In a recent episode, “South Park” expanded its ongoing commentary on cryptocurrency by poking fun at prediction markets, trading applications, and the various US regulators and politicians associated with the sector.
Now in its 27th season, the animated show has established itself as a hub for unrestrained satire on global affairs, with crypto frequently finding itself in the crosshairs.
Not everyone appreciates being depicted humorously on television — the White House recently criticized the show’s portrayal of President Donald Trump in a relationship with Satan — yet earlier references to crypto were often welcomed by the industry as evidence of mainstream acknowledgment.
Here are five instances when digital currencies ventured into pop culture.
We got Kalshi in South Park before GTA 6 pic.twitter.com/659PZHoAqb
— Kalshi (@Kalshi) September 25, 2025
Prediction market apps Kalshi and Polymarket make it to “South Park.” Source: Kalshi/Paramount+
Bitcoin is the future as NFTs become diseases in “South Park”
Season 27, episode 5 of “South Park” focuses on prediction markets, featuring a parody of Fox News covering Kalshi and Polymarket bets: Will President Trump and Satan’s child be a boy or a girl?
Previous episodes that included Bitcoin (BTC) comprise the 2021 post-COVID special aired on November 25, where it is depicted as a mainstream currency — yet also a Ponzi scheme.
In December 2021, “South Park” ridiculed non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as a get-rich-quick trend, showcasing an adult Butters — a friend and classmate of the four main characters — spiraling into madness over NFTs, causing anyone who listened to him to get “infected” and begin ranting about apes and sudden wealth.
“The Simpsons” and “Big Bang Theory’s” Sheldon explains blockchain
In a February 2020 episode titled “Frinkcoin,” “The Simpsons” aired a segment that explained cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
Narrated by Jim Parsons — famously known for his role as Sheldon in “The Big Bang Theory” — the segment broke down the fundamentals of cryptocurrencies, making a significant impact in the crypto community due to its educational focus rather than satire.
Related: Who’s in the running to become the next CFTC chair?
More than a year later, Bitcoin appeared in “The Simpsons” once again, this time with the show predicting that BTC would rise indefinitely.
Fortune didn’t favor Matt Damon’s Crypto.com ad
Hollywood star Matt Damon appeared in Crypto.com’s commercial in October 2021 during Bitcoin’s peak bull run, just weeks prior to the asset reaching a record price.
“History is filled with those who almost adventured, with those who almost achieved, but ultimately, it proved to be too much for them,” Damon stated.
He referenced explorers and innovators as examples of human progress, concluding: “They steady their nerves with four simple words whispered by the intrepid since Roman times: fortune favors the brave.”
The camera then zoomed out from Damon to a cosmic scene featuring the Crypto.com logo. End of commercial.
Within weeks, Bitcoin climbed to an all-time high of around $69,000. However, the subsequent year saw significant misfortunes: the Terra collapse, widespread bankruptcies, and a harsh bear market.
By February 2022, crypto was back in “South Park’s” spotlight during a post-COVID special. “What does Matt Damon say in that Bitcoin commercial?” asked Eric Cartman, the show’s self-centered instigator. “Fortune favors the brave!”
“My dad said he listened to Matt Damon and lost all his money,” another child chimed in.
“Yes, everyone did,” Cartman responded. “But they were brave for doing so.”
Crypto’s Super Bowl takeover
The 2022 Super Bowl captured the full attention of the crypto industry, with several digital asset companies investing millions in high-profile adverts.
Crypto.com reinforced its “fortune favors the brave” campaign featuring basketball icon LeBron James. Trading platform eToro promoted itself with both a commercial and a halftime bingo card game.
However, Coinbase captured the spotlight with a QR code bouncing across the screen, offering viewers a $15 Bitcoin giveaway and sign-up incentive — a straightforward marketing strategy that was so popular it temporarily crashed the app.
Related: Elon Musk and crypto: 6 times ‘Dogecoin’s CEO’ rocked markets
FTX’s commercial, featuring comedian Larry David, aged poorly. In the ad, David dismissed transformative innovations through history, ultimately rejecting FTX as well.
“It’s a safe and easy way to get into crypto,” someone suggested.
“Ehhh, I don’t think so. And I’m never wrong about this stuff,” Larry insisted. “Never!”
Words then flashed on the screen: “Don’t Be Like Larry.”
By November 2022, FTX had filed for bankruptcy after it was revealed that it had mixed user assets. Founder Sam Bankman-Fried is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence.
In a February 2024 interview, David expressed regret for participating in the commercial, sharing that he lost money after receiving part of his payment in crypto.
Elon Musk’s Dogecoin “hustle” on “SNL”
In 2021, Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted about Dogecoin multiple times, each post causing the meme token to surge.
Earlier that year, Tesla disclosed a $1.5 billion Bitcoin investment, significantly validating the industry with a declaration from one of the wealthiest business figures.
The excitement peaked during Musk’s “Saturday Night Live” appearance in May 2021, which spurred Dogecoin (DOGE) to an all-time high of $0.76 right before the airing.
However, the episode backfired for investors when Musk referred to Dogecoin as a “hustle” in a skit, leading to the token losing approximately 75% of its value against Bitcoin by September 2022.
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