Monty Python were the British comedy group that created the influential British television comedy sketch show, Monty Python's Flying Circus, which first aired on BBC October 5 1969. The Python phenomenon spawned into films, numerous albums, touring stage shows, several books and a stage musical as well. It launched the members to individual stardom. The group's influence on comedy could be compared to The Beatles' influence on music.

The television series, broadcast from 1969 to 1974 on the BBC, was conceived, written and performed by Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. Loosely structured as a sketch show, it pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable in style and content.