Use BBC.com or the new BBC App to listen to BBC podcasts, Radio 4 and the World Service outside the UK.

Find out how to listen to other BBC stations

Episode details

BBC,1 min

Monty Python's Flying Circus 40th anniversary

History of the BBC

Available for over a year

The first episode of seminal comedy series Monty Python's Flying Circus, subtitled Whither Canada?, was broadcast just before 11pm on Sunday 5 October 1969. The Radio Times celebrated the launch with a spoof board game that set Monty Python in the context of previous satirical and late night shows. In the first programme sketches included 'famous deaths' presented by Mozart, the writing of the funniest and deadliest joke in the world, and an interview with Arthur 'Two Sheds' Jackson.

Programme Website
More episodes