Monty Python's Flying Circus 1969
“And now for something completely different...”
What is Monty Python's Flying Circus?
Monty Python's Flying Circus was a British sketch comedy television series that aired beginning in 1969. The show featured a distinctive comedic style composed of surreal humor, risqué and innuendo-laden content, visual sight gags, and observational sketches that often lacked traditional punchlines.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 1969
- Status
- Ended
- Episodes
- 45
- First aired
- Oct 5, 1969
- Last aired
- Dec 5, 1974
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- GB
- Networks
- BBC One
- Genres
- Comedy
- Updated
Where to watch
Buy
Stream
Stream
With ads
Buy
Stream
Free
Buy
Buy
Stream
Buy
Stream
Free
With ads
Buy
Streaming availability data provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Availability changes by country and date; verify on the provider before subscribing or purchasing.
How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 45 episodes and an average 45-minute runtime.
Trailer
Overview
Monty Python's Flying Circus was a British sketch comedy television series that aired beginning in 1969. The show featured a distinctive comedic style composed of surreal humor, risqué and innuendo-laden content, visual sight gags, and observational sketches that often lacked traditional punchlines. The series stood apart from conventional comedy formats through its absurdist approach and unconventional sketch construction. Rather than following standard comedic structures, the program embraced surreality throughout its episodes. The humor frequently relied on double entendres and suggestive content that pushed boundaries of the time. Visual comedy played a significant role, with sight gags woven throughout various sketches. The observational elements of the show captured everyday situations but presented them without the expected comedic resolutions. This groundbreaking series helped redefine television comedy through its innovative and irreverent take on the sketch format, influencing countless comedians and writers in the decades that followed.
Should you watch it?
“A groundbreaking surrealist sketch comedy that redefined television humor.”
- Pioneering comedic style that influenced generations
- Sharp writing with layers of absurdity and wit
- Dated production values
- Humor may not appeal to all viewers
You enjoy unconventional comedy with clever wordplay and visual gags.
Contains risqué humor and adult themes; suitable for mature audiences.
Ask the Vault
Ask anything about Monty Python's Flying Circus — answers are spoiler-safe.
Your verdict
Is Monty Python's Flying Circus worth watching?
Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 13 episodes
Open the complete Season 1 guide →- E1 Whither Canada? Oct 5, 1969
- E2 Sex and Violence Oct 12, 1969
- E3 How to Recognise Different Types of Trees from Quite a Long Way Away Oct 19, 1969
- E4 Owl Stretching Time Oct 26, 1969
- E5 Man's Crisis of Identity in the Latter Half of the 20th Century Nov 16, 1969
- E6 It's the Arts Nov 23, 1969
- E7 Oh, You're No Fun Anymore Nov 30, 1969
- E8 Full Frontal Nudity Dec 7, 1969
- E9 The Ant, An Introduction Dec 14, 1969
- E10 Untitled Dec 21, 1969
- E11 The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Goes to the Bathroom Dec 28, 1969
- E12 The Naked Ant Jan 4, 1970
- E13 Intermission Jan 11, 1970
Season 2 · 13 episodes
- E1 Face the Press Sep 15, 1970
- E2 The Spanish Inquisition Sep 22, 1970
- E3 Déjà Vu Sep 29, 1970
- E4 The Buzz Aldrin Show Oct 20, 1970
- E5 Live from the Grill-O-Mat Oct 27, 1970
- E6 It's a Living Nov 3, 1970
- E7 The Attila the Hun Show Nov 11, 1970
- E8 Archaeology Today Nov 17, 1970
- E9 How to Recognise Different Parts of the Body Nov 24, 1970
- E10 Scott of the Antarctic Dec 1, 1970
- E11 How Not to Be Seen Dec 8, 1970
- E12 Spam Dec 15, 1970
- E13 Royal Episode 13 Dec 22, 1970
Season 3 · 13 episodes
- E1 Whicker's World Oct 19, 1972
- E2 Mr. and Mrs. Brian Norris' Ford Popular Oct 26, 1972
- E3 The Money Programme Nov 2, 1972
- E4 Blood, Devastation, Death, War and Horror Nov 9, 1972
- E5 The All-England Summarise Proust Competition Nov 16, 1972
- E6 The War Against Pornography Nov 23, 1972
- E7 Salad Days Nov 30, 1972
- E8 The Cycling Tour Dec 7, 1972
- E9 The Nude Organist Dec 14, 1972
- E10 E. Henry Thripshaw's Disease Dec 21, 1972
- E11 Dennis Moore Jan 4, 1973
- E12 A Book at Bedtime Jan 11, 1973
- E13 Grandstand (or: The British Showbiz Awards) Jan 18, 1973
Season 4 · 6 episodes
- E1 The Golden Age of Ballooning Oct 31, 1974
- E2 Michael Ellis Nov 7, 1974
- E3 The Light Entertainment War Nov 14, 1974
- E4 Hamlet Nov 21, 1974
- E5 Mr. Neutron Nov 28, 1974
- E6 Party Political Broadcast Dec 5, 1974
Frequently asked questions
Who created Monty Python's Flying Circus?
It was created by the Monty Python troupe: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin.
How many episodes were made?
The series ran for four seasons comprising a total of 45 episodes.
What network aired the show?
It originally aired on BBC One and BBC Two in the United Kingdom.
Is the humor still relevant today?
Yes, much of the material remains fresh due to its surreal and timeless comedic approach.
Are there any recurring sketches or characters?
While most sketches are standalone, some feature recurring elements like the Ministry of Silly Walks and The Spanish Inquisition.