Taskmaster: Series 16, "I think my legs are actually arms without fingers..."
September 12, 2023 8:00 PM - Season 16 (Full Season) - Subscribe
Taskmaster: Series 16! (TRAILER) — This autumn, battling it out for the Golden Head Of The Taskmaster will be: Julian Clary!, Lucy Beaumont!, Sam Campbell!, Sue Perkins!, and Susan Wokoma!. Make the biggest bowl of popcorn: your time starts on September 21, 2023.
Speaking of Rose Matafeo (who has no shid), Junior Taskmaster is still scheduled for early 2024.
I'm expecting silly auntie vibes from Rose and Provincial Dad vibes from Mike.
posted by Molesome at 7:40 AM on September 13 [5 favorites]
I'm expecting silly auntie vibes from Rose and Provincial Dad vibes from Mike.
posted by Molesome at 7:40 AM on September 13 [5 favorites]
Here's my semi-annual statement that I'm not sure about this cast.
Sam especially has me a bit nervous that he'll stay in character from his stand up and not actually interact with people without shouting in his mock gruff voice. Although I saw him on Buzzcocks a few weeks back and he and Greg seemed to be laughing it up, so I assume TM filming went well.
Of course, as usual, by episode 3 I will love them all forever and ever.
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 11:22 AM on September 13 [3 favorites]
Sam especially has me a bit nervous that he'll stay in character from his stand up and not actually interact with people without shouting in his mock gruff voice. Although I saw him on Buzzcocks a few weeks back and he and Greg seemed to be laughing it up, so I assume TM filming went well.
Of course, as usual, by episode 3 I will love them all forever and ever.
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 11:22 AM on September 13 [3 favorites]
who has no shid
Wait, where does she hang her Fishes of New Zealand poster?
Mrs Abehammerb bought one of those and put it up in our shid. I love my wife so much, but know she would leave me for Rose in a heartbeat. Also for Wozniak. Probably for Greg. I'd ask her to take me along for Greg though.
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 2:15 PM on September 13
Wait, where does she hang her Fishes of New Zealand poster?
Mrs Abehammerb bought one of those and put it up in our shid. I love my wife so much, but know she would leave me for Rose in a heartbeat. Also for Wozniak. Probably for Greg. I'd ask her to take me along for Greg though.
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 2:15 PM on September 13
I! Am! Excite!
posted by merriment at 4:14 PM on September 13 [1 favorite]
posted by merriment at 4:14 PM on September 13 [1 favorite]
"I think my legs are actually arms without fingers" of course immediately going into the hall of fame next to "it's a shame my hands aren't my feet" and "the foot is the hand of the leg." As my friend put it, every few years they go back to that planet for another contestant.
Important trivia about Sam, via the podcast: he's the genius behind the drawing of James Acaster with witch tits and two penises. I've only seen him on his Buzzcocks appearance a few weeks ago and I wasn't especially struck by him, but that fact alone is giving me hope.
posted by babelfish at 7:30 PM on September 13
Important trivia about Sam, via the podcast: he's the genius behind the drawing of James Acaster with witch tits and two penises. I've only seen him on his Buzzcocks appearance a few weeks ago and I wasn't especially struck by him, but that fact alone is giving me hope.
posted by babelfish at 7:30 PM on September 13
Here's my semi-annual statement that I'm not sure about this cast.
In the fourteen times (or more like nineteen counting CoC and New Years’ Treats after the initial season, I have said this about eight times. And yet, they keep delivering. In the main show (i.e. not counting the above curiosities), we’ve now had seventy-five contestants and I’d say maybe three have been meh. That’s a pretty solid success rate.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 10:06 PM on September 13 [2 favorites]
In the fourteen times (or more like nineteen counting CoC and New Years’ Treats after the initial season, I have said this about eight times. And yet, they keep delivering. In the main show (i.e. not counting the above curiosities), we’ve now had seventy-five contestants and I’d say maybe three have been meh. That’s a pretty solid success rate.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 10:06 PM on September 13 [2 favorites]
Covid season 10 was the only one that never really fully gelled for me - there were good tasks, there were competitors I like outside of the show, but as a whole it just sort of was more of a "thank god we're still getting this in the pandemic" than anything else.
I dunno if it was ultimately the competitors, the switch to channel 4, covid (and therefore) the lack of a studio audience, or what.
posted by Kyol at 5:38 AM on September 14
I dunno if it was ultimately the competitors, the switch to channel 4, covid (and therefore) the lack of a studio audience, or what.
posted by Kyol at 5:38 AM on September 14
And now the waiting begins for some kind soul to upload the new season to YouTube :(
The Algorithm is pretty good at bubbling them up to me.
posted by art.bikes at 6:58 AM on September 14 [1 favorite]
The Algorithm is pretty good at bubbling them up to me.
posted by art.bikes at 6:58 AM on September 14 [1 favorite]
I stopped watching after series 7. Am I missing anything? 7 was just pure gold, so I'm worried that watching any more will just be diminishing returns.
