Chaos, wit, and glorious nonsense collide on Taskmaster, the brilliantly unhinged UK panel show where comedians battle bizarre challenges under Greg Davies’s tyrannical glare and Alex Horne’s quiet mischief. Here are five reasons-and the five best seasons-to adore its absurd genius.
Taskmaster is a U.K. reality show whose genre lands somewhere between quiz show and panel show. Each season, a set of five comedians and performers are filmed doing a variety of deranged tasks, independently or as small teams, and then those tasks are broadcast before the contestants, a live audience, and the Taskmaster himself, comedian Greg Davies, who judges them and doles out points accordingly – plus his assistant, Alex Horne, who is really the mastermind behind the whole franchise as the show’s creator, designing all of the fiendish tasks and often assisting (or refusing to assist) the contestants in their efforts to complete them.
The revolving cast of contestants is one of the main attractions, of course, but the heart and soul of Taskmaster is the dynamic between Davies and Horne. Davies, a 6-foot-8 mountain of a man, always calls his 6-foot-2 assistant “Little Alex Horne,” and the surreal banter between the two of them never fails to get a reaction out of the lineup of contestants. The atmosphere the two well-practiced hosts create is the perfect petri dish for improvised hilarity on the part of the contestants – usually four comedians and one other wildcard performer like an actor or a television host, all carefully selected for maximum chaotic chemistry. After everyone watches the previously recorded tasks together, each episode culminates in a task performed live in the studio for the pleasure of the Taskmaster, which usually results in some kind of absurd physical mishap.
See, it sounds wacky when written out like that, but trust me, it absolutely works. Everyone I’ve successfully convinced to watch it over the years has quickly fallen in love. There’s nothing you can compare it to, and no way to really describe it better – just give it a shot and start watching. Most of the seasons are available on the show’s official YouTube channel, and the ones that aren’t are available via the official international Taskmaster streaming service. (There are also a bunch of international versions of the show, many of which are very good – just don’t bother with the American one, which was a complete failure to launch.)
So here are five of my favorite seasons of Taskmaster, and reasons why they make it the best show ever.
1. It’s perfect for marathon viewing (series 5)
Series 5 stands out with its five episodes packed with absurd tasks that build hilarious momentum across the season. Contestants like Nish Kumar and Aimee Spinks tackle challenges from hiding in cupboards to launching fruit, creating non-stop laughs that reward full binges. The escalating rivalries and standout moments, such as Bob Mortimer’s antics, make it ideal for settling in and powering through every outrageous minute.
While there are plenty of clips available on YouTube, I would recommend anyone just starting out in their Taskmaster journey to pick one season (aka series) to start with, and watch all the way through. The arc of each contestant’s journey from episode to episode, and even within each episode, is vital to understanding the Taskmaster aesthetic as a whole.
It’s possible to start with any series, as they’re all fairly self-contained. But a lot of the now-canon Taskmaster lore was built up slowly over the first six or so series, so starting with an earlier one is probably a good idea.
Series 5 features Bob Mortimer, whose delightfully unhinged non sequiturs make him a centerpiece on the also hilarious U.K. panel show Would I Lie To You?, and Aisling Bea, creator and star of This Way Up, but every contestant in this series is a complete delight, making it a great introduction to the format for any new viewer.
Mark Watson’s legendary solo task, involving sending a series of cheeky texts to Davies, is a perfect example of a Taskmaster wildcard from the mind of Horne that leaves the contestant deeply ashamed and the audience in stitches at their comedic misfortune. (See also: series 1’s bean task for Josh Widdicombe.)
But really, it’s the moment that The Guardian ranked the best Taskmaster task of all time that makes series 5 the perfect place to start. The contestants are given the mission to write a song about a stranger they just met, whose name is Rosalind. And the results are legendary.
2. It’s perfectly playful (series 4)
Series 4 captures Taskmaster’s mischievous charm at full strength, bringing together a cast that clicks in the most delightfully chaotic ways. With contestants like Noel Fielding, Mel Giedroyc, and Hugh Dennis, every challenge feels both inspired and ridiculous. Their inventive logic and friendly sabotage make each task an unpredictable mess of laughter, while Greg Davies and Alex Horne maintain just enough order to keep the madness moving. It’s a season that thrives on spontaneity and good-natured absurdity, showing exactly why the show never runs out of ways to surprise its audience.
One thing we as adults don’t do very often is just. play. Sure – video games, board games, all sorts of structured, fun leisure – but when’s the last time you just let yourself loose on a pile of blocks or a box of crayons?
