It is the most popular pairing in the South Park fandom, and as a result is subject to frequent criticism. The pairing stems from the general fact that the two are best friends and have shown to care a lot for each other, more so than other characters, with some scenes that are read as implying a homosexual relationship between the two. It is generally considered unlikely that they are actually intended to be gay by South Park co-creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. In the series, the first mention of a possible relationship between the two was brought forth by Stan's father, Randy , who told his son "You can't just hang out with your buddy Kyle all the time. People will think you guys are, you know, funny. The episode suggests all characters are "a little gay".