Taskmaster Australia is back for a highly anticipated fourth season, premiering on March 27, 2025, at 8:30 PM on 10 and 10 Play. This season promises to shake things up with an exciting new cast and fresh challenges, all overseen by the ever-witty host, Tom Gleeson.
In a recent interview with Woman’s Day, Gleeson shared insights about the upcoming season, highlighting the inclusion of actor Lisa McCune, marking her as the first non-comedian contestant on the show. “For the first time we’ve got someone who isn’t a comedian,” he noted. “We’ve got Lisa McCune, she’s an actor, which makes it a bit different. So I think people are going to be wowed by some of her skills that she gets to show off.”
Returning fans can expect plenty of humor, especially as Gleeson has a knack for poking fun at his fellow comedians. He remarked, “You can expect a lot of me paying out my friends in the show, because that’s the thing, all the comedians, we all know each other. So I take a lot of liberties with this.” He added, “The longer I’ve known a comedian, the more I pay them out, that tends to be a pattern. So Hughesy [Dave Hughes] and Tommy Little probably cop it the most, but that’s because I’ve known them the longest.”
One of the key elements that keeps Taskmaster Australia fresh is its location and the innovative tasks set for the contestants. “Visually it’s different,” Gleeson explained, referring to the filming location on Cockatoo Island. “We used Cockatoo Island as a location, so visually it looks quite different to the other seasons.”
As for the tasks themselves, Gleeson emphasized that they are always brand new and designed to challenge the contestants in unique ways. “The tasks are always brand new, and the cast is always new with each season, so that brings a new flavour,” he said. “Also, now that we’re up to season four, the cast come on probably knowing a bit more because they’ve watched the other seasons, so they’re a little bit more onto the Taskmaster format and how to hack some of the games.”
This season's lineup includes not only McCune but also Emma Holland, Takashi Wakasugi, and the ever-popular Tommy Little. Gleeson has high hopes for McCune, praising her extensive background in comedy and performance, which includes sitcoms and cabaret. “She’s done a lot of comedy. She’s done sitcoms and stuff with Peter Helliar, and she’s done a lot of cabaret and live performances,” he shared.
Gleeson’s enthusiasm for McCune’s participation is evident, but he also acknowledges the challenge of making fun of someone who is considered a national treasure. “You get to see me pay out Lisa McCune on national TV. It’s not easy. She’s much loved by the Australian public and I have to make fun of her. That’s not easy. From a comedian’s point of view, that’s like punching a kitten.”
Taskmaster Australia has built a strong following, and its commitment to comedy is evident as Ten has already announced plans for a fifth season, which has been filmed over two weeks at New Zealand’s Taskmaster Retreat. This kind of dedication to the franchise is reminiscent of the ABC’s past commitment to shows like Shaun Micallef’s Mad as Hell, showcasing a strong belief in the show’s potential.
Tom Gleeson’s hosting style, characterized by his trademark insults and humorous bewilderment at the contestants’ antics, has been a significant factor in the show’s success. His sidekick, Tom Cashman, adds another layer to the dynamic, balancing sympathy with a literal interpretation of the tasks, which often leads to comedic moments. An early task in the season requires Cashman to find hidden car keys, leading to some hilarious interactions with contestants.
Dave Hughes, a familiar face in the Australian comedy scene, is also part of the season. Having been on shows like I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here and featured in his own episode of Australian Story, Hughes remains a prominent figure. Despite having his previous show, Hughesy, We Have a Problem, axed in 2021, he continues to appear frequently on television.
Gleeson described Hughes as a relatable figure, stating, “His comedy is based on him being just an average Aussie bloke, and familiarity is a big part of how he manages that despite him being a millionaire teetotal vegan away from the cameras.”
As the season kicks off, there’s a mix of excitement and anticipation. The first episode has received mixed reviews, with some tasks hitting the mark while others fell flat. The challenges need to be engaging and offer memorable solutions, but as the contestants become more comfortable, the humor is expected to evolve. Hughesy’s attempts to shift a bunch of coffee cups without breaking them, for instance, have been highlighted in promos, showcasing his comedic appeal.
While the initial episode may have shown some wobbles, it’s not unusual for Taskmaster. As viewers become familiar with the contestants and their quirks, the humor is likely to flourish. Gleeson’s sharp wit and ability to critique the contestants will undoubtedly keep audiences entertained throughout the season. As he quips at the contestants, it’s clear that this season of Taskmaster Australia is set to deliver laughs and memorable moments.
Taskmaster Australia Season 4 premieres on March 27, 2025, at 8:30 PM on 10 and 10 Play, with new episodes airing weekly, ensuring that fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks.