Thanks for your thoughts!
posted by Fister Roboto at 12:46 PM on September 14
Thanks for your thoughts!
posted by Fister Roboto at 12:46 PM on September 14
Oh you are missing so much. So so much. The returns did not diminish. Series 11 and 13 were particularly good in my opinion.
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 1:18 PM on September 14 [2 favorites]
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 1:18 PM on September 14 [2 favorites]
Am I missing anything?
I enjoyed 7 at the time and James was pretty great and entirely justifed in his righteous anger, but I can't rewatch it because Greg is just so completely shitty to Phil. It also made me dislike Rhod Gilbert somewhat.
I didn't love 9 or 10 particularly... Jo Brand unsurprisingly just gave up on a lot of things, and I can't tolerate David Baddiel under any circumstance. 10 was just sort of out of rhythm.
Lee Mack was surprisingly fun in 11, just a lot more chill than he is on WILTY; also really liked Mike Wozniak.
I think since then 14 and 15 were quite good. 14 had a good portion of hilarity with some surprisingly funny people and plenty of exasperation as well. Series 15 seemed to be an extra good-natured bunch.
posted by oneirodynia at 5:48 PM on September 14 [1 favorite]
I enjoyed 7 at the time and James was pretty great and entirely justifed in his righteous anger, but I can't rewatch it because Greg is just so completely shitty to Phil. It also made me dislike Rhod Gilbert somewhat.
I didn't love 9 or 10 particularly... Jo Brand unsurprisingly just gave up on a lot of things, and I can't tolerate David Baddiel under any circumstance. 10 was just sort of out of rhythm.
Lee Mack was surprisingly fun in 11, just a lot more chill than he is on WILTY; also really liked Mike Wozniak.
I think since then 14 and 15 were quite good. 14 had a good portion of hilarity with some surprisingly funny people and plenty of exasperation as well. Series 15 seemed to be an extra good-natured bunch.
posted by oneirodynia at 5:48 PM on September 14 [1 favorite]
> I stopped watching after series 7. Am I missing anything?
No—except for a life lived to its fullest. Have you ever seen...
• Rose Matafeo serenade herself?
• Mawaan Rizwan perform the best magic trick?
• Chris Ramsey invent a new style of competitive sausage eating?
• Victoria Coren Mitchell forget her glasses?
• Iain Stirling try to explain what a sang-which is?
• Daisy Cooper almost murder Richard Herring onstage during a prize task?
• Jenny Eclair captain an unwieldy barge down a narrow canal?
• Mike Wozniak after a trip to the barber?
I could go on and on. Those are just the random things that float to the top of my mind when I think of the later seasons. Sure, there's no James Acaster... but there's also no Rhod Gilbert! (However, you will have to reckon with Lou Sanders—and it was fun to root against her anyway.)
The tasks stay fresh. The covid seasons remind you of how fucked up everything was, but in a fun way. Hubris is almost never rewarded. Lee Mack wears a spot-on Evel Knievel outfit. blah blah blah on with the show!
posted by not_on_display at 6:35 PM on September 14 [4 favorites]
No—except for a life lived to its fullest. Have you ever seen...
• Rose Matafeo serenade herself?
• Mawaan Rizwan perform the best magic trick?
• Chris Ramsey invent a new style of competitive sausage eating?
• Victoria Coren Mitchell forget her glasses?
• Iain Stirling try to explain what a sang-which is?
• Daisy Cooper almost murder Richard Herring onstage during a prize task?
• Jenny Eclair captain an unwieldy barge down a narrow canal?
• Mike Wozniak after a trip to the barber?
I could go on and on. Those are just the random things that float to the top of my mind when I think of the later seasons. Sure, there's no James Acaster... but there's also no Rhod Gilbert! (However, you will have to reckon with Lou Sanders—and it was fun to root against her anyway.)
The tasks stay fresh. The covid seasons remind you of how fucked up everything was, but in a fun way. Hubris is almost never rewarded. Lee Mack wears a spot-on Evel Knievel outfit. blah blah blah on with the show!
posted by not_on_display at 6:35 PM on September 14 [4 favorites]
Oh man! I thought Rhod was funny in 7. I don't know much about him outside of TM though.
How about 8 and 11-13?
posted by Fister Roboto at 6:58 PM on September 14
How about 8 and 11-13?
posted by Fister Roboto at 6:58 PM on September 14
Can I get some commotion for 12 in the chat? One of the most charming casts ever! And 14, come ON, two towering juggernauts clash and Munya is also there!
