In a nostalgic throwback to its early seasons, South Park has revived its most famous recurring joke by killing off Kenny McCormick once again. The special episode titled "The End of Obesity" showcases the series' enduring love for its iconic gags and marks a return to its anarchic humor.

The special episode, set in a satire of weight-loss drugs, revealed that the shady characters suppressing anti-obesity medications were none other than popular cereal mascots, including Tony the Tiger, Lil Debbie, and Captain Crunch. These corporate cartoons were determined to keep customers addicted to sugar, posing a threat to their profits. Kenny's untimely demise occurred when he was thrown out of a truck and into a windshield by Tony the Tiger during a high-speed chase.

Kenny's death holds significant meaning for South Park fans, as it brings back a classic running gag that was closely associated with the show's early seasons. In its early years, South Park became known for killing off Kenny in every episode, with each death growing increasingly gruesome and elaborate. However, the series temporarily retired the gag in season 5's "Kenny Dies," only to revive it periodically in subsequent seasons and specials.

The decision to bring back Kenny's demise in "The End of Obesity" is a deliberate nod to South Park's origins and serves as a nostalgic tribute to the show's early years. It highlights the series' enduring affinity for its earliest jokes, despite transitioning into a more topical political satire over the years.

Co-creator Trey Parker once expressed embarrassment over the show's early chaotic and crude humor, mentioning that he wished he could erase the first three seasons from existence. However, co-creator Matt Stone embraced the anarchic sense of humor displayed in one of South Park's most despised episodes.

In recent seasons, South Park has found clever ways to revisit Kenny's running gag without necessarily impacting the show's canon. Episodes like "Post-COVID" and "Joining The Panderverse" featured clever twists and time travel, allowing for Kenny's deaths to occur in temporary and alternate realities.

The return of Kenny's iconic death in "The End of Obesity" showcases South Park's ability to balance between nostalgia and the show's current satirical direction. While the humor has evolved and the series has become more focused and politically charged, this latest special proves that South Park's fondness for its earliest gags remains intact.

As South Park continues to surprise and entertain viewers, fans can expect the show to pay homage to its roots while also pushing the boundaries of satirical comedy. The unfortunate demise of Kenny by Tony the Tiger serves as a reminder of South Park's bold and irreverent spirit that has made it a cultural phenomenon for over two decades.