Jared Has Aides

Trey Parker 2007

Jared Fogle (2007)

Jared Has Aides is the sixth season premiere episode of the American animated television series South Park. It first aired on Comedy Central in the United States on March 6, 2002. The episode was written by series co-creator Trey Parker and is rated TV-MA in the United States. It marks the beginning of the sixth season of the South Park series.

Plot

In "Jared Has Aides", Jared Fogle, the spokesperson for Subway, visits South Park to share the secret of his weight loss, which he attributes to a diet consisting of Subway sandwiches. However, the townspeople misunderstand his use of the term "aides" (intending it to mean assistance) to mean AIDS, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and social commentary on the public's perception of AIDS and obesity.

The episode also explores themes of celebrity endorsement, public gullibility, and the impact of misinformation. The boys, inspired by Jared's supposed success, attempt to use Butters as their own weight loss success story, leading to further complications.

Reception

"Jared Has Aides" received mixed to positive reviews from critics and fans. It was praised for its satirical take on media manipulation, celebrity culture, and the sensitivity surrounding the topic of AIDS. However, some critics found the episode's humor to be in poor taste given the serious nature of AIDS.

Controversy

The episode sparked controversy for its portrayal of AIDS and its comedic approach to a sensitive subject matter. Some advocacy groups criticized the episode for potentially spreading misinformation about AIDS and for making light of a serious disease. However, supporters of the show defended its satirical approach, arguing that it aimed to critique societal attitudes towards AIDS rather than the disease itself.

Legacy

"Jared Has Aides" is remembered as a provocative and controversial episode of South Park that exemplifies the show's willingness to tackle taboo subjects with humor and satire. It remains a topic of discussion among fans and critics for its bold approach to sensitive issues.