Series synopsis
Monty Python's Flying Circus is a British comedy television series that premiered on BBC One on October 5, 1969. It ended on December 5, 1974. It was created by Ian MacNaughton, John Howard Davies. It stars John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Michael Palin and Terry Jones.
A British sketch comedy series with the shows being composed of surreality, risqué or innuendo-laden humour, sight gags and observational sketches without punchlines.
Premise
A British sketch comedy series with the shows being composed of surreality, risqué or innuendo-laden humour, sight gags and observational sketches without punchlines.
Premise: And now for something completely different...
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- John Cleese as Various / Announcer
- Graham Chapman as Various
- Michael Palin as Various / "It's" man
- Terry Jones as Various
- Eric Idle as Various
- Terry Gilliam as Various
- Ian Davidson
- Connie Booth as Various
Supporting cast
- Carol Cleveland as Various
- Maureen Flanagan
- Dick Vosburgh
- Barry Cryer
- Marjorie Wilde
- Ringo Starr
- Nosher Powell
- Neil Innes
- Douglas Adams
- Carolae Donoghue
- Julia Breck
- Lulu
Guest cast
Episodes
This series spans 5 seasons with 78 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 0 | 33 | October 3, 2009 | |
| Season 1 | 13 | October 5, 1969 | January 11, 1970 |
| Season 2 | 13 | September 15, 1970 | December 22, 1970 |
| Season 3 | 13 | October 19, 1972 | January 18, 1973 |
| Season 4 | 6 | October 31, 1974 | December 5, 1974 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 3 |
Jabberwocky After the death of his father the young cooper 'Dennis Cooper' goes to town where he has to pass several adventures. The town and the whole kingdom is threatened by a terrible monster called 'Jabberwocky'. Will Dennis make his fortune? Is anyone brave enough to defeat the monster? A medieval tale with Pythonesque humour. |
April 15, 1977 |
| 5 |
Live at the Hollywood Bowl A collection of skits that made the Python troup famous, performed live at the Hollywood Bowl. Included are the singing philosophers, lumberjacks, the pope, and a suspiciously-male looking seabird vendor. |
June 25, 1982 |
| 10 |
Live at Aspen Monty Python Live at Aspen was a reunion show featuring the five surviving members of Monty Python: John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. Graham Chapman was also allegedly in attendance as his "ashes" were brought out in an urn. The Pythons looked back at their work and received an American Film Industry award. It also featured some memorable moments when Gilliam 'accidentally' kicked over the urn, which Eric Idle said was their biggest audience laugh ever. It was hosted by Robert Klein and featured a cameo by Eddie Izzard. |
March 21, 1998 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Whither Canada? Featuring 'It's Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart', an Italian lesson, Whizzo Butter, 'It's the Arts', Arthur 'Two-Sheds' Jackson, a cycling race, and The Funniest Joke in the World. |
October 5, 1969 |
| 2 |
Sex and Violence Featuring some flying sheep, a man with three buttocks, a man with two noses, musical mice, a marriage guidance counsellor, a working-class playwright and The Wrestling Epilogue. |
October 12, 1969 |
| 3 |
How to Recognise Different Types of Trees from Quite a Long Way Away Featuring a court scene, the larch, Bicycle Repair Man, children's stories, a restaurant sketch, some seduced milkmen, an interview with some children and a stolen newsreader. |
October 19, 1969 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Face the Press Featuring Doug and Dinsdale Piranha, Face the Press and the Ministry of Silly Walks. Mrs G Pinnet buys a new gas cooker. |
September 15, 1970 |
| 2 |
The Spanish Inquisition Featuring the Spanish Inquisition, courtroom charades and a semaphore interpretation of Wuthering Heights. |
September 22, 1970 |
| 3 |
Déjà Vu Featuring the work of the poet Euan McTeagle, a psychiatrist milkman and some exploding animals. A television presenter suffers from a severe case of deja vu. |
September 29, 1970 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Whicker's World Features gags and sketches such as Multiple Murderer Court Scene, Njorl's Saga and Whicker’s World. |
October 19, 1972 |
| 2 |
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Norris' Ford Popular Features Emigration from Surbiton to Hounslow, The Fish Slapping Dance, SS Mother Goose, Trim-Jeans Theatre and some very famous guests. |
October 26, 1972 |
| 3 |
The Money Programme Features The Money Programme, Erizabeth L, Dead Bishop, Jungle Restaurant and The Argument Skit. |
November 2, 1972 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Golden Age of Ballooning Features gags and sketches such as The Golden Age of Ballooning, Louis XVI, The Court of George III and a Party Political Broadcast on Behalf of the Norwegian Party. |
October 31, 1974 |
| 2 |
Michael Ellis Features the sketches Department Store, Buying an Ant, At Home with the Ant and Other Pets and Toupee Department. |
November 7, 1974 |
| 3 |
The Light Entertainment War More surreal gags and sketches including Up Your Pavement, RAF Banter, Court Martial, The Public Are Idiots and Woody and Tinny Words. |
November 14, 1974 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | BBC One |
|---|---|
| First aired | October 5, 1969 |
| Last aired | December 5, 1974 |
| Runtime | 30 minutes |
| Status | ended |
| Schedule | Thursday at 22:00:00 |