American television during the 1970s was more diverse than at any previous point in its history. In their efforts to reach as many markets as possible, network executives promoted shows aimed at target audiences, resulting in a wide viewing spectrum ranging from children's shows to youth-oriented fare to adult situation comedies and dramas that tackled previously taboo subjects Nothing, however, could prepare Americans for the latest British invasion when Monty Python's Flying Circus came to public television beginning in 1974.

Monty Python, a group of six talented and inventive comedians, offered — as a common lead-in on their 1969-1974 British television show promised — "something completely different." Even the antics of the later Saturday Night Live comedians seemed sane by comparison. Monty Python's Flying Circus featured skits by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin...