John Cleese thinks ‘Monty Python’ must be "too funny" for TV nowadays – because the show hasn’t aired for 17 years.
The 78-year-old actor – who co-founded the comedy troupe, made up of Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle , Terry Jones, Michael Palin and the late Graham Chapman – is bemused as to why their 1970s sketch series, ‘Monty Python’s Flying Circus’, isn’t repeated, but believes viewers may not laugh at "modern comedy" if their programme was on.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today’ show, the actor said: "It’s not been shown for 17 years, maybe it’s too funny.
"It might not contrast well with some of the comedy they’re doing now, that’s the only explanation I’ve got. People might not laugh at modern comedy.’ "
John also hit back at claims that ‘Monty Python’ was not diverse enough.
He said: "Terry has decided he is a black lesbian, and Graham Chapman – I’m not allowed to use the word p***, what do I say? Graham was homosexual and also dead, so there’s a certain amount of diversity."
John’s comments just weeks after he revealed he is moving to the Caribbean because he is "so disappointed" with the state of Britain.
He said: "I’m so disappointed with so much about this country at the moment.
"I just think that so much of this country is disappointing and I put my shoulder to the wheel on proportional representation and then on Leveson too.
"When they were both kicked out by right-wing governments, I just thought to myself: ‘Right I’ll just give up and try somewhere else.’ "
John Cleese: Monty Python ‘too funny’ for today’s TV
