Eric Cartman’s biological dad in South Park is Jack Tenorman, a former Denver Broncos player and the father of Scott Tenorman.

Quick Scoop: Who Is Eric Cartman’s Dad?

In the early seasons, the show teased that Cartman’s mom Liane might somehow be both his mother and father, but this was later revealed to be a fake-out within the story. The real answer finally came much later, in the infamous 200th and 201st episodes, where it’s revealed that Jack Tenorman is Cartman’s real father.

Those episodes tie back to the brutal classic “Scott Tenorman Must Die,” where Cartman has Scott’s parents killed and turned into chili—without knowing Jack is actually his own dad, making Scott his half‑brother. When Cartman eventually learns the truth, the twist is played as darkly ironic rather than emotional, fitting the show’s over‑the‑top tone.

Fast Facts (Story-Lore Only)

  • Cartman’s biological father: Jack Tenorman , ex-Denver Broncos player.
  • Fake early “answer”: Liane Cartman being both mom and dad (later retconned as a ruse in‑universe).
  • Half-brother: Scott Tenorman (Jack’s other son).
  • Reveal episodes: Season 14’s “200” and “201.”

In fan discussions and forums today, “Who is Eric Cartman’s dad” is still a favorite example of how South Park set up a long‑running mystery and then paid it off in an extremely dark, very on‑brand way.

TL;DR

Cartman’s real dad isn’t some random background guy or Liane in disguise—it’s Jack Tenorman, which also means Cartman accidentally had his own father killed and fed to his half‑brother, Scott.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.