In the latest episode of South Park, titled 'Turkey Trot', the annual Thanksgiving marathon in the titular town faces cancellation due to a lack of sponsors. With Stan Marsh's Tegridy Weed Farms shut down and the City Asian Popup Store struggling under high tariffs, the town turns to Saudi Arabia for funding. The Saudis agree to sponsor the race, offering a $5,000 prize, but impose a strict rule: no disparaging remarks about the Saudi royal family.
Eric Cartman, desperate to win the prize, employs what he calls 'race science' by recruiting the only African American boy in class, Tolkien Black, believing his race always wins races. However, Tolkien quits in protest after learning of Saudi involvement. Cartman attempts to persuade Tolkien by referencing the controversial Riyadh comedy festival, arguing that Saudi money would otherwise be spent on 'hacking up reporters' and booking Pete Davidson.
Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth launches a bungled mission to free Peter Thiel from South Park's jail. Hegseth, more concerned with posting social media content than actual strategy, is outmatched by Detective Harris, who repeatedly humiliates him. Hegseth eventually assembles forces, including ICE agents led by Kristi Noem, and attacks the Turkey Trot with teargas and Black Hawk helicopters. The assault inadvertently helps Cartman and Tolkien win the race, but Hegseth fails to free Thiel and is himself jailed.
The episode ends with Hegseth vowing revenge: 'South Park is gonna pay for this! They’re all gonna pay!' The season finale, airing on 10 December, is expected to bring together the forces of darkness, including Donald Trump and the antichrist, for an epic showdown in South Park.
