Monty Python's Flying Circus - Personal Bests

Watch Monty Python's Flying Circus - Personal Bests

  • 2006
  • 1 Season

Monty Python's Flying Circus is a classic British sketch comedy show that aired on the BBC from 1969 to 1974. The show features a troupe of six comedians, including Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, all of whom wrote and performed in the show.

The show is known for its irreverent and absurdist humor, often breaking the fourth wall and defying narrative conventions. Each episode is a collection of loosely connected sketches and skits, ranging from silly and surreal to satirical and political.

One of the trademarks of the show is its use of animation and cartoons by Terry Gilliam, who would create visually inventive and often grotesque sequences that added to the show's surreal vibe. Another signature element is the Python's fondness for wordplay, puns, and subverting audience expectations.

Monty Python's Flying Circus was a groundbreaking show that paved the way for a new era of comedy, inspiring many comedians and shows that followed. Its anarchic spirit and willingness to push boundaries made it a cult favorite and a cultural touchstone.

The PBS special Personal Bests from Monty Python's Flying Circus highlights some of the best sketches and moments from the show, as chosen by the members of the troupe themselves. Through interviews and commentary, the Python team reflects on their favorite sketches and shares anecdotes and insights into the making of the show.

Some of the highlights of the special include the famous "Dead Parrot" sketch, in which John Cleese plays a pet shop customer trying to return a deceased parakeet. The sketch is a masterclass in absurdity, as Cleese's increasingly frustrated and incredulous reactions add to the hilarity.

Another classic sketch is the "Ministry of Silly Walks," in which John Cleese plays a bureaucrat charged with overseeing the production and regulation of silly walks. The sketch is a perfect showcase for Cleese's physical comedy skills and the group's ability to turn mundane concepts into comic gold.

The special also includes memorable moments like Michael Palin's "Argument Clinic" sketch, Eric Idle's "Nudge Nudge" routine, and Terry Gilliam's animated interludes. Throughout the show, the Python team displays its mastery of different comedic styles, from satire and parody to slapstick and farce.

Personal Bests from Monty Python's Flying Circus is a must-watch for fans of the show, as well as anyone interested in the history of comedy. The special offers a unique look into the creative process of one of the most influential comedy troupes of all time, and showcases the best that Monty Python's Flying Circus has to offer.

Monty Python's Flying Circus - Personal Bests is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (6 episodes). The series first aired on February 22, 2006.

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Seasons
Terry Jones' Personal Best
6. Terry Jones' Personal Best
October 31, 2014
Jones reveals that he was the true creative genius behind Monty Python""and that, in fact, he wrote all the shows himself. His best bits include Bishop, News for Parrots, Bicycle Repair Man, and Spanish Inquisition.
Michael Palin's Personal Best
5. Michael Palin's Personal Best
October 31, 2014
Michael Palin takes a look at one of Britain's most popular leisure pursuits: fish-slapping. In possibly the first in-depth documentary on this piscine subject, he examines method, technique, and equipment. In between are some of his favorite sketches from Monty Python's Flying Circus, including Cheese Shop, Blackmail, and Piranha Brothers.
Terry Gilliam's Personal Best
4. Terry Gilliam's Personal Best
October 31, 2014
In a reversal of the usual Flying Circus formula, live-action segments serve as bridges between surreal cartoons featuring killer cars, sprouting hands, and dancing teeth.
John Cleese's Personal Best
3. John Cleese's Personal Best
October 31, 2014
John Cleese hosts educational segments from Monty Python's Flying Circus that demonstrate how to defend yourself against fresh fruit, perform brain surgery Gumby-style, and fly. For music lovers, there's an exploding version of the "Blue Danube."
Graham Chapman's Personal Best
2. Graham Chapman's Personal Best
February 22, 2006
In a comprehensive tribute written by the 5 other members of the incomparable Monty Python's Flying Circus, this program inglucdes the sketches that they believe Chapman would have called his very favorites. Of course, they could be wrong.
Eric Idle's Personal Best
1. Eric Idle's Personal Best
February 22, 2006
Eric Idle - the outrageously successful actor, writer, composer, director, producer and Broadway Impresario - is not satisfied yet.
Description
Where to Watch Monty Python's Flying Circus - Personal Bests
Monty Python's Flying Circus - Personal Bests is available for streaming on the PBS website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Monty Python's Flying Circus - Personal Bests on demand at Netflix and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    February 22, 2006