I’ll admit, I’m only a casual watcher of TV. I don’t binge the latest series, and I don’t follow spinoffs down the rabbit hole. You might say that I’ve been a lackluster participant in this golden age of television and streaming that we find ourselves in. Every once in a while, though, a show comes along and pulls me out of my cave. Sometimes it’s a perfect show that leaves me speechless, like the visual masterpiece that is “The Blue Planet.” Other times it’s a zany, moving, genre-bending show like “Scrubs.” But the most recent show that I’ve fallen in love with, “Taskmaster,” takes a much simpler approach; it’s just so relentlessly, unabashedly silly, in the best kind of way.
“Taskmaster” is a British series, first premiering on TV in 2015, that combines the popular “panel show” format of comedians bantering with one another while fulfilling a series of ridiculous tasks. Most of the tasks are completed and recorded beforehand, and the show consists of the comedians’ performances being judged (and torn apart) by the Taskmaster, comedian Greg Davies, and his assistant, Alex Horne (the creator and showrunner), who award the contestants points in each round. The contestants bring in a themed gift for the Taskmaster (the “prize task”) at the beginning of each episode, and there is a live task at the end of each episode, as well. Tasks range from physical challenges like “eat the most watermelon in one minute” and “draw the largest circle” to more creative challenges like “create the best sandwich” and “make the biggest mess.” Each task has rules to be followed, or cleverly bent in the competitors’ favor, and the tasks are engineered to cause hilarious and embarrassing failures, all to the benefit of the audience.
I discovered “Taskmaster” during the lockdown era of the pandemic, after already having immersed myself in some other British TV shows, like “Would I Lie to You?” and “Only Connect,” which are partially available on YouTube. I was hooked with just the premise of “Taskmaster,” and there is so much to love in this series! If you’re a puzzler, the tasks themselves are interesting and engaging, and can even be replicated in a lot of cases. If you love riotous banter and wordsmithing, the comedians are quick-witted and biting with their jabs and commentary, including the Taskmaster himself. There is some cursing and adult language, but it’s all in good fun!
Even while watching seasons with contestants you’ve never heard of beforehand, you’ll notice that the show does a wonderful job of introducing you to engaging, funny, and relatable people as they’re thrown out of their comfort zones over and over again. And lucky for you, those people are often regulars on the British panel show circuit and comedy scene. The episodes within each season build on one another as certain contestants develop reputations for being especially clever, combative, dim-witted, or nonsensical, but you don’t have to sacrifice half of your brain to complicated plots or character webs. You’re just along for the ride as it lurches off the rails. Most of all, “Taskmaster” puts its silliness front and center. It’s a grand old time of contestants, hosts, and the audience laughing at themselves and at one another, and it manages to create so much comedy gold out of almost nothing.
“I’ve got a long list of shows I need to watch, Mr. Biondi,” you say. “I don’t want to fall behind!” I get it. The conveyor belt of the streaming industrial complex stops for no one. But maybe it’s time to take a breather. Maybe it’s time to sit back, relax, and just be silly. Can you remember the last time you were your silly self? “Taskmaster” can help you reach that place again. If you watch it, I’d love to chat about it! You can check out most of the show’s 16 seasons on YouTube or on Channel 4.
