Embracing Diversity & Inclusion in Entertainment: Unveiling “SOUTH PARK: THE LITTLE MOUNTAIN SHOW!”

I would like to introduce myself to both the Autism community and the Entertainment industry. My name is Michael Tanzer. I am an ambassador for Autism Canada and a passionate advocate for autism awareness. I am also excited to introduce my latest initiative, a unique project in the entertainment industry aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion.

I am currently leading a creative venture titled ‘SOUTH PARK: THE LITTLE MOUNTAIN SHOW!’ This project is a unique combination of a direct sequel and a soft reboot, set within an alternate continuity of the original SOUTH PARK series. This format allows us to honor the essence of the original while introducing new, inclusive elements. Our aim is to broaden the narrative scope, focusing on character development and diverse storylines that resonate with a wide audience.

My journey as a self-taught writer, deeply influenced by the original works of Trey Parker and Matt Stone, drives my respect for their creation, “SOUTH PARK.” Their series is not only a testament to creative genius but also a foundation I am dedicated to building upon responsibly. As I navigate this process, securing necessary approvals and permissions remains a top priority. It’s crucial to me that this project is not only legally compliant but also a respectful continuation of their legacy.

As a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, I believe it’s crucial for shows like SOUTH PARK to evolve in a way that minimizes controversy and legal risks. This belief is at the heart of my concept for “SOUTH PARK: THE LITTLE MOUNTAIN SHOW!”, a project that represents a ‘sequel-reboot’ in an alternate continuity. 

Introduction of the ‘Sequel-Reboot’: The ‘sequel-reboot’ heralds a new era for the SOUTH PARK franchise, featuring 14 standalone episodes each season, released on a weekly basis. These episodes will be enriched with post-credits scenes in line with contemporary TV trends, offering glimpses into a new narrative set within a completely new continuity.”

The ‘Little Mountain Era’: Welcome to the ‘Little Mountain Era’, the official term for the new canonical continuity of ‘SOUTH PARK: THE LITTLE MOUNTAIN SHOW!’. This era opens up a new narrative and setting, inviting fans to explore an exciting new chapter in the SOUTH PARK universe.

Blended Continuity: This project embodies a unique storytelling blend, merging the elements of a soft reboot with those of a direct sequel, all within an alternate continuity.”

Extended Usage: The ‘Little Mountain Era’ expands beyond the series itself, becoming a central theme across various SOUTH PARK brand extensions. This includes its integration into a spin-off J-Pop-related musical project and an engaging comic book series.

Hybrid Continuity Approach: The upcoming ‘sequel-reboot’ series will combine elements of a soft reboot, a direct sequel, and an alternate continuity, introducing new twists, revamped characterizations, surprises, and the introduction of new characters.

Canonical Retention of Seasons 1-26: The ‘sequel-reboot’ will maintain the canonical integrity of the first 26 seasons of the original SOUTH PARK series, including all events from episodes 1 to 321 within the ‘Little Mountain Era’ continuity, encompassing key developments like Butters’ trolling account ‘JuniorChaos’ and Bob White’s 2024 presidential campaign.

Separate Continuity for the Original Series: To ensure clarity within the SOUTH PARK franchise, the original series, Paramount+ specials, and video games (including ‘SOUTH PARK: SNOW DAY!’ from THQ Nordic) will fall under the distinct continuity known as the ‘Original ‘97 Era’, preserving the original storyline’s core essence.

Rebranding of the Original Series: Starting in 2025, the series spanning from 1997 to 2023 will undergo a rebranding, adopting the new title ‘SOUTH PARK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES’. This change honours the franchise’s legacy while recognizing the evolution of the SOUTH PARK narrative. Max (formerly HBO Max) retains streaming rights to the original series, with a transition to Paramount+ beginning in 2025.

Premiere Details: SOUTH PARK: THE LITTLE MOUNTAIN SHOW!’ is set to debut globally on Paramount+ at 12:00 AM ET/PT, with potential premiere dates being February 28th, 2024, or April 3rd, 2024. Paramount+ will be the exclusive streaming home for the show.

New Weekly Episodes: Following its premiere with two consecutive episodes, ‘SOUTH PARK: THE LITTLE MOUNTAIN SHOW!’ will release new episodes weekly on various digital platforms, including in an uncensored format, enhancing accessibility for a broader audience.

Viewing Options Post-Premiere: After its midnight debut on Paramount+ at 12:00 AM ET/PT, the series will be available on multiple platforms such as Apple TV, Google Play, Microsoft Movies & TV/Films & TV, Vudu, Verizon Flexview, and SouthPark.cc.com.

DRM-Free Availability: For the first time, the new sequel-reboot series will be available in a DRM-free format, exclusively through the online SOUTH PARK store worldwide, including the US and Canada, in both Standard and High Definition.

Weekly Release Schedule: New half-hour episodes of ‘SOUTH PARK: THE LITTLE MOUNTAIN SHOW!’ will release every Wednesday at 12:00 AM Eastern Time/Pacific Time, exclusively on Paramount+.

My vision for this project is to shift the focus from current events to deeper character development, special guest voices, and culturally relevant pop culture references and parodies. This approach is inspired by shows like “Bob’s Burgers,” which have successfully centred on character development. We aim to create content that is both engaging and less likely to stir controversy.

This new direction suggests the need for the indefinite postponement of the 2024-2027 specials scheduled for streaming on Paramount+. This decision aligns with the evolving landscape of media and audience expectations.

This initiative represents more than a creative endeavor; it is a significant step towards advocating for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment sector. I urge organizations like Paramount and MTV Entertainment Group to reconsider their policies on unsolicited pitches. Such a shift could democratize content creation, allowing for a wider array of stories and storytellers.

I am also proud to share that my self-written book, “Michaelism: My POV on Life with Autism,” has raised $2,290.53, significantly contributing to my financial well-being and emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives. In 2023, I have written 14 scripts for this project, each infused with my passion and dedication, showcasing my commitment to representing individuals on the autism spectrum.

This project is about enriching our cultural narrative with diverse perspectives. The acceptance of unsolicited pitches by major companies can unleash immense creative potential, leading to content that redefines industry norms.

I invite everyone to join me in this transformative journey. Your support, through sharing and reposting this message on LinkedIn, and mentioning my name alongside Paramount, Paramount+, South Park Studios, and South Park Digital Studios LLC, can make a significant difference. 

Together, let’s pave the way for storytelling that not only celebrates diversity and inclusion but makes it a lived reality.