) Matt Stone is back as well.
The new deal will vault the series’ episode total to 304.
Already primetime’s longest-running scripted cable series, “South Park” launches its 19th season Sept. 16.
