Monty Python's Flying Circus. Image shows from L to R: Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, John Cleese, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam. Copyright: BBC
Monty Python's Flying Circus

Monty Python's Flying Circus

  • TV sketch show
  • BBC Two / BBC One
  • 1969 - 1974
  • 45 episodes (4 series)

Highly influential off-the-wall 1970s sketch series, starring John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Graham Chapman and Terry Jones. Also features Terry Gilliam and Carol Cleveland.

  • JustWatch Streaming rank this week: 1,460

Press clippings

The Office named top landmark comedy of the last 50 years

The Office was the highest-placed comedy in a Broadcasting Press Guild list of the top 50 landmark programmes of the last 50 years.

British Comedy Guide, 13th March 2024

John Cleese challenges Eric Idle on Monty Python's finances

John Cleese has responded to Eric Idle in the growing row over Monty Python's earnings, coming out in support of Terry Gilliam's daughter, Holly.

British Comedy Guide, 14th February 2024

From Python to The Young Ones, how British comedy and music became forever linked

As he releases a new book looking back at the history of British comedy, writer David Stubbs explains how it's always found an unlikely friend in music.

David Stubbs, Rolling Stone, 2nd August 2023

John Cleese mocked for asking why BBC hasn't shown Monty Python 'for over a decade'

"You decided to give the exclusive rights to Netflix, you faded light bulb".

Inga Parkel, The Independent, 28th December 2022

The Monty Python workout? It's a silly walk, and it works!

A not-so-serious study discovered that a walking style made famous by the comedy troupe is actually vigorous exercise.

Gretchen Reynolds, The Washington Post, 22nd December 2022

100 BBC TV gamechangers

The Sooty Show, Goodness Gracious Me and Hancock's Half Hour have been named amongst 23 comedy titles in a BFI list of the 100 most important television programmes from the BBC, as the broadcaster marks its 100th anniversary.

British Film Institute, 28th April 2022

What would the joyless woke brigade make of Monty Python?

The first duty of comedy today is to pay homage to current moral fashions. Jokes don't have to be funny as long as they sneer at Brexit, praise socialist ideals, decry transphobia and wave a rainbow flag for diversity. Any show that can manage all that and raise more than a limp chuckle is a rarity.

Christopher Stevens, Daily Mail, 13th March 2022

Young viewers are about to discover a terrible truth: Python often weren't funny

Comedy fans have welcomed the return of the series after 34 years. But those unfamiliar with the Flying Circus may be in for a shock.

Ed Power, The Telegraph, 12th March 2022

After 24 years, Monty Python is back on telly

Vintage TV channel That's TV has bought the rights to all four series of Monty Python's Flying Circus, which it will air uncut every weeknight at 9pm from Monday.

Chortle, 11th March 2022

Range of Monty Python socks launched

Happy Socks has launched an official range of Monty Python socks, featuring six designed inspired by the group's work.

Chortle, 15th September 2021

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