Shout Secures Rights in the U.S. and Canada for Monty Python Catalog

By Leo Barraclough

International Features Editor

Shout! Studios has reached an agreement with Mercury Studios Media Limited to license exclusive U.S. and Canadian distribution rights including AVOD, SVOD, broadcast, theatrical and non-theatrical distribution rights for a catalog of Monty Python films, specials and performances.

This includes perennial favorites such as the landmark sketch comedy TV series “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” recently restored and available for the first time across all platforms in HD, and comic masterpieces “Monty Python’s Life of Brian” and “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” which marks its 50th anniversary in 2025.

Shout’s CEO Garson Foos said: “Since the earliest days of the company, Shout! has been dedicated to celebrating the best entertainment that pop culture has to offer and has sought to be a trusted home for beloved films and series. Iconic and iconoclastic, Monty Python has long been at the top of that list. We are fans first and foremost, and the timeless quality of the brand lends itself to a wide range of opportunities.”

Senior VP of acquisitions and originals Jordan Fields said: “It’s difficult to describe the place that Monty Python holds in the hearts of generations of comedy lovers without using a word the Pythons would mock: sacred,” said Fields. “Their body of work is still the standard by which silly, sophisticated, cinematic satire is measured. Shout scored its own holy grail, and it is Monty Python.”

The studio will utilize its partner relationships as it considers possibilities for exploitation of the catalog.

AVOD distribution rollout for Monty Python includes Shout! TV, the digital entertainment streaming service operated by Shout! Studios that brings cult favorites to pop culture fans. A hallmark of Shout! TV channels is programming stunts consisting of original programming, marathons, viewing events, celebrations, and more, and Monty Python will be receiving the full Shout! TV treatment.

The comedy troupe of Monty Python was formed in 1969 by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin.

The deal was negotiated for Shout! Studios by Fields and for Mercury by senior VP of Content Sales Will White and senior legal and business affairs manager Rebecca Bradshaw, and by Holly Gilliam on behalf of Python (Monty) Pictures Limited.