South Park brought in Butters to replace Kenny after his death, but when Kenny eventually came back to the boys main group, Butters became an even better character. In the first few seasons of South Park, it became a beloved running gag that Kenny would be killed in every episode, then come back in the next episode without any explanation for his resurrection. But in season 5, episode 13, Kenny Dies, creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone decided to kill off Kenny for good.

Kenny eventually came back in season 6, episode 17, Red Sleigh Down. Despite being absent for the entire season, South Park maintained its policy of never explaining Kennys resurrections and just went on as normal (although the series would later provide a lore reason for Kennys immortality in season 14). During Kennys absence, Parker and Stone elevated Butters to the main cast and made him the new fourth member of Stan,...