John Cleese explains why he joined GB News (uk.news.yahoo.com)

submitted 1 year ago by Emperor@feddit.uk to c/britishtelly@feddit.uk

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Last year, the Monty Python legend announced that he would be hosting his own show on the news channel and that it would be a "no holds barred account of the news".

Entitled The Dinosaur Hour, Cleese appeared on GB News to discuss his decision to join the network, telling Michelle Dewberry: "They came to me a few months ago and they made me the most extraordinary offer that’s ever been made to anyone in the history of television."

He added: "They said 'would you like to do ten shows; you can do whatever you like'. Can you imagine the BBC doing that? It would be subject to committee A and then after committee A had approved it, you’d go to Committee B. They said you can do anything and I’ve had no interference of any kind and it has been joyful."

The show will be filmed at a thousand year old castle and feature Cleese having intimate conversations with a number of guests.

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[-] Darukhnarn@feddit.de 8 points 1 year ago

Without knowing what goes on in his mind, I’d argue he’s getting old. Previously Cleese worked with Rowling, maybe he held positive views on her as a person and wanted to express that. I don’t know. Judging by his public appearances I’d argue that he just likes to make controversial or odd statements in order to get some laughs but doesn’t see any harm in those statements.

What I’m saying is: he’s old.

[-] darq@kbin.social 7 points 1 year ago

Sure he's a curmudgeonly old man walking down the same path so many previous comedians walk: when their jokes stop landing, they rage at minorities rather than updating their craft.

It still does harm. He doesn't get a free pass.