Comedy Connections - Season 3
Season 3
Episodes
Monty Python's Flying Circus
Starting with a group of undergraduates meeting at Oxford and Cambridge Universities, the roots of Monty Python's Flying Circus are found in the TV satire boom of the 60s and the influence of The Goons and Spike Milligan.
Interviews with John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam and Carol Cleveland tell the story of what happened in the Python writing room, why John Cleese left at the end of the third series and exactly how the BBC dealt with the infamous undertaker sketch.
With graphics tracing their careers over 40 years, we hear how the seeds of Python were sown behind the scenes of The Frost Report, and how on the break-up of Python they all tried to do something completely different whilst secretly hoping their erstwhile colleagues wouldn't be too successful.
Spitting Image
Three of a Kind
Harry Enfield and Chums
The series charting the history of some of the best British comedy programmes looks at 90s sketch show Harry Enfield and Chums.
Goodness Gracious Me
Series charting the history of some of the best British comedy programmes looks at sketch show Goodness Gracious Me. A spin-off from the Real McCoy, it soon established itself by reflecting the reality of contemporary British Asian life while observing the conventions of a mainstream sketch comedy show.
Not the Nine O'Clock News
Series about the history of British comedy looks at Not the Nine O'Clock News, starring Rowan Atkinson, Pamela Stephenson, Griff Rhys Jones and Mel Smith.
A Bit of Fry and Laurie
Series charting the history of some of the best of British comedy looks at sketch show A Bit of Fry and Laurie. The two stars met in the Cambridge Footlights and wrote four series between 1986 and 1995 before moving into the worlds of literature, television, theatre and film.
The Two Ronnies
Series charting the history of some of the best of British comedy shows looks at the hugely successful The Two Ronnies, which ran from 1971 to 1987. This traces their relationship from their initial meeting, on to their first appearance together on The Frost Report and right through to the Two Ronnies Sketchbook.
Their list of collaborators over the years reads like a who's who of 60s and 70s comedy, from Stanley Baxter, Jimmy Edwards and June Whitfield on stage, radio and screen to writing talent like Barry Cryer, David Renwick, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle and John Cleese.
Recently Updated Shows
EastEnders
Set in the East End of London, the show focuses on the tensions between love and family with stories ranging from hard-hitting social issues, to personal, human tragedies. And there's plenty of funny moments too.
Classic characters old and new across thousands of episodes have shared a drink in The Queen Vic, shed tears of despair or joy, sat on Arthur's bench in the Square... and at some point or other they probably crossed paths with Ian Beale.
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew
The journey of four kids who make a mysterious discovery on their seemingly safe home planet, then get lost in a strange and dangerous galaxy. Finding their way home — and meeting unlikely allies and enemies — will be a greater adventure than they ever imagined.
Would I Lie to You?
A comedic panel show featuring team captains Lee Mack and David Mitchell plus two guests per side, hosted by Rob Brydon (formerly Angus Deayton). Each person must reveal embarrassing facts and outrageous lies during a series of different rounds including "Ring of Truth", "This is My..." and "Quickfire Lies". It is up to the opposing team to tell tall tales from fantastic facts.
The Repair Shop
The Repair Shop is a workshop of dreams, where broken or damaged cherished family heirlooms are brought back to life.
Furniture restorers, horologists, metal workers, ceramicists, upholsterers and all manner of skilled craftsmen and women have been brought together to work in one extraordinary space, restoring much-loved possessions to their former glory.
Many of these items have incredible stories behind them and a unique place in history: from an accordion played in the Blitz by a woman who is now in her 90s, to a beautifully crafted clock made by a father who was completely blind; a Pinball machine that is currently being used as a kitchen counter, and a Davenport desk with its trademark fake drawers which fooled burglars - and their crowbar.
The Repair Shop is an antidote to our throwaway culture and shines a light on the wonderful treasures to be found in homes across the country.
On Call
On Call is an adrenalized and visceral police drama that puts us inside the squad car and on the streets with Long Beach Police. Through training officer Traci Harmon and rookie Alex Diaz, the series examines how the complexities of the job affects the human condition. Harmon will be enlightened by a kid from the streets, while Diaz will learn that policing isn't black and white - it requires shades of grey. Each episode tracks the duo as they respond to a new radio call, arriving on the scene to resolve an incident. Incorporating a mixture of bodycam, dash-camera, and cellphone footage to create a cinema verité effect, the innovative series explores the morality of protecting and serving a community.