Sure, there's no James Acaster... but there's also no Rhod Gilbert! (However, you will have to reckon with Lou Sanders—and it was fun to root against her anyway.)
I like Lou! Iain was the one I wanted to murder on that season. So okay, maybe don't start with 8, too many pitfalls.
posted by babelfish at 7:26 PM on September 14 [1 favorite]
Sure, there's no James Acaster... but there's also no Rhod Gilbert! (However, you will have to reckon with Lou Sanders—and it was fun to root against her anyway.)
I like Lou! Iain was the one I wanted to murder on that season. So okay, maybe don't start with 8, too many pitfalls.
posted by babelfish at 7:26 PM on September 14 [1 favorite]
No—except for a life lived to its fullest. Have you ever seen...
...
• Victoria Coren Mitchell forget her glasses?
Victoria Coren Mitchell learn to ride a bicycle in the two minutes before a bicycle-riding task starts?
posted by ricochet biscuit at 7:30 PM on September 14 [9 favorites]
...
• Victoria Coren Mitchell forget her glasses?
Victoria Coren Mitchell learn to ride a bicycle in the two minutes before a bicycle-riding task starts?
posted by ricochet biscuit at 7:30 PM on September 14 [9 favorites]
The Fern Brady theme!
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 7:48 PM on September 14 [3 favorites]
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 7:48 PM on September 14 [3 favorites]
I also wanted to mention that I have thoroughly enjoyed Taskmaster New Zealand when I have been jonesing for TM in between seasons. It's pretty much the same vibe when it comes to contestants, tasks, editing, etc. BUT, their Taskmaster (Jeremy Wells) mostly sits back and lets the contestants provide the funny while he doles out very astute observations and fair-enough points. And, while their analog to Alex (Paul Williams) is super awkward like Alex, he's also less like an over-alert squirrel than Alex.
I'm watching the TM:NZ Season 4 finale, fresh off of the datawebstreams, before I hit the hay tonight.
And, as for Rhod Gilbert and season 7—I like Rhod Gilbert wherever else I've seen him, but on that panel, every single prize task was sullied by his entry. I did, however, like the way he approached each task by suddenly going into a fugue state.
posted by not_on_display at 10:07 PM on September 14 [2 favorites]
I'm watching the TM:NZ Season 4 finale, fresh off of the datawebstreams, before I hit the hay tonight.
And, as for Rhod Gilbert and season 7—I like Rhod Gilbert wherever else I've seen him, but on that panel, every single prize task was sullied by his entry. I did, however, like the way he approached each task by suddenly going into a fugue state.
posted by not_on_display at 10:07 PM on September 14 [2 favorites]
• Chris Ramsey invent a new style of competitive sausage eating?
I cannot remember any other time when I went beyond laughter, into some sort of catatonic mirth state of being that rendered me incapable of any further laughter, possibly even vibrating between dimensions from the involuntary laughter reaction meltdown The Sausage Arena caused. I'm tearing up with the giggles just thinking about it.
posted by Molesome at 1:22 AM on September 15 [5 favorites]
I cannot remember any other time when I went beyond laughter, into some sort of catatonic mirth state of being that rendered me incapable of any further laughter, possibly even vibrating between dimensions from the involuntary laughter reaction meltdown The Sausage Arena caused. I'm tearing up with the giggles just thinking about it.
posted by Molesome at 1:22 AM on September 15 [5 favorites]
I like Rhod Gilbert wherever else I've seen him, but on that panel, every single prize task was sullied by his entry.
Sometimes that approach works, sometimes no. I did like the point when Greg clued in about six episodes in that every prize task submission from Asim Chaudry was basically another different picture of Asim Chaudry.
I have also enjoyed the occasional callbacks to previous episodes or seasons in prize tasks — was it Jessica Knappet that boosted Kerry Godliman’s Taskmaster trophy out of her garage? As well, Victoria Coren Mitchell having a prize task submission rejected as “ridiculous” and she resubmitted it two episodes later when the call was for “the most ridiculous thing.” Check and mate, Greg.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 7:33 AM on September 15 [2 favorites]
Sometimes that approach works, sometimes no. I did like the point when Greg clued in about six episodes in that every prize task submission from Asim Chaudry was basically another different picture of Asim Chaudry.
I have also enjoyed the occasional callbacks to previous episodes or seasons in prize tasks — was it Jessica Knappet that boosted Kerry Godliman’s Taskmaster trophy out of her garage? As well, Victoria Coren Mitchell having a prize task submission rejected as “ridiculous” and she resubmitted it two episodes later when the call was for “the most ridiculous thing.” Check and mate, Greg.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 7:33 AM on September 15 [2 favorites]
I laugh so hard at least once in every episode that I need to pause the show and recover. Only Taskmaster has ever done this to me.
