South Park builds digital empire

South Park will run on Comedy Central until at least 2011

The makers of South Park are aiming to spread the show's success from TV to the internet, mobile phones and games consoles in a new digital venture.

The hit comedy's creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone have sealed a deal to distribute the adventures of Cartman and friends across the new media world.

The agreement with Viacom will also see them make at least three more series for its cable channel Comedy Central.

Stone said it "gives us the opportunity to offend that many more people".

"And since Trey and I are in charge of the digital side of South Park, we can offend people on their cell phones, game consoles and computers too," he added. "It's all very exciting for us."

Matt Stone (left) and Trey Parker will also develop new shows

They hope fans will watch episodes, with advertising, on the official site rather than on unlicensed websites.

The New York Times reported that the deal was worth $75m (£37m) to Stone and Parker over the next four years, and that they would split the ad revenue 50-50 with Viacom.

Viacom described it as a "momentous joint venture".

"This extension and the formation of the joint venture are the beginnings of a new era for South Park and Comedy Central and a natural evolution of our long-term and prosperous relationship with Trey and Matt," said Viacom's Doug Herzog.

The digital content will be centred on SouthParkStudios.com, which will be re-launched early next year.

It will also be the home of Stone and Parker's new animation projects.

The three further series of South Park, with 14 episodes each, will see the show continue until at least 2011.

Since launching in 1997, it has become Comedy Central's biggest hit and new episodes currently attract about three million viewers.