Common Sense Media Review
By Ellen Dendy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Madcap, classic sketch comedy with adult themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
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Monty Python's Flying Circus
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say this show is a clever mix of satirical humor and absurdity, but it's important to note that it contains mature content such as profanity, sexual themes, and slapstick violence that may not be suitable for younger audiences. While many find it hysterically funny, parents are advised to preview episodes and discuss sensitive topics with older children due to its occasionally shocking elements.
- satire and absurdity
- mature content
- parental guidance advised
- not for young kids
- hilarious entertainment
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Monty Python's Flying Circus' 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?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 5, 1969
- Cast : Eric Idle , John Cleese , Michael Palin
- Network : PBS
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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