The beloved British comedy show Taskmaster is back in the headlines, and for good reason. On January 3, 2026, the cast for the show’s highly anticipated 21st series was revealed—though the news made its way to eager fans even before the official announcement. This upcoming season, set to air on Channel 4 later in 2026, promises a vibrant blend of comedic talent, international flair, and a few surprises that reflect the show’s ever-expanding reach.
The new line-up features five standout contestants: Amy Gledhill, Armando Iannucci, Joanna Page, Joel Dommett, and Kumail Nanjiani. Each brings a unique background to the table, and together, they’re set to compete for what may be the most coveted—and certainly most whimsical—prize in television: Greg Davies’s golden head trophy, rumored to be struck in 24-carat gold.
For those unfamiliar, Taskmaster is a BAFTA and Rose D’Or-winning series that has become a staple of British comedy. Hosted by the towering Greg Davies and his ever-resourceful assistant Alex Horne, the show pits celebrities against each other in bizarre, creative, and often hilarious challenges. The format’s charm lies in its unpredictability and the contestants’ willingness to leave their dignity at the door in pursuit of glory.
The 21st series boasts a particularly impressive roster. Amy Gledhill, fresh off her 2024 Edinburgh Comedy Award win, is known for her quick wit and versatility—having made a name for herself across stand-up, panel shows, and now an upcoming role in Amazon’s Last One Laughing. Armando Iannucci, the legendary satirist behind The Thick of It and Veep, brings a razor-sharp intellect and a penchant for political humor; he’s both a BAFTA and Emmy winner, and an Oscar nominee for his screenplay in In the Loop (as reported by National World and El Balad).
Joanna Page, beloved for her role as Stacey in Gavin & Stacey and trained at the esteemed Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, has demonstrated her range in everything from romantic comedies like Love Actually to dramatic turns in Doctor Who. Joel Dommett, the charismatic presenter of ITV’s The Masked Singer, rounds out the British contingent. He’s no stranger to the world of unscripted antics and has long expressed his admiration for Taskmaster, calling it “a transformative force in television,” according to reports from Digital Spy and Paste Magazine.
Perhaps the biggest international draw this year is Kumail Nanjiani. The Pakistani-American comedian and actor is best known for his work on Silicon Valley, the Oscar-nominated film The Big Sick, and most recently, a two-episode stint on Prime Video’s Fallout. Nanjiani’s inclusion marks only the second time an American has competed on the main series, following Jason Mantzoukas’s appearance in series 19. As Paste Magazine notes, Nanjiani’s participation is a clear sign of the show’s growing global ambitions.
Indeed, Taskmaster’s international appeal is on the rise. The show’s YouTube channel amassed 176 million views from American audiences in 2025, and 270,000 new subscribers from North America joined that same year, according to The Radio Times and National World. This surge in Stateside interest is being met with a bold new initiative: Taskmaster Live On Stage, a theatrical reimagining of the show, will tour the east coast of the United States later this January. Greg Davies and Alex Horne are set to bring their unique brand of chaos to packed theaters in Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and New York. Tickets for the live shows, as reported by multiple outlets, sold out in just 13 minutes—a testament to the show’s transatlantic popularity.
Fans will also be treated to some fresh twists this season. Alex Horne, the show’s creator and Davies’s loyal sidekick, has teased a couple of firsts: “There are two things that are new. [Firstly] we’re filming somewhere as well as the house—somewhere that’s pretty mad,” Horne revealed to Digital Spy. “And we have a special guest [in] this [season] from somewhere exotic who you’ll recognize. That’s all I can say.” The specifics remain under wraps, but the hints have only fueled excitement among the show’s devoted following.
While the official broadcast date for series 21 has yet to be announced, there’s speculation that the show will return to its familiar March slot on Channel 4. The ten-episode run will include Taskmaster’s 200th episode—a significant milestone for a format that has already racked up International Emmy nominations and a string of critical accolades. For those outside the UK, episodes will also be available globally on the official Taskmaster YouTube channel, ensuring that fans everywhere can keep up with the antics.
The 21st series follows on the heels of several special editions, including the sixth annual New Year Treat and the fourth Champion of Champions event. The previous season ended with a dramatic three-way tiebreaker, with Maisie Adam emerging victorious—a reminder that anything can happen on this delightfully unpredictable show.
With such a star-studded cast and the promise of new twists, season 21 is shaping up to be a must-watch. As a spokesperson for the show put it, “Each of these competitors will step forward with a healthy mix of respect, fear and a keen desire to lay claim to Greg’s golden head, struck in what is potentially 24-carat gold, and become the next Taskmaster Champion.”
Even as fans await the official air date, the anticipation is palpable. Whether you’re drawn by the prospect of Oscar-nominated talent, the thrill of unpredictable tasks, or the infectious chemistry between Davies and Horne, there’s little doubt that Taskmaster series 21 will deliver another unforgettable chapter in the show’s ongoing saga.
With its blend of comedy, competition, and offbeat charm, Taskmaster continues to prove why it has become a global phenomenon—one golden head at a time.
