'South Park' renewed through 2016

NEW YORK, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- U.S. cable network Comedy Central says it has renewed its irreverent animated series "South Park" through 2016 and its 20th season.

The new deal with the show's creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, was announced Wednesday by Michele Ganeless, Comedy Central's president.

Parker and Stone will continue to write, direct and edit every episode of "South Park," as they have since the premiere of the series in 1997.

"The collective genius of Matt and Trey knows no bounds," Ganeless said in a statement. "Week after week and season after season they continue to surprise and delight 'South Park' fans, and that includes all of us here at Comedy Central. We're thrilled that the adventures of Stan, Kyle, Kenny and Cartman will continue through 2016."

"Comedy Central has been our home for 15 years and we love working there," added Parker and Stone in a joint statement. "'South Park' is a blast and we can't wait to make more."