How to watch South Park The Streaming Wars special for free online right now — release date and time

Cartman is yelling in SOUTH PARK THE STREAMING WARS
(Image credit: South Park via YouTube)

C'mon Kyle! It's time to watch South Park The Streaming Wars online, as it feels like things are finally back to "normal" when it comes to the South Park Paramount Plus specials. Because this special, at least based on the tease they've released, is all about one of South Park's classic feuds. Oh and a bit of news: we have the South Park: The Streaming Wars Part 2 release date!

South Park The Streaming Wars channel, release date and time details

South Park The Streaming Wars debuted today (Wednesday, June 1) at 3 a.m. ET.
• U.S. — Watch on Paramount Plus with the 1-week free trial
• Watch anywhere — try ExpressVPN 100% risk free

South Park The Streaming Wars is all about Eric Cartman and his mother's latest beef. The official copy from South Park reads "Cartman locks horns with his mom in a battle of wills while an epic conflict unfolds that threatens South Park’s very existence."

Going off the trailer below and the title? Well, it seems like the Cartman family is now living in a Coney Island Hot Dog restaurant (a popular fixture in Detroit) and that it has him fed up, and threatening to run away from home. Or, based on the title it feels like Liane Cartman's putting her foot down and refusing to pay for all of the best streaming services

We doubt that Cartman's going to have as plush a situation elsewhere, or if any of his friends will let him crash at their house. The only other character referenced in the trailer is Kenny, who Cartman shouts at from the distance.

South Park The Streaming Wars could also be some kind of Star Wars spoof (Obi-Wan Kenobi is on Disney Plus right now). Fortunately, Paramount Plus is on all of the best streaming devices, so no need to worry about accessing it. 

How to watch South Park The Streaming Wars online anywhere on Earth

Just because Paramount Plus isn't available everywhere (and it's expanding) doesn't mean you need to miss the South Park The Streaming Wars movie/special if you've travelled somewhere where it isn't working. Watching along with the rest of the internet can be pretty easy. With the right VPN (virtual private network), you can stream the show from wherever you go.

We've evaluated many options, and the best VPN is ExpressVPN. It meets the VPN needs of the vast majority of users, offering outstanding compatibility with most devices and impressive connection speeds. It's also affordable at $12.95 per month. (Signing up for longer periods of six months or a year reduces the cost even more.)

ExpressVPN

Our favorite VPN service, ExpressVPN, really shines thanks to its safety, speed and simplicity-to-use. It's also compatible with loads of devices - from iOS and Android to Roku, Apple TV and PlayStations. 

How to watch South Park The Streaming Wars special in the US for free

New subscribers can take advantage of a free 7-day Paramount Plus trial and watch South Park The Streaming Wars without paying. It arrived at 3 a.m. ET / 12 a.m. PT today (Wednesday, June 1). And we've got plenty of other picks for new shows and movies to watch in June).

This is the third of 14 South Park specials made exclusively for Paramount Plus. The series will still debut new seasons on Comedy Central, where it's going to run to at least a 30th season. Seasons 25 and 26 will air on HBO Max 24 hours after airing on Comedy Central, because that's not confusing.

Paramount Plus

Paramount Plus combines what used to be CBS All Access with even more content from ViacomCBS partners. Includes Survivor and Big Brother episodes, as well as originals like Star Trek: Picard and The Good Fight.

Looking for something else to watch? The Boys season 3 release date is circled on our calendars, as the wildest Prime Video show is coming back for more. Plus, here's how to watch Obi-Wan Kenobi episode 3 online. Unfortunately, we have to wait until July to watch the next Better Call Saul episode.

Can you watch South Park The Streaming Wars in the U.K.?

There is no Paramount Plus in the U.K., so you're gonna have some trouble on this one. If you're abroad, though, you can use a service such as ExpressVPN, to make it seem like your device is back home.

Can you watch South Park The Streaming Wars in Canada and Australia and internationally?

Can you watch South Park The Streaming Wars outside of the U.S. while everyone in the U.S. does? Well, it's complicated.

The official word from South Park's own press release says that the special will "will premiere Wednesday, June 1, and will also roll out in the Nordics, Latin America, Australia, and Canada." Just like last year, it seems like there will be a delay in the release.

If you're traveling outside of the U.S., and want to watch South Park The Streaming Wars when it airs on Paramount Plus, you can simply use one of the best VPN services, such as ExpressVPN, to make it seem like your device is back home.

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(Image credit: Future)
Henry T. Casey
Managing Editor (Entertainment, Streaming)

Henry is a managing editor at Tom’s Guide covering streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past seven years. Prior to joining Tom's Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. He's also covered the wild world of professional wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.