The fourth episode of "South Park" Season 29 follows Cartman, Stan, Kyle and Randy as they fight a beef shortage, according to Variety.

The episode is titled "Guinea Pig on a Stick." It opens with Cartman hoping for a sloppy joe at school. He learns there is a national beef crisis, and the town's beef is being taken away. The kids have to eat guinea pig instead.

Earlier this month, the show renamed its town "South America." The episode plays on that name. Local beef has suddenly become a premium product that rich people in other states want, Variety reports. A ranch worker explains that it is "the same cows that have always been here."

The episode pokes fun at the idea that eating local beef is a test of who is "more patriotic." Steak chains Ruth's Chris Steak House and Sizzler appear in the story. In the end, Stan realizes people will want any meat with enough lard and butter. The episode ends with diners being served "patriotic meals" of guinea pig on a stick.

Variety notes the episode was not a Halloween special, even though it aired a few days before the holiday. The show has a long history of spooky holiday episodes. Variety says it appears creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone are skipping Halloween this year.

Season 29 has taken on topics including e-bikes, data centers, billionaires and people who oppose vaccines. The third episode was set in the back room of a Sephora beauty store. Variety previously reported that the season premiere drew 4.2 million viewers in three days.

What we know: The new South Park episode centers on a beef shortage and is not a Halloween special.
What we don't: Only Variety has reported this so far. NewsHabit hasn't seen independent confirmation.