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Monty Python's Flying Circus

Comedy history · 10 facts, each from at least two of 9 independent sources · last reviewed 2026-10-17

Monty Python's Flying Circus is one of the BBC's comedy programs.1,2 It is linked to Monty Python, a comedy troupe from Britain made up of Chapman, Cleese, Gilliam, Idle, Jones and Palin.3,4,5,6 The show drew criticism from several senior BBC figures.1,2,7

Production and Cast Changes

The program was produced by John Howard Davies.2,8 After the third series, Cleese departed from the show.1,7

Reaction Within the BBC

Aubrey Singer, who led the features group at the BBC, stated that he considered some portions of the program disgusting.1,7 Bill Cotton, who headed light entertainment at the BBC, remarked that the team appeared to have a death wish.1,7 The controller of BBC One believed the show continued past the limits of what was acceptable.2,7

Influences and Legacy

The Goon Show by Spike Milligan was an influence on the Pythons.9,10 Monty Python, in turn, had an influence on Saturday Night Live.10,11

Sources

  1. BBC bosses almost lost faith in 'disgusting' Monty Python | The Independent | The Independent (the-independent.com)
  2. Monty Python: BBC archive reveals the secrets behind the sketches – The Irish Times (irishtimes.com)
  3. BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Monty Python learns French (bbc.co.uk)
  4. “Monty Python” Goes to Court | The New Yorker (newyorker.com)
  5. 40 years of 'Holy Grail': The best of Monty Python - CNN (cnn.com) · archived copy
  6. Monty Python's Flying Circus (27) - UDLØBET | DRTV (dr.dk) · archived copy
  7. What the BBC really thought of Monty Python - Telegraph (telegraph.co.uk) · archived copy
  8. BBC bosses almost lost faith in 'disgusting' Monty Python | The Independent (independent.co.uk) · archived copy
  9. Monty Python: Sousa, two-sheds and musical subversions | Classical music | The Guardian (theguardian.com)
  10. CNN.com - How Monty Python changed the world - Dec. 11, 2003 (cnn.com)
  11. John Oliver Hears Monty Python's Many Secrets (thedailybeast.com) · archived copy

Updated November 12, 2026.

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