Monty Python's Best Bits (Mostly)

Monty Python's Best Bits (Mostly) is a nostalgic celebration of the legendary and groundbreaking British comedy troupe, Monty Python. It debuted in 2014 on Seeso, NBC's subscription-based streaming service devoted to comedy. This brilliant television series showcases the most popular and memorable skits from the Monty Python crew. They are compiled into episodes to breathe life back into some of the best comedic moments in television history.

The series title alone, Monty Python's Best Bits (Mostly), is emblematic of the Python crew's irreverent and self-deprecating humor, hinting at the quirky laughs and absurdist comedy that await within the episodes. For those familiar with the original troupe's works, it allows them to revisit beloved sketches, while newcomers get the chance to experience the best that Monty Python has to offer compiled into one neat package.

The show is essentially a compilation of highlights from the original Monty Python television series and films. Not only does it feature sketches from "Monty Python's Flying Circus," a landmark British television comedy that originally aired from 1969 to 1974, and was known for its surreal humor and innovative use of stream-of-consciousness storytelling, but it also includes snippets from the Python's renowned films - from "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," to "Life of Brian," and "The Meaning of Life."

Spanning five hour-long episodes, Monty Python's Best Bits (Mostly) is a hand-picked selection of their finest work. Each episode showcases the troupe's genius for pushing comedy to its absurd limits. It presents a perfect potpourri of those unique, and often quirky, moments of British humor that Monty Python came to be known for. From the wildly imaginative animations of Terry Gilliam, to the brilliant, off-the-wall sketches of John Cleese, Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Graeme Garden, and Terry Jones, the series provides a comprehensive look at the squad's comic prowess.

Moreover, Monty Python's Best Bits (Mostly) isn't just a simple clip show. It's an exploration into the Python's comedic legacy, complemented by interviews, tributes, and discussions from celebrities, comedians, and super-fans, all of whom share the impact that Monty Python had on them personally and professionally. Each episode features different celebrities discussing their favorite sketches and sharing anecdotes about the Pythons, providing fascinating behind-the-scenes insights to better understand the context and creation of these classic skits.

The show gives insight into the troupe's unique brand of comedy, which infused insightful social commentary, along with their trademark absurdity, into mundane, everyday situations. It also underscores how Monty Python's portrayal of the ludicrousness of life has permeated and patronized popular culture in ways that few artistic entities have ever managed. From their take on religious fundamentalism in the film "Life Of Brian," to their parodic take on Arthurian legends in "Holy Grail," Monty Python's tangential reality has always had a skill for making audiences think and laugh simultaneously.

Beyond providing countless laughs, Monty Python's Best Bits (Mostly) serves as an important piece of comedy history. It is a celebration of Monty Python’s profound influence on the comedy world, highlighting its innovative style that tore up the rulebook, broke down barriers of conventional comedy, and explored humor without limits. For modern audiences, it's an invite to travel back in time and appreciate the revolutionary humor that has set the bar for generations of comedians to come.

Monty Python's Best Bits (Mostly) is essential viewing for die-hard Python fans and a must-watch for anyone with an interest in comedy. It holds up as a comedy gold mine, offering both a perfect introduction to those unfamiliar with the Python's work, and a love letter to long-time admirers. Overall, it captures the spirit and humor of Monty Python while paying a fitting tribute to the iconic troupe, letting the legacy of these comedy pioneers live on in the new era of comedic viewing.