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Monty Python's Flying Circus

1969–1974 · Comedy · 4 seasons · ★ 8.3

EndedBBC One
▶ Watch TrailerWhere to WatchSeasons

Synopsis of Monty Python's Flying Circus

Six British comedians, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam, set out to create a comedy show on the BBC unlike anything else on British television. Its format is a series of sketches with no fixed structure, with live-action scenes linked by animations by Gilliam. Each piece starts from absurd situations and observations of British life, with satire of politics and professionals. None of the sketches share a continuous storyline, and viewers never know what to expect next. The series, created by the group itself, has been airing on BBC One since 1969.

«And now for something completely different...»

4seasons
45episodes
28 minper episode
8.3audience scoreTMDB · 753 votes
8.8IMDb rating87,922 votes

Seasons of Monty Python's Flying Circus

Season 1Season 11969 · 13 ep. · ★ 7.5Season 2Season 21970 · 13 ep. · ★ 7.5Season 3Season 31972 · 13 ep. · ★ 7.3Season 4Season 41974 · 6 ep. · ★ 6.7

Cast by Monty Python's Flying Circus

Graham ChapmanGraham ChapmanVarious45 episodes
Michael PalinMichael PalinVarious / "It's" man45 episodes
Terry JonesTerry JonesVarious45 episodes
Eric IdleEric IdleVarious45 episodes
Terry GilliamTerry GilliamVarious45 episodes
John CleeseJohn CleeseVarious / Announcer39 episodes
Carol ClevelandCarol Cleveland6 episodes
Lyn AshleyLyn Ashley5 episodes
Connie BoothConnie BoothVarious4 episodes
Rita DaviesRita DaviesDistraught Wife4 episodes
Peter BrettDoor-to-Door Martial Arts Salesman3 episodes
Ian DavidsonIan DavidsonVarious2 episodes
Maureen Flanagan2 episodes
Douglas AdamsDouglas Adams2 episodes
Dick VosburghEpisode 1
Barry CryerBarry CryerEpisode 1
Marjorie WildeEpisode 1
Ringo StarrRingo StarrEpisode 1
Nosher PowellNosher PowellEpisode 1
Neil InnesNeil InnesEpisode 1
Carolae DonoghueEpisode 1
Julia BreckJulia BreckEpisode 1
LuluLuluEpisode 1
Ewa AulinEwa AulinEpisode 1
Nigel JonesEpisode 1
John HughmanEpisode 1
Katya WyethKatya WyethEpisode 1
Terry MedlicottMonsignor Edward GayEpisode 1
Frank WilliamsFrank WilliamsEpisode 1
Nicki HoworthEpisode 1

Technical Details

Created by
Ian MacNaughton, John Howard Davies
Address
Ian MacNaughton, John Howard Davies
Writing
Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Graham Chapman, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam
Production
Ian MacNaughton
Production companies
BBC
Network or Platform
BBC One
Original Language
English
Premiere
October 5, 1969
Last Episode
December 5, 1974 (4x06)
Status
Ended
Type
Fiction
Awards
Won 3 BAFTA Awards; 4 wins and 7 nominations in total.
Links
IMDb · TMDB

Trivia about Monty Python's Flying Circus

The first episode attracted just 3% of the British population, about 1.5 million viewers, compared with 22% for Dad's Army that same week on Thursday.
Cupid's giant foot is based on the figure of Cupid in Agnolo Bronzino's painting Venus, Cupid, Folly and Time, and appeared in the credits of every episode to crush the title.
The sketch "Party Political Broadcast (Choreographed)" was considered lost until a home-recorded tape surfaced on YouTube in 2008.
A sketch parodying TV host Michael Miles was removed from a rerun as a sign of respect following his death in February 1971.
Cleese believes today's viewers see the show as more innovative than it was, because its episodes have been preserved almost intact.
The BBC faced internal criticism over the show's content: several executives called it "disgusting," "nihilistic" and "cruel," but it continued for three and a half seasons, with 45 episodes aired through 1974.
In 1970, the show won two special BAFTA awards, one for production, writing and performers and another to Terry Gilliam for its graphics; it then earned another BAFTA for Best Light Entertainment Programme in 1973.
The BBC removed the real phone number of David Frost, which had been included in a sketch, from a rerun because so many viewers called after the original broadcast.

Sources: Wikipedia (English)

Trailer for Monty Python's Flying Circus

Monty Python's Flying Circus Trailer

Where to Watch Monty Python's Flying Circus

It is currently not available on the major streaming platforms.

Cast of Monty Python's Flying Circus in other movies and series

Graham ChapmanVarious
Life of BrianMovieMonty Python and the Holy GrailMovie
Michael PalinVarious / "It's" man
The WitchesMovieThe SimpsonsSeriesA Fish Called WandaMovieBrazilMovieLife of BrianMovieMonty Python and the Holy GrailMovie
Eric IdleVarious
Shrek the ThirdMovieElla EnchantedMovie102 DalmatiansMovieSouth Park: Bigger, Longer & UncutMoviePinky and the BrainSeriesCasperMovieFrasierSeriesThe SimpsonsSeries
John CleeseVarious / Announcer
Rally Road RacersMovieClifford the Big Red DogMovieTrollsMovieOver the Garden WallSeriesPlanesMovieWinnie the PoohMovieShrek Forever AfterMoviePlanet 51Movie

Top-Rated Episodes

  1. 1x03 How to Recognise Different Types of Trees from Quite a Long Way Away ★ 8.0
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  3. 2x02 The Spanish Inquisition ★ 7.9
  4. 2x04 The Buzz Aldrin Show ★ 7.9
  5. 2x12 Spam ★ 7.9

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many seasons does Monty Python's Flying Circus have?

Monty Python's Flying Circus has 4 seasons and 45 episodes in total.

Where to watch Monty Python's Flying Circus?

Right now Monty Python's Flying Circus isn't available on the major subscription streaming platforms (availability may vary by country). It originally aired on BBC One.

Has Monty Python's Flying Circus ended?

Yes. Monty Python's Flying Circus has ended, and its final episode aired on December 5, 1974.

Who is in Monty Python's Flying Circus?

The main cast includes Graham Chapman (Various), Michael Palin (Various / "It's" man), Terry Jones (Various) and Eric Idle (Various).

Who created Monty Python's Flying Circus?

Monty Python's Flying Circus is a creation of Ian MacNaughton and John Howard Davies.

How long does it take to watch all of Monty Python's Flying Circus?

With episodes of about 28 minutes, watching all 45 episodes takes approximately 21 hours.

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