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 7:59 AM on September 15
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 7:59 AM on September 15
Taskmaster NZ is my favourite of the non-UK ones. I rarely have even a passing familiarity with any of the contestants so it's just all about the discovery. The hosts are, to my mind, better than the originals. I had no idea there was a fourth season, so that's great news for me!
posted by Acari at 12:24 PM on September 15 [1 favorite]
posted by Acari at 12:24 PM on September 15 [1 favorite]
Seeing someone say "the hosts are better than the originals" about Jeremy Wells is a true "isn't life a rich tapestry" moment, but I have so much admiration for Paul Williams, who has created and owned his own perfect version of the Taskmaster's Assistant which is totally distinct from Alex's except for the most important factor (being a virgin).
posted by babelfish at 1:45 PM on September 15 [3 favorites]
posted by babelfish at 1:45 PM on September 15 [3 favorites]
Alex Horne Interviews JULIAN CLARY | Series 16 | Taskmaster
Alex Horne Interviews LUCY BEAUMONT | Series 16 | Taskmaster
I saw Fern Brady do her stand up show in Paris last night! It was the last show of Autistic Bikini Queen and she’s going to do Work in Progress sets in London next, she was so funny! I went with my girlfriend who is French, and I’d sent her some clips to make sure she’d understand Fern’s accent, she did really well and just needed some British culture context explanations!
posted by ellieBOA at 1:13 PM on September 17 [4 favorites]
Alex Horne Interviews LUCY BEAUMONT | Series 16 | Taskmaster
I saw Fern Brady do her stand up show in Paris last night! It was the last show of Autistic Bikini Queen and she’s going to do Work in Progress sets in London next, she was so funny! I went with my girlfriend who is French, and I’d sent her some clips to make sure she’d understand Fern’s accent, she did really well and just needed some British culture context explanations!
posted by ellieBOA at 1:13 PM on September 17 [4 favorites]
just needed some British culture context explanations!
This is often the way of things for those of use who are not Brits but enjoy the comedy, with its occasional inward-turning reflections. In my house, everyone enjoys BBC panel shows but I watch more UK content than the wife and daughter combined, and they occasionally have to turn to me after a punchline and look for further insight as to who Michael Gove is or why Croydon is a funny answer.
The QI elves host the podcast No Such Thing As A Fish; it grew out of their research work for the show and the framework is each of them sharing the most interesting fact they have found in the last seven days. With Anna Ptaszynski on maternity leave at the moment, they have a rotating series of guests in her chair. A week or two back, guest Richard Osman’s astonishing fact was that, “There is no Waitrose in Tunbridge Wells,” which I submit is pretty opaque for anyone not well-versed in UK references. (My grasp of this is that Waitrose is a fairly posh grocery retailer and Tunbridge Wells is a UK parliament constituency noted for a genteel middle class population, so the lack of a Waitrose is jarring.)
posted by ricochet biscuit at 6:27 AM on September 18 [1 favorite]
This is often the way of things for those of use who are not Brits but enjoy the comedy, with its occasional inward-turning reflections. In my house, everyone enjoys BBC panel shows but I watch more UK content than the wife and daughter combined, and they occasionally have to turn to me after a punchline and look for further insight as to who Michael Gove is or why Croydon is a funny answer.
The QI elves host the podcast No Such Thing As A Fish; it grew out of their research work for the show and the framework is each of them sharing the most interesting fact they have found in the last seven days. With Anna Ptaszynski on maternity leave at the moment, they have a rotating series of guests in her chair. A week or two back, guest Richard Osman’s astonishing fact was that, “There is no Waitrose in Tunbridge Wells,” which I submit is pretty opaque for anyone not well-versed in UK references. (My grasp of this is that Waitrose is a fairly posh grocery retailer and Tunbridge Wells is a UK parliament constituency noted for a genteel middle class population, so the lack of a Waitrose is jarring.)
posted by ricochet biscuit at 6:27 AM on September 18 [1 favorite]
Most of what you need to know about Michael Gove is encapsulated in this one cartoon.
Croydon is just a naturally funny answer. Used to be Milton Keynes was the go-to punchline.
posted by Molesome at 8:43 AM on September 18 [1 favorite]
Croydon is just a naturally funny answer. Used to be Milton Keynes was the go-to punchline.
posted by Molesome at 8:43 AM on September 18 [1 favorite]
Alex Horne Interviews SAM CAMPBELL | Series 16 | Taskmaster
posted by ellieBOA at 9:10 AM on September 18 [1 favorite]
posted by ellieBOA at 9:10 AM on September 18 [1 favorite]
Most of what you need to know about Michael Gove is encapsulated in this one cartoon.
A friend of mine in Edinburgh observes that Gove bears the possibly unique distinction of having been ejected from three cabinets by three PMs; as such, he points out that it requires only a tiny adjustment to make him Michael Gone.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 6:35 AM on September 19
A friend of mine in Edinburgh observes that Gove bears the possibly unique distinction of having been ejected from three cabinets by three PMs; as such, he points out that it requires only a tiny adjustment to make him Michael Gone.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 6:35 AM on September 19
And now the waiting begins for some kind soul to upload the new season to YouTube :(
If you can wait a day, they will now be posting it on their own channel! (Asssuming you live in North America or one of the "lots of other places" that they reference.)
I'm looking forward to being part of the official viewcount for the first time...
posted by yuwtze at 3:23 PM on September 19 [3 favorites]
If you can wait a day, they will now be posting it on their own channel! (Asssuming you live in North America or one of the "lots of other places" that they reference.)
I'm looking forward to being part of the official viewcount for the first time...
posted by yuwtze at 3:23 PM on September 19 [3 favorites]
Such good news! I, too, will be glad to be part of the official view count!
posted by merriment at 6:12 PM on September 19
posted by merriment at 6:12 PM on September 19
In further general Taskmaster news, I find it now impinges itself on my viewings of other shows. Just today I was watching an episode of QI from last year: the three guests — besides the regular Alan Davies — were Jo Brand, Guz Khan, and Sally Philips. I thought, “Huh. Taskmaster veteran clean sweep.”
My worry, though, (and my apologies if this is too chatfiltery) is at some point we’re going to run out of likely prospects for TM contestants. Of the people who show up regularly on the panel show circuit, who do we still have? Some, like David Mitchell, have declared it’s really not for them. Others (your one-two punch of QI hosts, Fry and Toksvig) seem too dignified to stack cans while being pelted with scones. Dr. Brian Cox is probably likewise too cerebral to make a good fit. Jimmy Carr’s persona I think would not leave him comfortable in the sort of tasks the show requires.
Phill Jupitus seems a good prospect. Ross Noble likewise. I think it sad that Claudia Winkleman was a one-and-done appearance because she seems creative and out of the box enough to be promising. Cariad Lloyd? Bill Bailey? Alex Jones? Holly Walsh? Jason Manford? Of course, they usually have a salting of people who I don’t know: Rose Matafeo, Joe Thomas, Fern Brady, Asim Chaudry, Sophie Duker— all people I barely knew of before TM.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 2:34 PM on September 20 [1 favorite]
My worry, though, (and my apologies if this is too chatfiltery) is at some point we’re going to run out of likely prospects for TM contestants. Of the people who show up regularly on the panel show circuit, who do we still have? Some, like David Mitchell, have declared it’s really not for them. Others (your one-two punch of QI hosts, Fry and Toksvig) seem too dignified to stack cans while being pelted with scones. Dr. Brian Cox is probably likewise too cerebral to make a good fit. Jimmy Carr’s persona I think would not leave him comfortable in the sort of tasks the show requires.
Phill Jupitus seems a good prospect. Ross Noble likewise. I think it sad that Claudia Winkleman was a one-and-done appearance because she seems creative and out of the box enough to be promising. Cariad Lloyd? Bill Bailey? Alex Jones? Holly Walsh? Jason Manford? Of course, they usually have a salting of people who I don’t know: Rose Matafeo, Joe Thomas, Fern Brady, Asim Chaudry, Sophie Duker— all people I barely knew of before TM.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 2:34 PM on September 20 [1 favorite]
My current dream lineup:
Bill Bailey
Harriet Kemsley
Masie Adams
Miles Jupp
Phil Jupetus
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 3:12 PM on September 20 [3 favorites]
Bill Bailey
Harriet Kemsley
Masie Adams
Miles Jupp
Phil Jupetus
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 3:12 PM on September 20 [3 favorites]
Public Service Announcement: the Taskmaster Youtube channel in the US seems to be forecasting live broadcast tomorrow. Maybe I won’t have to watch illicitly this time!!
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 3:13 PM on September 20
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 3:13 PM on September 20
> ... I find it now impinges itself on my viewings of other shows...
I started watching Ghosts (the UK 2019-2022 ver.) sight-unseen, and was happily surprised to see a large chunk of the ensemble filled by former TM'ers (Katy Wix, Lolly Adefope, Kiell Bynoe Smith, Charlotte Ritchie).
I would love to see Matt Berry (or anyone from Toast of London especially Clem Fandango), Richard Ayoade, Julian Barratt... Ed Byrne, Rosie Jones... there are a lot of shows I liked before TaskMaster, but when I saw Taskmaster starting to incorporate some of those actors (e.g. Katherine Parkinson, Tim Key, Noel Fielding), it was like unfolding a whole new hidden section of a large map. I would learn about other shows via who was on the panel, or I'd find new comics I liked via shows that I'd seen because of TM'ers, and then they'd show up on TM (e.g. Dara O Briain, Ivo Graham, Frankie Boyle, ...). It was not that surprising to me Sue Perkins is finally on the show, but to be able to learn more about the ticking minds of Lucy Beaumont and three others, well, it's always a good season.
Who else would I like to seeeeeee... Jamie and/or Nastasia Demetriou, Dylan Moran, Stewart Lee (if he would stoop so low, his time starts now)... Simon Pegg, Nick Frost... Charlie Cooper... geez, the more I hit Wikipedia, the more I want to stack up comics and actors on TM. I'm sure there are a ton of others I'd like to see, and an exponentially larger amount I will delight at having met via TM. I like how it propels some contestants' careers, and serves as a rejuvenation point or a badge or respect for others already established.
NO I DON'T MEAN TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION
posted by not_on_display at 3:20 PM on September 20
I started watching Ghosts (the UK 2019-2022 ver.) sight-unseen, and was happily surprised to see a large chunk of the ensemble filled by former TM'ers (Katy Wix, Lolly Adefope, Kiell Bynoe Smith, Charlotte Ritchie).
I would love to see Matt Berry (or anyone from Toast of London especially Clem Fandango), Richard Ayoade, Julian Barratt... Ed Byrne, Rosie Jones... there are a lot of shows I liked before TaskMaster, but when I saw Taskmaster starting to incorporate some of those actors (e.g. Katherine Parkinson, Tim Key, Noel Fielding), it was like unfolding a whole new hidden section of a large map. I would learn about other shows via who was on the panel, or I'd find new comics I liked via shows that I'd seen because of TM'ers, and then they'd show up on TM (e.g. Dara O Briain, Ivo Graham, Frankie Boyle, ...). It was not that surprising to me Sue Perkins is finally on the show, but to be able to learn more about the ticking minds of Lucy Beaumont and three others, well, it's always a good season.
Who else would I like to seeeeeee... Jamie and/or Nastasia Demetriou, Dylan Moran, Stewart Lee (if he would stoop so low, his time starts now)... Simon Pegg, Nick Frost... Charlie Cooper... geez, the more I hit Wikipedia, the more I want to stack up comics and actors on TM. I'm sure there are a ton of others I'd like to see, and an exponentially larger amount I will delight at having met via TM. I like how it propels some contestants' careers, and serves as a rejuvenation point or a badge or respect for others already established.
NO I DON'T MEAN TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION
posted by not_on_display at 3:20 PM on September 20
Backup dream lineup:
Ellie Taylor
Hannah Waddingham
Nabil Abdulrashid
Sindhu Vee
Tom Allen
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 3:21 PM on September 20 [2 favorites]
Ellie Taylor
Hannah Waddingham
Nabil Abdulrashid
Sindhu Vee
Tom Allen
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 3:21 PM on September 20 [2 favorites]
Oh, not_on_display, you’ve just given me the dream of having the core cast of Spaced for a mini 3-episode series.
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 3:23 PM on September 20 [2 favorites]
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 3:23 PM on September 20 [2 favorites]
Yeah, I wish there were some sorta way (aside from the always-arriving AI revolution) to place any five comics onto a TM roster and run a simulated series.
(And I don't want to google "Taskmaster fanfiction". I already guess it's full of detailed descriptions of five peoples' attempts at peeling a satsuma with their socked feet, or Greg/Alex slashfic ad nauseum.)
posted by not_on_display at 3:42 PM on September 20
(And I don't want to google "Taskmaster fanfiction". I already guess it's full of detailed descriptions of five peoples' attempts at peeling a satsuma with their socked feet, or Greg/Alex slashfic ad nauseum.)
posted by not_on_display at 3:42 PM on September 20
The idea just popped into my head to write a children's book titled "How the Knappett got its name."
"Listen my children to the words on this page
about a silly young woman who fell off the stage."
We can read it every Taskmaster Eve.
I'm not sure why my brain works like this.
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 4:18 PM on September 20 [5 favorites]
"Listen my children to the words on this page
about a silly young woman who fell off the stage."
We can read it every Taskmaster Eve.
I'm not sure why my brain works like this.
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 4:18 PM on September 20 [5 favorites]
Dr. Brian Cox is probably likewise too cerebral to make a good fit.
Dr. Brian Cox has already appeared in the form of a toaster pastry.
My dream get would be Siobhán McSweeney—she isn't really on the panel circuit, though, so I don't know if it's her bag. Oh, and Susan Calman! Imagine Greg hugging Susan Calman!
posted by babelfish at 7:48 PM on September 20 [1 favorite]
Dr. Brian Cox has already appeared in the form of a toaster pastry.
My dream get would be Siobhán McSweeney—she isn't really on the panel circuit, though, so I don't know if it's her bag. Oh, and Susan Calman! Imagine Greg hugging Susan Calman!
posted by babelfish at 7:48 PM on September 20 [1 favorite]
"Listen my children to the words on this page
about a silly young woman who fell off the stage."
She was trying to do an extravagant walk,
But she fell clean off the side, to our shock.
Even the Taskmaster, normally stern,
Half-rose, with a grave look of concern.
She recovered, and finished her walk with a flair,
While Greg settled back in his chair.
In her honour, it’s now called the knappet;
Turns out walking is the thing she was most crap at.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 7:49 PM on September 20 [2 favorites]
about a silly young woman who fell off the stage."
She was trying to do an extravagant walk,
But she fell clean off the side, to our shock.
Even the Taskmaster, normally stern,
Half-rose, with a grave look of concern.
She recovered, and finished her walk with a flair,
While Greg settled back in his chair.
In her honour, it’s now called the knappet;
Turns out walking is the thing she was most crap at.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 7:49 PM on September 20 [2 favorites]
Imagine Greg hugging Susan Calman!
We’ve already seen two folk of comparable calibre side by side: Sandi Toksvig and Richard Osman.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 7:53 PM on September 20 [1 favorite]
We’ve already seen two folk of comparable calibre side by side: Sandi Toksvig and Richard Osman.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 7:53 PM on September 20 [1 favorite]
Sindhu Vee
OMG, now that you've suggested this there is nothing I want more in the world. She would kill it on the show.
posted by Molesome at 1:47 AM on September 21 [3 favorites]
OMG, now that you've suggested this there is nothing I want more in the world. She would kill it on the show.
posted by Molesome at 1:47 AM on September 21 [3 favorites]
The first episode of Series 16 was one of the best first episodes I've seen so far IMO.
posted by oneirodynia at 9:03 PM on September 21 [2 favorites]
posted by oneirodynia at 9:03 PM on September 21 [2 favorites]
This cast is chaotic madness and I love it. I can't remember the last time I laughed so much in a TM episode. I'm so excited for this season!
I also don't remember Alex being quite so gleeful during so many tasks. He was having the time of his life during the can towers and the final live task.
posted by paisley sheep at 10:54 PM on September 21 [2 favorites]
I also don't remember Alex being quite so gleeful during so many tasks. He was having the time of his life during the can towers and the final live task.
posted by paisley sheep at 10:54 PM on September 21 [2 favorites]
I honestly wondered if someone had told Alex that we love it when he giggles behind his clipboard and he can let loose a bit! He was LIVING.
The arms/legs conversation and “are you a child of divorce” both had me struggling to breathe, between Lucy and Sam I fear for my life this season.
posted by babelfish at 4:53 AM on September 22 [2 favorites]
The arms/legs conversation and “are you a child of divorce” both had me struggling to breathe, between Lucy and Sam I fear for my life this season.
posted by babelfish at 4:53 AM on September 22 [2 favorites]
Sam is everything. When he kissed Alex’s hand!
I started on Series 10, have now gone through all series, and am on my second watch through. I still love Johnny Vegas’s bumbling good natured despair, Daisy’s wheezing laugh at literally everything during the live taping, Mawan’s general rizz and Katherine being hopelessly terrible in a weirdly dignified way? It remains one of my favorite seasons!
In the USA, where can I legally watch Taskmaster NZ? I was able to find season 3 on YouTube but that’s it! I loved it!
posted by Isingthebodyelectric at 3:54 PM on September 22
I started on Series 10, have now gone through all series, and am on my second watch through. I still love Johnny Vegas’s bumbling good natured despair, Daisy’s wheezing laugh at literally everything during the live taping, Mawan’s general rizz and Katherine being hopelessly terrible in a weirdly dignified way? It remains one of my favorite seasons!
In the USA, where can I legally watch Taskmaster NZ? I was able to find season 3 on YouTube but that’s it! I loved it!
posted by Isingthebodyelectric at 3:54 PM on September 22
Ohh, that was brilliant from start to finish! We're in for a legendary season, I suspect.
posted by merriment at 6:52 PM on September 22 [1 favorite]
posted by merriment at 6:52 PM on September 22 [1 favorite]
In the USA, where can I legally watch Taskmaster NZ? I was able to find season 3 on YouTube but that’s it! I loved it!
Not sure about your definition of legal, but Channel 4 has the first 3 series of TM NZ and is easily accessed with a VPN.
posted by paisley sheep at 9:16 PM on September 22
Not sure about your definition of legal, but Channel 4 has the first 3 series of TM NZ and is easily accessed with a VPN.
posted by paisley sheep at 9:16 PM on September 22
I hope that at the end of the series we have enough material for a supercut of all the ways Sue Perkins calls Alex 💩
posted by jazon at 6:37 AM on September 23
posted by jazon at 6:37 AM on September 23
Episode 1 was so good!
