BBC4 comedy drama Holy Flying Circus has had a mixed reaction from Twitter fans, many of whom weren’t sure what to make of the programme documenting comedy troupe Monty Python.
Holy Flying Circus, which took a lighthearted look at the controversy surrounding the release of 1979 Monty Python movie The Life of Brian, had been building up momentum for several weeks before its broadcast, as TV critics and fans alike anticipated the BBC4 comedy.
But the reception it got from viewers when it aired tonight was mixed, with many taking to Twitter to air their views on the one-off programme.
While one Twitter user said Holy Flying Circus: ‘is yet another reason why we can’t let the BBC cut #bbc4 funding’, another called it ‘absolute rubbish and not at all funny’.
And as many rushed to the programme’s defence, calling it ‘amazing’ and ‘hilarious’, others pointed out that: ‘The occasional great line doesn’t make a great drama. This isn’t a great drama’.
One Twitter user even summed up the programme’s format by saying: ‘This happened, unfunny expositional scene, then this happened, unfunny expositional scene, then thing I made up happened.’
But not everyone was as decisive about Holy Flying Circus. User Seb Patrick seemed unable to make his mind up about the programme, writing: ‘This script is all over the bloody shop, but the performances are making it compelling.’
Doctor Who writer Jason Arnopp summarised the mixed reaction on Twitter by saying: ‘Reactions to #holyflyingcircus on my timeline couldn’t be much more polarised. Looking forward to deciding my own view via catch-up.’
