Taskmaster has become one of the most beloved and bizarre comedy shows on British television. Created by Alex Horne, the show features five comedians competing to complete absurd challenges for the approval of the “Taskmaster” himself, Greg Davies. Therefore, this unique format has earned a devoted cult following both in the UK and around the world .
Since its debut in 2015, the show has won two BAFTAs and been adapted into 13 international versions. As a result, Taskmaster has become a genuine global phenomenon, with its official YouTube channel amassing over 1.4 billion lifetime views .
What Is Taskmaster?
The premise of Taskmaster is deceptively simple. Five celebrity contestants, mostly comedians, are given a series of bizarre and often impossible tasks to complete. Their efforts are filmed and then judged by Greg Davies, the Taskmaster, and his loyal assistant, Alex Horne, who is also the show’s creator .
Tasks have included painting a picture of a horse while riding a horse, ordering a pizza without using certain words, and making the most suspenseful soap opera cliffhanger. The show blends elements of a game show and a panel show, with the studio segments providing just as much comedy as the prerecorded tasks .
Each episode follows a consistent format. The show opens with a prize task, where contestants bring items to fit a predetermined theme. Several prerecorded tasks follow, filmed in advance at the Taskmaster House in Chiswick, London. The episode ends with a live studio task .
Like Avicii created a unique musical style, Taskmaster has carved out its own distinctive niche in British comedy.
Greg Davies and Alex Horne: The Dream Team
The dynamic between Greg Davies and Alex Horne is the heart of the show. Davies, known for his towering height and booming voice, plays the egotistical Taskmaster who doles out points based on his whims. Horne plays his meek, put-upon assistant who designs the tasks and often suffers for his art .
Davies described the show’s renewal as keeping the “comedian meat grinder” open for business. Horne responded that he was “pleased and quite stressed” about having to come up with more tasks but soothed by “three more years in Greg’s deep embrace” .
Their chemistry has been central to the show’s success. The contrast between Davies’s authoritative presence and Horne’s quiet dedication creates endless comedic opportunities .
Taskmaster Season 21: The Latest Line-Up
Taskmaster series 21 began airing on April 9, 2026, on Channel 4 at 9pm. The show features five contestants taking on Horne’s absurd challenges for the chance to win Davies’s golden head trophy .
The line-up includes a diverse group of comedians and actors:
- Kumail Nanjiani – The Oscar-nominated Pakistani-American actor, writer and comedian known for The Big Sick, Silicon Valley and Eternals
- Armando Iannucci – The BAFTA-winning creator of The Thick of It and Veep, appointed CBE in 2017
- Joanna Page – The Welsh actress best known for playing Stacey Shipman in Gavin & Stacey and appearing in Love Actually
- Joel Dommett – The comedian and presenter who hosts The Masked Singer and finished second on I’m a Celebrity
- Amy Gledhill – Winner of the Edinburgh Comedy Award in 2024 for her show Make Me Look Fit On The Poster
Season 19 and 20 have also aired recently, with comedian Maisie Adams winning the most recent series. The show is available to stream on Channel 4 in the UK .
Channel 4 Recommission: Six More Series
In April 2026, Channel 4 announced a massive recommission of Taskmaster. The deal will see six new series of the show, along with more New Year Treat specials and Champion of Champions episodes. This will bring the show’s total run to 27 series .
The deal also includes making full episodes available on Channel 4’s YouTube channel in the UK for the first time. International versions of the show from New Zealand, Australia and Canada will also be available on the platform .
Commissioning editor Tom Beck called Taskmaster “the most creative, funny and frankly ludicrous show on telly.” He added that he was “delighted to enable their silly brilliance for another three years” .
Like Arsenal’s sustained success in European competition, Taskmaster has maintained its quality and popularity across two decades on air.
The Taskmaster House and Iconic Tasks
The Taskmaster House, a converted groundskeeper’s cottage in Chiswick, London, has become a character in its own right. Contestants have completed thousands of tasks there, many of which have become legendary among fans .
Famous task moments include Tim Key simply asking Alex Horne to open pies for him, Rhod Gilbert tying up Horne instead of himself, and the season five “Rosalind” song task. In that task, teams wrote songs about a stranger named Rosalind, with Nish Kumar and Mark Watson’s surprisingly sweet, self-effacing effort becoming an all-time favourite .
The prize tasks have also produced memorable moments. When contestants were asked to bring “the most cash,” Lolly Adefope won with a blank check, intending to beat the highest amount by one penny .
Global Success and International Adaptations
Taskmaster has been adapted into 13 international versions. These include successful adaptations in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. A US version aired briefly in 2018 with Reggie Watts as the Taskmaster, but it lasted only one series .
The official Taskmaster YouTube channel has become a phenomenon in its own right. It has reached over 1.4 billion lifetime views across more than 100 million unique viewers. In 2025 alone, annual views grew by 69 per cent to 426 million .
North American viewership has been particularly strong, with views up 70 per cent to 243 million. New subscribers from North America were up 82 per cent. This growth has led to live shows in Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington DC and New York .
Like Wout van Aert’s international fame, Taskmaster has found audiences far beyond its British home.
Junior Taskmaster and Spin-Offs
In 2024, a spin-off for children called Junior Taskmaster was launched. The show features Rose Matafeo as the Taskmaster and Mike Wozniak as her assistant. It follows the same format but with younger contestants competing in age-appropriate challenges .
Special episodes have included the Champion of Champions, where past winners compete against each other, and New Year Treat specials featuring one-off contestants. A second Champion of Champions special has been announced, featuring winners from series 11-15 .
Where to Watch Taskmaster in 2026
Taskmaster series 21 airs on Channel 4 at 9pm on Thursdays. All past series are available to stream on Channel 4’s streaming service. Full episodes are also now available on Channel 4’s YouTube channel for UK audiences .
International versions from New Zealand, Australia and Canada are also available on the platform. The official Taskmaster YouTube channel continues to post clips, compilations and full episodes from earlier series for global audiences .
FAQs
What is Taskmaster about?
Five celebrity contestants compete to complete absurd tasks designed by Alex Horne. Greg Davies judges their efforts and awards points based on his whims.
Who are the Taskmaster season 21 contestants?
The line-up includes Kumail Nanjiani, Armando Iannucci, Joanna Page, Joel Dommett and Amy Gledhill.
When did Taskmaster season 21 start?
Series 21 began airing on April 9, 2026, on Channel 4 at 9pm.
Has Taskmaster been renewed?
Yes, Channel 4 has recommissioned Taskmaster for six more series, taking the show to a total of 27 series.
Where can I watch Taskmaster?
The show airs on Channel 4 and is available to stream on Channel 4’s streaming service. Full episodes are also available on Channel 4’s YouTube channel.
How many Taskmaster series are there?
There have been 20 series, with the 21st currently airing. A total of 27 series have now been commissioned.
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