10 Shows Like Monty Python’s Flying Circus (1969)

Description: The Young Ones shares Monty Python's anarchic humor and surrealism, often breaking the fourth wall and featuring absurd, exaggerated characters. Both shows use slapstick, satire, and non-sequitur jokes, appealing to a similar countercultural audience.

Fact: The show was one of the first British sitcoms to feature a punk rock soundtrack. Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson, who starred in The Young Ones, later created Bottom, another chaotic comedy. The series was controversial for its violent and crude humor, pushing boundaries much like Monty Python.

Description: Blackadder, like Monty Python, is rich in historical satire and witty wordplay. While more structured than Python's sketches, it shares a sharp, irreverent take on British history and class systems, with Rowan Atkinson's character embodying Python-esque cynicism and absurdity.

Fact: Each series of Blackadder is set in a different historical period. The show was co-written by Richard Curtis and Ben Elton, who went on to create iconic British comedies. Rowan Atkinson initially played Blackadder as a bumbling fool, but the character evolved into a cunning schemer in later series.

Description: Red Dwarf combines sci-fi with Python-like absurdity, featuring bizarre scenarios and eccentric characters. Its humor often relies on surrealism and parody, much like Monty Python's sketches, though set in a futuristic space environment.

Fact: The show was originally conceived as a sitcom set in a Liverpool flat before being reworked into a sci-fi setting. Red Dwarf holds the record for the longest-running sci-fi comedy series. The character of Rimmer was inspired by co-creator Rob Grant's dislike of a former boss.

Description: A Bit of Fry & Laurie showcases the clever wordplay and intellectual humor that Monty Python fans appreciate. Its sketch format and witty banter between Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie echo Python's intelligent, yet absurd, comedy.

Fact: The show was one of the first major projects for Fry and Laurie, who met at Cambridge. Many sketches were improvised during rehearsals. The duo later achieved international fame with House and Jeeves and Wooster.

Description: Absolutely Fabulous shares Monty Python's penchant for exaggerated characters and satirical humor, though focused on fashion and celebrity culture. Its over-the-top antics and sharp wit are reminiscent of Python's comedic style.

Fact: The show was created by Jennifer Saunders, who also stars as Edina. Absolutely Fabulous was inspired by Saunders' observations of the fashion industry. The series has been praised for its strong female leads and feminist undertones.

Description: Father Ted's humor is rooted in absurdity and satire, much like Monty Python, with its eccentric characters and ridiculous scenarios. The show's irreverent take on religion and Irish culture mirrors Python's bold, boundary-pushing comedy.

Fact: The show was written by Graham Linehan and Arthur Mathews, who met while working on a music magazine. Father Ted was originally conceived as a radio show. The character of Father Jack was inspired by a real-life priest known for his drinking.

Description: Spaced shares Monty Python's love of pop culture references and surreal humor, though in a more grounded, sitcom format. Its fast-paced, visual gags and eccentric characters are reminiscent of Python's sketch comedy style.

Fact: The show was directed by Edgar Wright, who later created the Cornetto Trilogy with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. Spaced is packed with homages to films like The Shining and Dawn of the Dead. The series was initially rejected by several channels before being picked up by Channel

Description: The Mighty Boosh is deeply surreal and imaginative, much like Monty Python, blending music, fantasy, and absurd humor. Its unique visual style and offbeat characters echo Python's penchant for the bizarre and unconventional.

Fact: Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt met at a comedy club and bonded over their love of surreal humor. The show features elaborate costumes and sets, often handmade by the cast and crew. Many episodes include original songs, adding to the show's quirky charm.

Description: Green Wing's surreal, fast-paced humor and eccentric characters are reminiscent of Monty Python's sketch comedy. Its unique editing style and absurd situations create a Python-esque atmosphere, though set in a hospital.

Fact: The show was filmed in a documentary style, with handheld cameras and improvised dialogue. Many cast members, like Mark Heap and Olivia Colman, went on to star in other British comedies. Green Wing was praised for its innovative approach to sitcom storytelling.

Description: The IT Crowd channels Monty Python's absurdity and satire, particularly in its portrayal of office life and technology. Its exaggerated characters and ridiculous situations are akin to Python's sketch humor, though in a workplace setting.

Fact: The show was created by Graham Linehan, who also co-wrote Father Ted. The iconic 'Have you tried turning it off and on again?' line became a cultural catchphrase. Richard Ayoade, who plays Moss, later became a successful film director.