Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Entertainment
  3. News

The holy grail of Monty Python sketches and movies heads to Netflix

By

Monty Python’s Flying Circus is heading to Netflix. A decent portion of the legendary comedy group’s back catalog will land on Netflix U.K. on April 18, and later in the year for U.S.-based subscribers — date to be announced.

The team, comprising John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Eric Idle, the late Graham Chapman, and Terry Gilliam, produced most of their television work for the BBC in the 1970s, and made a number of hit movies, too, among them The Life of Brian and The Holy Grail. They also enjoyed huge success in the U.S. during their peak.

Recommended Videos

Besides their extensive TV work, Python content coming to Netflix includes both The Life of Brian and The Holy Grail, and from 2006 Monty Python’s Personal Best where the surviving members choose their favorite Python sketches. Fans can also enjoy a 2009 documentary called Monty Python Conquers America that tells the story of how the group formed and found success, as well as a more recent profile of the team called The Meaning of Live.

And there’s more. Monty Python Best Bits (mostly), from 2014, features “dedicated Monty Python fans” talking about their favorite sketches by the comedy troupe, while Monty Python Live (mostly): One Down, Five to Go shows the remaining members on stage together, most likely for the final time. Filmed at the huge O2 arena in London in 2014, the stage show includes many of their classic sketches and much-loved songs. The show also features filmed inserts from the team, as well as some of Terry Gilliam’s iconic animations that contributed so much to Python’s material.

The blurb accompanying One Down, Five to Go describes the live performance as “the ultimate Monty Python show” and should give long-time fans of the group something to really enjoy.

For anyone in need of their Python fix here and now, the team already has a huge collection of content on YouTube, with sketches including the classic Argument Clinic and the superb Ministry of Silly Walks. The wonderfully absurd Fish Slapping Dance is worth a look, too. You’ll also find interviews with the team and other snippets of original material to enjoy.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Trevor Mogg
Trevor Mogg
Contributing Editor
Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…
3 underrated (HBO) Max movies you should watch this weekend (June 28-30)
A girl looks at a boy in House at the End of the Street.

June is surprisingly over, and with it, a great month for movies comes to a satisfactory close. You've probably watched Inside Out 2 or Bad Boys: Ride or Die or maybe even The Bikeriders. From blockbusters to indie fare, the theatrical movie business has been robust and healthy.

The same goes for streaming. Netflix had a big hit with Richard Linklater's Hit Man, while Amazon Prime Video recently premiered the latest bonkers season of The Boys. HBO and Max have been quieter, but their robust library speaks volumes to the streamer's high quality. The following three films are older, but are just as worth your time as new hits like House of the Dragon season 2.
The Skin I Live In (2011)

Read more
3 underrated Amazon Prime Video movies you should watch this weekend (June 28-30)
Two men spy from a car in The Limey.

As we head toward the end of June, it's worth reflecting on how we want to spend the rest of summer. For some, that's going to mean enjoying nice weather or getting some time in at the beach. For others, it might mean escaping from the heat, at least for a while, to check out a great movie.

If you fall into that second category, then we've pulled together a list of three great, underrated, titles available on Amazon Prime Video that are all worth checking out. Prime Video is home to some of the best movies available online, but it can be hard to find the ones you want. These three will at least give you a great place to start.
The Limey (1999)
The Limey | 4K Restoration Trailer | Plays Dec. 19

Read more
The best Netflix original series right now
Eric and Benedict Cumberbatch in Eric.

The era of Peak TV was also Peak Netflix, because the streamer seemingly had an endless supply of new original series. So far in 2024, that hasn't been the case. Whether we'll ever get the same level of content again seems unlikely for now. But even in a reduced capacity, Netflix still has a few new additions to its lineup of originals.

For the month of June, we're adding the '80s-set thriller, Eric, which stars Benedict Cumbebatch. Our other pick for the month is Supacell, which is Netflix's new British series that remixes some old superhero archetypes. That's not a very big selection for fans who always want something new, but this roundup of the best Netflix original series really does have all of the top options in one place for you. All you have to do is scroll down and make time to binge watch some shows.

Read more