Greg Davies plays the Taskmaster, and Alex Horne plays his assistant, in a British comedy panel game show that asks five comedians to complete a series of tasks. The Taskmaster then reviews their attempts and hands out points based on performance, interpretation or other arbitrary, comedic factors. The show premiered on Dave in 2015 and has since moved to Channel 4 after its ninth series in 2019.
Trailer, via JGAdventureZone.
The Format
Each episode features a group of five comedians competing across a set of challenges. The Taskmaster reviews the results and awards points based on performance, interpretation or other arbitrary, comedic factors. A winner is determined in each episode and for the series overall.
Greg Davies and Alex Horne
Davies delivers the show’s signature deadpan commentary. Horne acts as the assistant, managing the contestants and the tasks themselves. Together they set out to test the wiles, wit, wisdom and skills of the comedians.
The Comedians
The show has featured Chloe Petts, Isy Suttie, Matt Lucas, Nina Conti and Richard Ayoade among others. Contestants sit on a row of chairs in alphabetical order of forename from left to right, usually, except when attempting the live task.
International Versions
Taskmaster’s success on British television led to international versions in Australia, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Canada (Quebec), Sweden, Spain and the United States. The US version featured Horne reprising his role as the assistant.
Series History
The show has completed 21 series as of June 2026, plus five Champion of Champions episodes and seven New Year Treat episodes. It is commissioned to continue up to series 27 in 2029.
What Works
The appeal rests on the contrast between the Taskmaster’s strict rules and the chaotic results of the tasks themselves. The show is at its best when the contestants take the tasks seriously and the results don’t go as planned.
What Falls Short
Some tasks rely too heavily on physical comedy or simple stunts, which can feel less engaging than the show’s sharper, more verbal moments. The show’s format is also familiar to anyone who has seen similar panel games, though the Taskmaster’s persona keeps it distinct.
“Who will be crowned the Taskmaster champion?”
Comparison Table
| Episode Type | Points Awarded | Winner Determined |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Episode | Performance, interpretation or other arbitrary, comedic factors | Per episode |
| Champion of Champions | Same criteria | For the series overall |
| New Year Treat | Same criteria | For the episode |
Final Word
Taskmaster remains a sharp, funny watch. Davies and Horne have built a show around a simple premise — comedians completing tasks — and made it consistently entertaining across dozens of episodes.
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