Monty Python, Benny Hill, and Doctor Who were staples of U.S. PBS television in the 1980's and 90's. Being British, they were automatically intellectual; and people actually watched them, unlike most other stuff on PBS, which was good for the ratings. My first exposure was "Holy Grail" and I went in not having any idea what was coming. After that, I was hooked, although they did have a few duds along the way. I didn't care much for "Meaning of Life." RIP, Mr. Jones.
Nice. I agree. For some reason irreverence is acceptable from The British. Maybe it is their "Royal Charter" to regal us with the absurdity of life, the universe, and every king and queen.