'South Park' Delay Excuse Met With Skepticism Amid Charlie Kirk Backlash

"South Park" isn't releasing a new episode tonight in the wake of the Charlie Kirk backlash ... and people are calling BS on the creators' excuse for the delay.

Here's the deal ... the cartoon was absolutely torn apart shortly after Kirk was fatally shot last week ... Trey Parker and Matt Stone were blamed for contributing to dangerous rhetoric after mocking Kirk on the show just weeks earlier. Important to note -- Kirk called it funny and said he was not offended.

In the 11th hour, Comedy Central announced Wednesday there wouldn't be a new episode this week ... 'cause the duo missed the production deadline -- an explanation some social media users called ridiculous.

After Kirk was shot, Comedy Central pulled the Charlie Kirk episode -- the third of this 27th season -- from the TV schedule and off the CC website ... it is still available to stream on Paramount+. No comment on why it was pulled was issued.

As for the excuse being called weak, the show is known for its tight deadlines -- they even did a documentary about the process, called "6 Days to Air." Plus, new episodes have been releasing bi-weekly this season ... and they were dark last week. So some argue they should have had plenty of time with two weeks!

Obviously, fans and haters were very curious what -- if any -- reaction Matt and Trey would air tonight following the devastating news, and all the criticism they were getting.

For the moment, no one from "South Park" or Comedy Central has addressed the situation ... Trey's girlfriend posted an IG picture of Kirk and his family with the caption, "You sick f***s! Pray for Charlie, his beautiful wife and children."