South Park in 1997 gets the full origin story from Ed Conroy who remembers watching it as an underground show buried in a Friday midnight slot with zero infrastructure behind it.

Anyone curious why South Park still lands the way it did decades ago gets the mechanics here: same-day topical jokes animated and aired within hours, a production style no competitor could match at the time, and a willingness to target every political side equally instead of just one.

The conversation also digs into the Simpsons episode hardcore fans still call the show's turning point, and how King of the Hill quietly predicted a cultural shift it took twenty years to get credit for.

Topics: South Park 1997, King of the Hill, animated satire, Simpsons fans, same-day topical humour

GUEST: Ed Conroy | http://retrontario.com | @‌retrontario

Originally aired on 2026-08-13

South Park in 1997 gets the full origin story from Ed Conroy who remembers watching it as an underground show buried in a Friday midnight slot with zero infrastructure behind it.
Anyone curious why South Park still lands the way it did decades ago gets the mechanics here: same-day topical jokes animated and aired within hours, a production style no competitor could match at the time, and a willingness to target every political side equally instead of just one.
The conversation also digs into the Simpsons episode hardcore fans still call the show's turning point, and how King of the Hill quietly predicted a cultural shift it took twenty years to get credit for.
Topics: South Park 1997, King of the Hill, animated satire, Simpsons fans, same-day topical humour
GUEST: Ed Conroy |<a href="http://retrontario.com"> http://retrontario.com</a> | @&zwnj;retrontario
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-08-13

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.