Taskmaster is the perfect show for getting back into the sort of playful mindset that can provide freedom and enjoyment in all areas of life. Once you’ve become a true Task-head, you’ll find that you can turn even the most inconvenient and uncomfortable drudgery into a fulfilling activity by picturing Alex standing close by with his clipboard, counting down the time.
Series 4’s cast most notably includes Noel Fielding, who will be familiar to American audiences from The Great British Bake Off – and the same goes for Mel Giedroyc, who overflows with playful delight as she constructs a towering “Japanese pagoda” of candy and chocolate, only to be faced (like a misbehaving child in a Roald Dahl novel) with the prospect of having to eat as much of it as she can in the next task.
Mel also shines in partnership with her team member Hugh Dennis. When he has to drive her around in a garbage bin while blindfolded, and neither of them are allowed to speak English, their adequate-French parlay is incredibly charming. This is a great series to prove to any viewer that adults can, and in fact should, play too.
3. It encourages lateral thinking (series 12)
Series 12 shines as a brilliant showcase of lateral thinking, pushing contestants to twist logic in unexpected directions. Tasks often reward creativity over correctness, forcing players like Bridget Christie and Ardal O’Hanlon to reinterpret simple instructions with wonderfully absurd flair. Greg Davies’s blunt judgment paired with Alex Horne’s sly intent creates a setting where clever misinterpretations triumph, showing that wit thrives best under nonsense-fueled pressure.
Watching Taskmaster changes the way you think. Seriously! Because of the sneaky way that hints are doled out, you’ll never see the undersides of tables the same way again.
Series 12 is great for fans of puzzles and trickery, especially because it features none other than Victoria Coren Mitchell, who the truly puzzlebrained might know from “fiendishly difficult” U.K. quiz show Only Connect. It’s inspiring to watch her speed through a codebreaking task, and incredibly endearing to watch her reveal that she’s going to have to learn how to ride a bike for the first time on screen in order to complete a different task. Her skills are contrasted with the frustration of other contestants, like Morgana Robinson, whose aptitude at impressions makes even her failures entertaining.
The importance of keeping your brain with you at all times is emphasized by the contestants’ performance in this series, especially in a delightfully twisty task that involved shredding the instructions a minute after they had read them. The clever shortcuts and cheat codes to Taskmaster tasks – which are frequently revealed to taskers only after most or all of them completely missed them – are a real test to the couch contestants, keeping you on your toes wondering, Would I have thought of that?
4. It gives you new favorites (series 11)
Series 11 introduces fresh comics like Sarah Kendall and Jamali Maddix, whose wild antics and unexpected triumphs turn into instant viewer obsessions. Watch Aimee Lou Wood’s gleeful chaos or Bridie Sisson’s sly triumphs, and you’ll find yourself hooked on their peculiar styles. These contestants deliver laughs and quirks that linger, making the season a goldmine for new Taskmaster crushes.
The British comedy industry works a little differently than the American one. First of all, it’s smaller and less regional, meaning once you hit a certain level of fame, you end up on the same panel shows and festival circuits as everyone else. Taskmaster serves as a showcase for the best and brightest of British and Irish (and occasionally Canadian, Australian, or even American) comedy, introducing viewers from across the pond to talents that will lead them to all sorts of amazing new stuff to watch and listen to.
For example, series 11 had the unfortunate luck to have its studio segments filmed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with spaced seating and without a live audience. But because of its tremendously good cast, it manages to stand out as one of the best of the bunch. It introduced me to the brilliant Australian comedian Sarah Kendall and the bonkers, fence-jumping Brit Mike Wozniak, who only Bob Mortimer can rival for iconic catchphrases and one-liners that you’ll be repeating forever. (You’ll never hear the word “casserole” without laughing again.)
Thanks to her approach to tasks that had everyone remarking that she should become a children’s show host, you’ll definitely want to follow Charlotte Ritchie to her other work in Ghosts and Feel Good. And Jamali Maddix’s stand-up and Mike Wozniak’s array of podcasts will be up next after that!
5. It’s a love story (series 7)
Series 7 unfolds as a heartfelt romance between Phil Wang and his bananakin-a banana taped to a lightsaber-sparking absurd devotion amid tasks that test loyalties and laughs. Contestants like James Acaster deliver deadpan hilarity, while Jon Richardson’s frantic energy clashes with the show’s gentle chaos, all orbiting Greg Davies’ towering sarcasm and Alex Horne’s sly assists. This season captures Taskmaster’s core charm: rivals bonding through ridiculous challenges, turning competition into something unexpectedly tender.
