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South Park's Secret Writing Rule Revealed!
30 Nov
Summary
- South Park creators follow a strict 'therefore' or 'but' rule.
- The rule ensures logical progression between scene beats.
- New writers often fail to adhere to this simple rule.
South Park's prolific creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, have shared the stringent rule that underpins their writing process for the iconic animated series. A prominent whiteboard in their writers' room is key, with scenes meticulously structured. The core principle requires that any transition between plot points must be either a 'therefore' or a 'but,' strictly avoiding the progression 'and then.'
This specific rule ensures that each individual scene stands alone as a humorous sketch, contributing to the episode's overall comedic impact. Parker and Stone have observed that many aspiring writers inadvertently break this rule, demonstrating its crucial role in crafting effective comedic storytelling for the show that debuted in 1997.
Beyond their writing methodology, Parker and Stone also lend their voices to the show's main characters. Their approach to satire, including recent commentary on political figures, highlights their attraction to timely and often taboo subjects, allowing them to remain culturally relevant and critically acclaimed.
