John Cleese mocked for asking why BBC doesn’t show Monty Python

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy John Cleese has been given short shrift on social media after he complained about the BBC not running repeats of Monty Python – after apparently forgetting who owned the licensing rights to the influential comedy show’s library. “Can anyone tell me why the BBC has not shown Monty Python for a couple of decades?” Cleese asked on Twitter, Tuesday 27 December. A second commented in disbelief: “Can anyone tell me how John Cleese doesn’t know that the BBC showed Monty Python back in 2019 for the 50th anniversary and then Netflix bought the rights to show it in the UK?” “You decided to give the exclusive rights to Netflix, you faded light bulb,” a third wrote. Monty Python’s Flying Circus ran from 1969 to 1974 and is considered one of the UK’s most influential comedy series Another thanked Cleese for his “work over the years, some of which are still my favourites”.