How best to describe the relationship between the Taskmaster and his assistant? Well, it’s a tricky question. In the world-building of the show, told through the introductory monologues and host segments that surround each commercial break, Greg is the dominant, controlling Taskmaster who lords it over his cowering assistant and forces him to do all sorts of humiliating things, like cook and clean for him. All throughout the show, their on-screen dynamic only deepens into an emotional and physical one that’s very hard to describe. Rarely does an episode go by without the two of them holding hands or grabbing hold of each other in some way! And of course, behind the scenes, Alex is the real mastermind, and Greg is just the medium through which his dastardly tasks get presented.
After you’ve gotten your first taste of the Taskmaster and his assistant, and are interested in seeing how far these two could possibly take it, I recommend series 7. Not only is it probably my favorite series in terms of contestant dynamics, with the simmering anger of James Acaster competing with the exuberant bounce of Jessica Knappett, but it’s a truly great showcase for Greg and Alex as well.
Greg gets to go full headmaster on Acaster, reprimanding him like a naughty student when he yells an insult, and Alex plays up his acquiescence in the hands of Rhod Gilbert, who uses him like an inanimate tool in his tasks and ends up stripping him naked multiple times. Rhod doesn’t spare Greg either – a running joke for the prize tasks that start off each episode involves a really unflattering picture of Greg and only gets funnier throughout the series.
Which Taskmaster seasons feature the best contestants
Taskmaster’s best seasons for contestants feature casts with exceptional chemistry, standout personalities, and memorable performances that elevate the show’s chaos. Fans and critics consistently highlight groups blending eccentricity, competitiveness, and wit for peak hilarity. Below are five top seasons prized for their contestant lineups.
Series 5
Aisling Bea, Bob Mortimer, Mark Watson, Nish Kumar, and Sally Phillips deliver lighthearted silliness and bizarre creativity, widely hailed as the pinnacle. Bob’s unhinged antics and Nish’s epic fails create non-stop laughs.
Series 13
Ardal O’Hanlon, Bridget Christie, Chris Ramsey, Judi Love, and Sophie Duker bring positivity, attitude, and surprising edge. Chris’s optimism and Judi’s pep talks fuel infectious energy across tasks.
Series 9
David Baddiel, Ed Gamble, Jo Brand, Katy Wix, and Rose Matafeo mix fierce competition from Ed with laissez-faire vibes from Jo and David. Rose’s enthusiasm and Katy’s dryness spark delightful rivalries.
Series 4
Hugh Dennis, Joe Lycett, Lolly Adefope, Mel Giedroyc, and Noel Fielding offer surreal flair and scheming genius. Noel’s eccentricity pairs brilliantly with Joe’s cutthroat strategies.
Series 16
Julian Clary, Lucy Beaumont, Sam Campbell, Sue Perkins, and Susan Wokoma showcase dryness, unhinged charm, and tight ensemble meshing. Lucy’s wild takes and Julian’s wit make it a modern standout.
Which Taskmaster seasons are best for newcomers
Taskmaster offers newcomers a perfect entry through its early seasons, which establish the show’s quirky format of absurd tasks, studio banter, and escalating chaos without assuming prior knowledge. These picks balance accessibility, iconic moments, and strong casts to hook viewers quickly. Later acclaimed seasons like 4, 5, and 7 make ideal follow-ups once the premise clicks.
Series 1
Frank Skinner, Josh Widdicombe, Roisin Conaty, Romesh Ranganathan, and Tim Key introduce the rules organically through tasks like “eat the most watermelon,” showcasing creative variety and rule-bending from the start. Its straightforward structure feels fresh and sets up recurring gags like Greg’s arbitrary scoring.
Series 4
Hugh Dennis, Joe Lycett, Lolly Adefope, Mel Giedroyc, and Noel Fielding blend familiarity (Mel from Bake Off) with surreal humor, highlighted by Noel’s wild energy and Joe’s scheming. Memorable tasks like potato-throwing deliver instant laughs without needing context.
Series 5
Aisling Bea, Bob Mortimer, Mark Watson, Nish Kumar, and Sally Phillips ramp up the silliness with Bob’s unhinged brilliance and Nish’s hilarious disasters, often cited as a “blinder” standalone season. High-energy chaos makes it binge-friendly for first-timers.
Series 7
James Acaster, Jessica Knappett, Kerry Godliman, Phil Wang, and Rhod Gilbert explode with rivalries and antics, like Rhod tormenting Alex, earning “peak Taskmaster” praise. Self-contained hilarity suits jump-ins while hinting at the show’s depth.
Series 11
Big Narstie, Jamali Maddix, Lee Mack, Mike Wozniak, and Sarah Kendall offer modern vibes with Mike’s mastery and infectious group energy, frequently recommended as a fun pivot point. Its polished tasks and laughs ease newcomers into later eras.
