South Park has maintained its cultural relevance largely due to the rapid production process, as highlighted in the documentary 6 Days to Air. The show’s “last-minute” approach has worked well for creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone over the years, as the pressure of tight deadlines pushes them to deliver consistently. However, the episode “A Little Bit Country” nearly fell apart because its entire premise relied on securing the rights to Donny and Marie Osmond’s iconic song “I’m a Little Bit Country, I’m a Little Bit Rock ‘n Roll.”
The song wasn’t just a background element; it was central to the plot, with the citizens of South Park singing it throughout the episode. Without it, the episode would have required a complete rewrite or risked cancellation.
Country, Rock and Roll, and the War in Iraq
Airing just three weeks after the US invaded Iraq in 2003, “I’m a Little Bit Country” explored South Park’s reaction to the war by pitting pro-war, redneck citizens against anti-war protesters. Parker and Stone observed that pro-war sentiments were often expressed in country music, while anti-war messages were more common in rock and roll. They believed the Osmonds’ song would perfectly satirize both sides, with characters like Randy Marsh and Skeeter leading the charge in their typically irreverent South Park style.
Given the show’s tight production schedule—episodes typically start on Thursday and air the following Wednesday—there was little room for error. If the song rights weren’t secured in time, the episode would have faced significant rewrites or even cancellation.
Racing Against the Clock
Most series don’t face the same challenges as South Park when securing music rights. For instance, The Simpsons has a six-month production timeline, allowing ample time for licensing negotiations. However, South Park’s rapid turnaround means there’s no luxury of time. Securing the rights to “I’m a Little Bit Country” required an unprecedented effort to finalize the deal in just a few days.
Miraculously, the rights were granted on Sunday evening, just before the episode’s 100th production milestone. This allowed the show to proceed as written without legal complications—a rare feat given the tight deadline.
Everything Came Together at the Last Minute
Despite the stress and potential risks, Parker and Stone have stuck to their “Saturday Night Live production model,” allowing them to stay timely and relevant in a fast-paced media landscape. This level of audacity keeps the show at the forefront of current events, even as attention spans shrink in the 24/7 news cycle.
So, the next time you watch “I’m a Little Bit Country,” appreciate the stars aligning for Parker and Stone, and the Osmond estate’s cooperation in making the episode possible.
