South Park opening sequence

The opening sequence for the television show South Park is known for its various developmental stages as the series progressed. Although comprised of different footage, all utilize the same lyrics sung by the band, Primus. The sequence is always preceded by South Park's unique disclaimer message screen.

The First Opening (1997-2000)
The first opening from South Park showed the boys getting on the bus and riding to school with each character singing his part. As the show progressed, the creators added more background elements to the opening (i.e.: starting from the episode Mecha-Streisand, the opening showed the giant robotic singer rising from behind City Hall).

The Second Opening (2000-2001)
The second opening was created for the episode 4th Grade which involved a fast-paced, remixed theme song. It started with the beginning of the first opening, but as the characters were put together, a giant spinning object reading "4th Grade" landed on the boys. The opening also featured rotating computer-generated renderings of the boys, fake subliminal messages telling the audience to watch the show, and ended with a live-action explosion.

This was the show's shortest-lasting opening.

The Third Opening (2002-2006)
The third opening is currently the longest lasting opening. It includes a remixed version of the South Park theme song, along with clips of the main boys being made in the original way (with construction paper) while singing the lyrics to the song. It also incorporates small clips from episodes of the previous half-season (i.e.: The season 10b opening will have clips of season 10a episodes).

Since Kenny was "permanently" dead throughout Season 6, his spot in the song was replaced with Timmy singing (following the joke of the verse that no one could understand, Timmy was only able to say his name and other phrases). When Kenny returned at the end of season six, he resumed his spot in the song starting with season 7.

The Fourth Opening (2006-Present)
The fourth opening started with the October 4, 2006 episode, Make Love, Not Warcraft. It samples another of Les Claypool's songs, Whamola, from his album Purple Onion. It retains the same visual theme of the third opening, involving the characters being created by live-action hands with clips from episodes of past seasons playing in the background.

Syndicated Opening
The syndicated version of the series uses a variation of the first opening sequence with the third opening's remixed theme and background elements of characters and events within seasons 1-8. It depicts the characters with updated animation, such as Cartman flailing around in his bus seat while singing his part of the lyrics, and Death appearing behind Kenny as he sings his lyrics before turning him into a skeleton. At the end of the theme, the four boys wave at the audience in front of the South Park sign with the entire cast in the background, just like in the third and fourth opening.

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu