'South Park' mocks national anthem controversy in season premiere

Wednesday night's premiere episode of the Comedy Central cartoon's 20th season focused on a protest of the anthem by elementary school children.|
ASSOCIATED PRESS

LOS ANGELES - "South Park" has taken on the controversy over San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's national anthem protest.

Wednesday night's premiere episode of the Comedy Central cartoon's 20th season focused on a protest of the anthem by elementary school children. It also featured a reboot of a version of the song by director J.J. Abrams, who successfully restarted the "Star Wars" and "Star Trek" franchises.

The episode ends with Abrams' version being played at a 49ers game. The song was preceded by an announcement asking everyone to "rise, or sit, or take a knee to honor America."

"South Park," which is known for quickly satirizing controversial issues, also has its Mr. Garrison character running for president, taking on the persona of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

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