“South Park” extended its running gag on cryptocurrency in a recent episode, taking aim at prediction markets, trading apps, US regulators and politicians tied to the industry.
Now in its 27th season, the animated series has built its reputation on unhinged satire of global events. Crypto has repeatedly taken some hits.
Not everyone enjoys being lampooned on TV shows — the White House recently condemned its depiction of President Donald Trump in a relationship with Satan — but earlier crypto references were often embraced within the industry as proof of mainstream recognition.
Here are five moments when digital assets crossed into pop culture.
We got Kalshi in South Park before GTA 6 pic.twitter.com/659PZHoAqb
— Kalshi (@Kalshi) September 25, 2025
Prediction market apps Kalshi and Polymarket make it to “South Park.” Source: Kalshi/Paramount+
Bitcoin is the future as NFTs become diseases in “South Park”
“South Park” season 27 episode 5 is centered around prediction markets. It features a parody of Fox News reporting on Kalshi and Polymarket bets: Will President Trump and Satan’s baby be a boy or a girl?
Previous episodes featuring Bitcoin (BTC) include the 2021 post-COVID special aired on Nov. 25, where it’s a mainstream currency — but also a Ponzi scheme.
Bitcoin dipped after Nov. 25, but that was likely due to the emergence of a new coronavirus variant rather than “South Park.” Source: CoinGecko
In December 2021, “South Park” mocked non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as a get-rich-quick craze. The special portrayed an adult Butters — who is a friend and classmate of the four main characters on the show — losing his mind over NFTs, with anyone who listened to him becoming infected and ranting about apes and overnight riches.
“The Simpsons” and “Big Bang Theory’s” Sheldon explains blockchain
In a February 2020 episode titled “Frinkcoin,” “The Simpsons” ran a segment explaining cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
The bit was narrated by Jim Parsons — best known for…
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