There are a few episodes dealing with really serious topics, and although the creators are masters of potty humor and satire, the execution of these serious episodes hits almost too close to home. For example, one episode forces the kids to redesign the town flag because it's racist, and the townspeople stop fighting when they realize the kids are color blind. Also when Kenny dies (for real), the way the rest of the cast deals with it is very sincere and humanizing. Poverty, old age, divorce, abuse, break ups, and more are dealt with in a starkly mature way that contrasts with the show's usual routine.One of the most intense episodes (misleadingly entitled "Ass Burgers") has one of the main kids coping with his parents' divorce. Once he'd finally come to terms with it, his parents decide to get back together again. He can't understand why they'd be together if it makes them unhappy, and unable to cope, the episode ends with him drinking alcohol before going out to play. Just remembering that episode is enough to bring tears to my eyes.Also Cartman, the evil fat kid, is one of my favorite characters of all time, because it's shown his all horrible, horrible behavior is the result of self-esteem and emotional issues inflicted by other kids and his home life. The issues dealt with are very raw and real, and it's super easy to see how they apply in real life.Thanks for letting me tell you about this stuff