Today marks the 20th anniversary of Team America: World Police, the outrageous and politically charged satire from South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. This film brought a fresh (and highly unconventional) take on global politics, Hollywood culture, and America’s role on the world stage—all portrayed with marionette puppets.
The film centers around Team America, a paramilitary group tasked with saving the world from terrorists while navigating their own chaotic personal lives. The film’s use of puppetry, modeled after the 1960s TV show Thunderbirds, added a surreal and comedic layer to its over-the-top action sequences and explicit dialogue. Team America wasn’t just another comedy; it was a bold, unapologetic critique of American interventionism, celebrity activism, and media sensationalism, all wrapped up in a crude but brilliant package.
With its sharp humor, the film famously lampooned public figures like Michael Moore, Sean Penn, and Matt Damon, alongside a host of political leaders. Parker and Stone’s fearless approach to satire earned them both praise and controversy, making the film a cultural touchstone of the 2000s.
