EP78. Cartoon Comebacks: Animated Satire in King of the Hill & South Park

Smith & Waugh Talk About Satire

In this episode, Jo and Adam turn their attention to American animated satire, revisiting their own memories of cartoon-watching while asking what makes animation such a distinctive vehicle for social and political critique. From King of the Hill’s return in the Trump era to South Park’s take on immigration, right-wing troll culture, and ChatGPT, they explore how animated satire has adapted to address the controversies of Donald Trump’s second presidency. Along the way, they share updates on their recent media appearances and reflect on Jane Austen’s place in the history of satire.