How ‘South Park’s Most Controversial Christmas Episode Was Inspired by a Horror Film

Over the years, South Park masterminds Trey Parker and Matt Stone have delivered some truly unhinged Christmas specials. From a sentient piece of fecal matter spreading holiday cheer to Jesus attempting to rescue Santa from a hostage situation in Iraq, nothing is off the table when it comes to skewering the season.

However, few come close to the lunacy and depravity that were displayed in the episode “Woodland Critter Christmas” in Season 8 Episode 14. Premiering in 2004, the episode followed Stan as he attempted to help adorable woodland creatures find shelter for the winter, only to discover they are a satanic cult planning an apocalyptic birth of their dark savior, the Antichrist, resulting in a blood orgy of the cute critters.