Watch Monty Python's Best Bits (Mostly)
- 1969
- 1 Season
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7.3 (282)
Monty Python's Best Bits (Mostly) is a tribute to the revolutionary British comedy troupe Monty Python, brought to life by the streaming service Seeso in 2014. The series is a wild roller-coaster ride in the legacy of Monty Python and a celebration of its irreverent wit, surreal humor and ground-breaking comedy sketches that made them icons of pop culture.
The spirit of the show lies in its title – 'Best Bits (Mostly)'. It does not aim to be a comprehensive guide to Monty Python's work but rather serves up a curated collection of their finest moments, sprinkled with some lesser known gems. Instead of following a chronological order, the show joyfully hopscotches across the gigantic oeuvre of the Python repertoire, keeping the viewers in constant anticipation.
The series is a curated anthology of Monty Python sketches, signature skits, classic episodes, and iconic characters from their television series, "Monty Python's Flying Circus", their films and stage shows. But, Monty Python's Best Bits (Mostly) is not just a string of sketches. Instead, it seeks to deconstruct the Python phenomenon and understand the dynamics behind the madness.
In Monty Python's Best Bits (Mostly), fans get to once again meet and laugh at some of the most famous characters and sketches that the troupe has produced, including the hilariously absurd "Dead Parrot" sketch or the classic "Spanish Inquisition". It takes the viewers on a nostalgic journey through a world where Ministry of Silly Walks exists and every now and then, a giant foot might descend from the skies!
The episodes are interspersed with commentaries by Python members, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, and the late Terry Jones, adding an extra layer of intimacy and insight into the creation of these sketches. Moreover, the series is fortified with a roster of celebrity guest stars, who share their personal Python moments, fan favorite sketches and the influence this comedy behemoth has had on their own careers surpassing a broad range of fields- from comedy to films to literature. Their appearance provides a fresh perspective on the importance and ongoing legacy of Monty Python in the wider world of entertainment.
Furthermore, Monty Python's Best Bits (Mostly) does a marvelous job of capturing Monty Python’s audacious approach to comedy. The troupe’s boundary-pushing humor is given a deserving tribute in this series. An essence of Monty Python's comedy is inclusivity- their ability to make the audience feel like part of the joke. This series manages to capture that feeling as well, inviting the viewers in on the Python’s peculiar, comedic world where lunacy, intelligence, and sharp satire mix together to form a unique genre of comedy that feels vastly original even after half a century.
The series subtly unfolds various thematic elements that were often present in Python's sketches like the mockery of societal norms and institutions, and the critique of British class system, making it a fascinating viewing not only for a Python fan but for anyone who appreciates well-crafted comedy with a subtle social message underneath it.
Moreover, the series provides some rare glimpses into the group dynamics of the six-man team and the creative process behind their wild, innovative comedy. From the initial script-writing to the final dressing-up for the sketch, fans get to peek into their craft, which is both enjoyable and enlightening.
In its essence, Monty Python's Best Bits (Mostly) is more than a simple retrospective of some of the best comedic pieces to grace our screens—it is a celebration of the timeless humor of Monty Python, a tribute to its audacious style that changed the comedy landscape forever. It is a delightful journey down the memory lane for Python fans, and an exciting introduction to Monty Python’s unique brand of comedy for the uninitiated. Whether you are new to Python's surreal world, or a lifelong fan, this series guarantees to delight, surprise, and make you laugh out loud multiple times.
Monty Python's Best Bits (Mostly) is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between and on Seeso