Celebrating a decade of laughter and outrageous challenges, the beloved comedy game show Taskmaster is gearing up for its 20th series, set to air later this year on Channel 4. This milestone season brings together a fresh and eclectic group of comedians, all vying for the coveted title of Taskmaster Champion under the watchful eye of the almighty Greg Davies and his ever-faithful assistant, Alex Horne.
The newly announced line-up for the 20th series features five standout talents from the UK comedy scene. Among them is Ania Magliano, a critically acclaimed breakthrough comic known for her appearances on BBC’s Live at the Apollo and writing credits for shows like Amelia Dimoldenberg's Chicken Shop Date and Frankie Boyle's New World Order. Alongside her is Maisie Adam, a familiar face on panel shows such as Sky’s A League Of Their Own and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, whose sharp wit and affable charm have won her a dedicated following.
Phil Ellis, another notable addition, brings his award-winning comedic style from his BBC Radio 4 series Phil Ellis Is Trying, while Reece Shearsmith, a BAFTA-winning writer, actor, and comedian, returns to the Taskmaster stage. Shearsmith is renowned for co-creating and starring in the darkly comic series Inside No. 9 and as a founding member of The League Of Gentlemen. Rounding out the group is Sanjeev Bhaskar, an actor, writer, and television presenter whose impressive career spans from the groundbreaking BBC sitcom Goodness Gracious Me to the acclaimed ITV crime drama Unforgotten.
Channel 4 revealed the line-up on July 3, 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of the 19th series. The upcoming series, expected to comprise ten episodes, is slated for an autumn release, perfectly timed to celebrate the show's tenth anniversary on screen. Since its debut on Dave in July 2015 before moving to Channel 4 in 2019, Taskmaster has become an enduring favorite, blending absurd challenges with sharp comedic performances.
Taskmaster’s journey from a niche stage show to a television phenomenon is as entertaining as the tasks themselves. The original incarnation premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2010, with Alex Horne playing the titular role. The concept was inspired by the iconic British game show The Crystal Maze and Horne’s experience working on Big Brother, fueled by a friendly rivalry with his friend Tim Key, who had won the Edinburgh Comedy Award in 2009.
Over the years, Taskmaster has expanded its reach globally, airing in over 120 countries and amassing a massive online following. The official Taskmaster YouTube channel boasts 1.9 million subscribers and nearly 900 million views, a testament to the show's universal appeal. Additionally, Taskmaster: The Live Experience brought the quirky challenges to London audiences, further cementing its cultural footprint.
This summer, Taskmaster is partnering with English Heritage to bring a unique entertainment experience to 17 historic sites across the UK. From July 19 to August 31, visitors to iconic locations such as Stonehenge, Whitby Abbey, and Dover Castle can engage with playful tasks inspired by the show, blending heritage with humor in an unprecedented collaboration.
In a move to inspire creativity beyond the screen, Taskmaster Education has teamed up with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) to launch Taskmaster Club 100. This initiative offers 100 UK secondary schools free access to Taskmaster Club, a program designed to build essential creative skills through fun, classroom-based activities. Aimed at students aged 11 to 16, the program seeks to make creative learning opportunities accessible across diverse educational settings nationwide.
The 20th series promises to continue the tradition of hilarious and inventive challenges that have become Taskmaster’s signature. Past seasons have featured memorable moments like the “Glass Half Most” episode, where contestants were tasked with eating yoghurt in the most or least dignified ways—resulting in some truly outlandish antics, such as a contestant licking yoghurt off his shoe while clad only in underwear.
Greg Davies and Alex Horne remain at the helm, their dynamic a cornerstone of the show’s success. Davies’ imposing presence as the Taskmaster, paired with Horne’s meticulous administration and dry wit, creates a perfect comedic balance that has delighted audiences for a decade.
As anticipation builds for the new season, fans are eager to see which of the five contestants will outwit their peers and impress the Taskmaster the most. With a mix of fresh faces and seasoned performers, the 20th series is poised to deliver the perfect blend of comedy, creativity, and chaos that has made the show a beloved staple of British television.
While the exact transmission dates have yet to be announced, Channel 4 has assured viewers that details will be revealed in due course. Until then, the nation can look forward to another round of the absurd, hilarious, and utterly unpredictable challenges that only Taskmaster can provide.
