Monty Python is the collective name of the creators of Monty Python?s Flying Circus, a British television comedy sketch show that first aired on the BBC on 5 October 1969. A total of 45 episodes were made over four series (the last of which dropped the 'Flying Circus' from the title and thus was also called Monty Python). However, the Python phenomenon developed from the original television series into something much greater, in scope and impact: it spawned touring stage shows, four films, numerous albums, several books and a spin-off stage musical?as well as launching the members on to individual stardom.