FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2009
CONTACT:
Meg Fullwood
214-740-9377
mfullwood@kera.org
KERA CELEBRATES 35 YEARS OF BRITISH COMEDY WITH GROUP THAT STARTED IT ALL
DALLAS/FORT WORTH – And now for something completely different: KERA-TV celebrates 35-years of British comedies with a look at the program that started it all. Monty Python’s Flying Circus made its American debut on KERA-TV on September 22, 1974. The program pushed the boundaries of television with short sketches, animation and an irreverent sensibility. KERA took a chance on the program and it was a huge success! Affiliate stations across the country soon began broadcasting the program and the Python invasion of America was underway! Share your recollections of the first broadcasts on KERA’s new Tellyspotting blog at kera.org/blogs/tv.
In honor of the Pythons’ debut, KERA-TV will air five episodes of Monty Python’s Personal Best, highlighting some of the best sketches and songs from Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Tune in at 10:00 p.m., Monday, October 5 through Friday, October 9 to enjoy Eric Idle’s parody tribute to The Beatles, Terry Jones’ portrayal of middle-aged women, Michael Palin’s Fish-Slapping Dance, a “memorial” to John Cleese and the delightful mayhem of Terry Gilliam’s animation.
On Saturday, October 10, beginning at 7:00 p.m., it’s the Monty Python’s Flying Circus and British Comedy 35th Anniversary Marathon. Enjoy the World Premiere of Monty Python Before and After followed by a selection of British comedies to delight audiences until dawn. Tune in for trivia contests and a chance to win prizes.
About KERA
KERA is a not-for-profit public media organization that serves the people of North Texas. The station broadcasts to the fourth-largest population area in the United States. KERA produces original multimedia content, carries the best in national and international public television and radio programs, and provides online resources at kera.org. The station’s extensive coverage of the arts can be found at artandseek.org. KERA-TV broadcasts on Channel 13.1. KERA WORLD broadcasts on 13.2. KERA-FM broadcasts on 90.1 in Dallas/Fort Worth/Denton, 88.3 in Wichita Falls, 100.1 in Tyler and 99.3 in Sherman. In November of 2009, KERA’s new music station at 91.7 FM will join the airwaves.
