On with Kara Swisher

Where’s the Line in Comedy? Monty Python’s Eric Idle Has an Idea

Nov 21, 2022

Eric Idle, the legendary writer and comedian from Monty Python, joins the discussion on the evolving landscape of comedy. He reflects on how his iconic troupe pushed boundaries, which sparks a debate on what should be off-limits today. Idle shares personal insights from his battle with pancreatic cancer, emphasizing acceptance and the therapeutic power of humor. He also expresses his frustrations with social media and Elon Musk, highlighting the intersection of comedy, controversy, and modern sensitivities in a world demanding accountability.

59:06

Episode guests

Eric Idle

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

The Bright Side Fund

01:08

Is Dave Chappelle a Good Comedian?

01:22

Intro

2min

Comedy, Controversy, and Complexity

9min

Exploring the Evolution of Comedy and British Politics

4min

The Timelessness of Iconic Comedy

19min

Navigating Comedy and Cancel Culture

5min

Comedy, Social Media, and Cancer Reflections

15min

Reflections on Monty Python and the Frustrations of Production

3min

Should anything be off-limits in comedy? Kara and Nayeema discuss this question, and the recent Dave Chappelle SNL monologue, before Kara’s interview with our guest today: writer-comedian Eric Idle who is an OG in the craft. When he and his fellow sketch artists launched Monty Python on the BBC in 1969, it was unclear whether anyone would even watch. Now there are generations of Python fans. Today, Idle talks about what made Monty Python unique and how they pushed the line and the social conversation with their unique brand of humor.

Both avid Twitterers, Kara and Idle also discuss their frustrations with Elon Musk (he’s a noted fan of Monty Python, though Idle is not a fan of Musk). And Idle describes how his recent bout with pancreatic cancer has made him a more accepting person.

You can find Kara and Nayeema on Twitter @karaswisher and @nayeema.

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