Paramount Global believed it had a framework for an agreement with series creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Skydance, the studio’s likely imminent new owner, balked at the terms. The 'South Park' creators have brought on bulldog negotiator Bryan Freedman to turn up the heat.

“South Park” fans are anxious for the adult cartoon to return. Season 27 was initially supposed to premiere on Comedy Central on July 9, but the release date was pushed back to Wednesday, July 23 amid Skydance Media’s pending acquisition of Comedy Central’s parent company, Paramount Network.

The premiere of South Park 's 27th season remains in jeopardy as contract negotiations between show creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and studio owner, Skydance, remain stalled. The original premiere date was set for earlier this month, but has been pushed back by two weeks to July 23.