 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Monty Python's Flying Circus
Common Sense Media says
Madcap, classic sketch comedy with adult themes.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that while this classic British sketch comedy series includes some silly physical comedy skits that are fine for younger kids, it's most appropriate for teens. The Pythons' humor is absurd and silly, but it also leans heavily toward the intellectual -- skits incorporate topics such as politics, classic literature, and historical figures and events. Some skits also have sexual themes and plenty of innuendo, but nothing more graphic than some occasional bits and pieces of brief nudity (mostly quick glimpses of bare breasts and unclad buns). Skits can also include violence, but it's always cartoon-like with the Pythons and always there for a laugh -- a roving gang of biker grannies pummels a victim with their pocketbooks; members of a Sousa-playing band explode into nothing, one by one; a housewife stuffs her turkey with a limp cat; and so on. One extra word of caution: Unlike Tom and Jerry and other cartoons with exaggerated violence, this show occasionally features real actors performing violent acts -- young kids won't grasp the humor and may think the action is happening in real life.
What's the story?
Created in the 1960s and beloved as a cult classic ever since, MONTY PYTHON'S FLYING CIRCUS stars the titular British sketch comedy troupe -- John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, and Terry Jones. Creativity runs wild in skits like "A Man with a Tape Recorder Up His Brother's Nose," "Gorilla Librarian," and "Exploding Penguin on the TV Set." But there's more to the show than sheer absurd silliness. Many members of the troupe attended Oxford and Cambridge, and their smarts show up in most skits. (A very brief list of Python skit subjects: Queen Victoria, Richard Nixon, Proust, Picasso, Attila the Hun, the Spanish Inquisition, Hamlet, Wuthering Heights).
Is it any good?
The Pythons are an amazingly talented comedy bunch -- their humor is a mix of downright silliness, brilliant intellectualism, and over-the-top exaggeration. But with its sexual themes and innuendo (more on that below), cartoonish violence, and cerebral humor, this show is best for teens. What's more, some skits poke fun at the mentally and physically challenged, homosexuals, and people of other races and ethnicities (particularly the French). It's all in the name of humor/good fun, but younger kids won't be able to put it in context. Violence is exaggerated but all in fun -- a man is crushed by a 16-ton weight, dowdy matrons mix it up in a rugby-like brawl, a bloke reminisces about the time a gangster nailed his head to the floor, and a crazy self-defense instructor shoots his students when they attack him with fruit.
Overall, Monty Python's Flying Circus is a great example of what creative minds can accomplish when they work together. Anyone with an appreciation of comedy will see that these mates are masters of comedic timing, clever writing, character creation, and the art of physical comedy. Teens interested in acting and theater arts may be inspired by the show -- even though it originally aired in the late 1960s and '70s, it remains a grand example of talent and creativity and, frankly, is still hilarious.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the show's spoofs on historical events and figures (like World War II, the Spanish Inquisition, Picasso, and Trotsky) and other subjects also covered in classroom settings. Why is it funny that the Spanish Inquisition tortures victims with pillows and comfy chairs? What are the Pythons really making fun of in the "Ministry of Silly Walks" skit? Families can also discuss how the all-male cast frequently dresses in drag to play women's roles. Why is it so funny? Is this tradition held over from Shakespeare's time? What skits best show off the troupe's comedic timing, physical comedy, clever comedy writing, and creativity?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
My favourite show EVER.
I love this show! It airs sometimes on PBS and I have since bought all the episodes on DVD. Yes, there's some nudity and violence, but this is truly a genius comedy. It caters to intellects and those with interest in politics, literature, etc. It's very cleverly done, and always a joy to watch. You can watch your favourite episode again and again. Some may be offended at how they sometimes mock certain people/groups of people, but it's all in good fun!
However, be prepared, most people don't like this show at all. Its dark humour and subtle jokes are usually not everyone's cup of tea. but still, it is an oldie, but goodie! ^_^
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AGE
I laughed
Montey Pythons is hilariouse but still appropriate or about 6+.
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AGE
One of the most brilliant comedy groups but the subject level can be a bit too high for younger kids... Highschoolers and up
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AGE
Classic series
Great comedy series - definitely worth watching. Some of the sketches have some sexual references and mild language, but it's really nothing to be worried about.
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AGE
"This is an ex-parrot!"
A series that never gets enough praise, even with the flood of it. Funny, witty, clever, and above all, British. This show will forever be marked in history as one of the greatest comedy sketch shows to date from the quotability alone.
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AGE
best show EVER!!!!!!
i think that the flying circus is a GREAT way to entertain people and a AWESOME way to get kids involved in drama and more schools should use it in there teaching XP
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AGE
I am a lumberjack, and I'm OK
I sleep all night and I work all day! My fave Monty Python skit. Monty Python is such a funny show...the SNL of its time. There is some iffy stuff like some sexual material, breast nudity, comic violence (sometimes with...FRUIT?!? Yes I'm not joking!), and some ethnically offensive humor. But it's so funny! Watch if you are over 12 and have an open mind!
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Kid, 12 years old
May 7, 2011
AGE
Iffy but funny, for mature 11 year olds up
This show is very funny. It has some iffy content like b---ard, bl--dy and s-d and partial nudity with nothing private shown. Some sex references. Apart from that it is an appropriate and funny show.
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Kid, 12 years old
December 27, 2010
AGE
Monty Python's Flying with EPICNESS!!!!!
This show is hilarious! I have the Personal Best of Monty Pyhton DVD and watch it to laugh at the deleirous behavior that is expressed in each skit. Some references to sex that are too outrageous and funny to even concern too much about So, I think this is a laugh factor for maturer audiences.
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| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | PBS |
| Cast: | Eric Idle, John Cleese, Michael Palin |
| Genre: | Comedy |
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