IFC is adding episodes fromthe original Monty Python's Flying Circus to its "Python-a-thon" programming stunt later this month.
The network has acquired all four seasons and 45 episodes of the landmark sketch comedy show from Python (Monty) Pictures Ltd. Deal terms were not disclosed
During "Python-a-thon," IFC will air one episode of its original six-part, docuseries Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut) Oct. 18-23 at 9 p.m. ET.
Following each original installment, IFC will present a feature like Monty Pythonand the Holy Grail, Monty Python's Life of Brian or Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl at 10 p.m.
The themed programming then will conclude with an episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus at 11:30 p.m.
IFC will air all 13 episodes from the show's first season through the remainder of 2009 on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. and Fridays at 11 p.m., unedited and uncut.
Seasons two, three and four will begin airing in their entirety on IFC in 2010.
"The addition of Flying Circus completes IFC's ‘Python-a-thon' celebrating The Monty Python troupe and their indelible mark on comedy and entertainment," said IFC executive vice president and general manager Jennifer Caserta in a statement. "We are thrilled to be the exclusive home of this amazing presentation and are committed to providing viewers with even more hilarious Python comedy into 2010."
IFC will pay further tribute to Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin when the network hosts a reunion and a special screening of the theatrical version of Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut) on Oct. 15 at the Ziegfeld Theater in Manhattan.The theatrical version features interviews and footage culled from the six-hour documentary presented in 111 minutes.
