The creators of South Park have signed up a two-year deal to keep their show on the air until 2005.

America's Comedy Central channel also has an option for a further year under the terms of their agreement with Trey Parker and Matt Stone.

The new shows, 15 in each season, will being the total number of episodes up to 141. The 100th edition is being aired in the US next Tuesday.

If the show is extended into 2006, it will become the longest-running primetime comedy series in cable TV.