My hopes for the rest of the series are as high as a gleaming tower of cans.
posted by Acari at 6:41 AM on September 24
My hopes for the rest of the series are as high as a gleaming tower of cans.
posted by Acari at 6:41 AM on September 24
Channel 4 has the first 3 series of TM NZ and is easily accessed with a VPN.
I have a VPN & Channel 4 already so this has totally made my weekend. ❤️❤️❤️
posted by Isingthebodyelectric at 10:12 AM on September 24
I have a VPN & Channel 4 already so this has totally made my weekend. ❤️❤️❤️
posted by Isingthebodyelectric at 10:12 AM on September 24
Prepare for David Correos in season 2.
Well, I say to prepare, but maybe just practise your confused face. He does not go halfway.
posted by Acari at 3:24 PM on September 24 [2 favorites]
Well, I say to prepare, but maybe just practise your confused face. He does not go halfway.
posted by Acari at 3:24 PM on September 24 [2 favorites]
I hope that at the end of the series we have enough material for a supercut of all the ways Sue Perkins calls Alex 💩
It's almost like there's a secret task this year.
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 8:49 AM on September 25 [1 favorite]
It's almost like there's a secret task this year.
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 8:49 AM on September 25 [1 favorite]
Prepare for David Correos in season 2.
You cannot prepare for David Correos
posted by babelfish at 9:57 AM on September 25 [1 favorite]
You cannot prepare for David Correos
posted by babelfish at 9:57 AM on September 25 [1 favorite]
David Correos is a force of muppet chaos nature who should be given complete control of the universe.
And I think he became a writer/consultant for Taskmaster NZ the next season ... which featured Josh Thomson, also whom you cannot prepare for.
But not as much as you cannot prepare for David Correos. He's the one contestant who has simultaneously frightened me and made me laugh, and a lot of times wordlessly, reacting to seeing his efforts on the big screen. Never mind the tasks.
TM New Zealand has some big personalities. Angella Dravid—you can't prepare for her either! and she's the first contestant you meet!
posted by not_on_display at 10:04 PM on September 25
And I think he became a writer/consultant for Taskmaster NZ the next season ... which featured Josh Thomson, also whom you cannot prepare for.
But not as much as you cannot prepare for David Correos. He's the one contestant who has simultaneously frightened me and made me laugh, and a lot of times wordlessly, reacting to seeing his efforts on the big screen. Never mind the tasks.
TM New Zealand has some big personalities. Angella Dravid—you can't prepare for her either! and she's the first contestant you meet!
posted by not_on_display at 10:04 PM on September 25
And as for this first episode—this is like watching my favorite musician pumping out album after album of good stuff, sticking to the formula that works, and still coming out fresh. Like ACϟDC. I know they had backhistory, but they landed on the international stage fully formed.
[OH YES BRIAN JOHNSON SHOULD BE ON TASKMASTER at least as a new year's treat]
But yeah, this episode kept the tradition going! Triumphs, heartbreaks, ducks, clever workarounds, sneaky hurdles. What me and my sweety noticed is that they pulled the first team task out of the box early this season. The teams are great.
I already love every one of them. No hesitation this season. Usually there are one or two who have to rub off on me, but no, this is a great panel Julian to Susan.
posted by not_on_display at 10:18 PM on September 25
[OH YES BRIAN JOHNSON SHOULD BE ON TASKMASTER at least as a new year's treat]
But yeah, this episode kept the tradition going! Triumphs, heartbreaks, ducks, clever workarounds, sneaky hurdles. What me and my sweety noticed is that they pulled the first team task out of the box early this season. The teams are great.
I already love every one of them. No hesitation this season. Usually there are one or two who have to rub off on me, but no, this is a great panel Julian to Susan.
posted by not_on_display at 10:18 PM on September 25
[And I'm steaming through TM-AU pretty quickly, and all those chuckleheads have become my heroes, too, four episodes in. And the AU-Taskmaster definitely has the Taskmaster swagger down, in his own way.]
posted by not_on_display at 10:20 PM on September 25
posted by not_on_display at 10:20 PM on September 25
Omg Sam Campbell is so funny! Now off to find other stuff of his to watch. And have loved Lucy Beaumont for a while, she is chaotic funny.
posted by ellieBOA at 8:36 AM on September 26
posted by ellieBOA at 8:36 AM on September 26
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In season nine, when illness sidelined Katy Wix for the studio tapings of two episodes, her spot was filled by past contestants Kerry Godliman and Katherine Ryan. It was delightful that her two subs were still in the right alphabetical position to be in the fourth chair (between Jo Brand and Rose Matafeo).
posted by ricochet biscuit at 5:09 AM on September 13 [5 favorites]