It was the animated TV episode that scandalized America. No, not "Cartoon Wars." Before that. No, not "Trapped In The Closet." Before that. No, not "Bloody Mary." Before that. Because Matt Stone and Trey Parker's South Park had been offending the PTC since 1997, back when they premiered "Cartman Gets An Anal Probe," the first episode of the Comedy Central animated hit. But the controversy hardly starts there — the series already had a big fan following before hitting airwaves, thanks to two Christmas-themed shorts passed around the internet, 1992's "Jesus vs. Frosty" and 1995's "Jesus vs. Santa," but also plenty of detractors, who maybe didn't quite like the idea of a machine gun-toting son of God.

Yet, controversy surrounding the series is just the thing that has made it must-see television, even 20+ years later. And my co-host, Allison Piwowarski, and I get into all the furor surrounding South Park in the latest episode of our podcast, TV. Watch. Repeat. Listen to learn about Stone and Parker's origin story, why they were blamed for Columbine, and why George Clooney might just be the one reason we have South Park on TV in the first place.

So wave hello to Mr. Hanky, and listen to the latest episode of TV. Watch. Repeat. on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.