So THAT's Why Taskmaster Contestants Are So Lovable

We get obsessed with a new comedian every season.
Yup, it's all part of the plan.
Yup, it's all part of the plan.
Channel 4

The latest season of Taskmaster is in full swing meaning that every week, we’re treated to a series of deeply unserious tasks, one-liners that make their way into our everyday conversations and, for many of us, a growing affection for the contestants – even if this is our first exposure to them.

I don’t know about you but for me, in the year of 2023, I’m looking for pockets of wholesome joy wherever I can find them and settling down to a weekly episode of Taskmaster provides just that as well as a feeling of familiarity with the contestants. They’re not just comedians, not just contestants, no no. By the season finale, they are my family and I would follow them to the ends of the Earth.

I’m not alone in this sentiment. A tweet that amassed over 3,000 likes last week echoed my thoughts:

I've said this before but the speed at which each season of Taskmaster's cast goes from "I know one quite well & have kind of heard of two others" to "I cherish these five people more than some family members" should be studied.

— Richy Craven (@RichyCraven) October 5, 2023

The Secret To Taskmaster’s Success

So, why does this happen? Why am I currently adding Susan Wokoma to my Christmas card list when just a couple of months ago, I hadn’t even heard of her? Well, according to previous contestant Mark Watson, the secret to Taskmaster’s success isn’t just the tasks and charm of the show but actually, in showcasing the comedians that aren’t known outside of comedy circles.

Speaking on X, Watson said that our growing affection for contestants across a season of Taskmaster is because, “Taskmaster has made a point of showcasing people known to be brilliant by the industry, but who are risky bookings.”

He clarified in later tweets that when he said risky bookings, they’re “risky” to commissioners because they aren’t household names — something that apparently terrifies them.

This was backed up by previous contestant (and all round STAR) Fern Brady who replied, “It me, the riskiest booking in the biz!”).

This is because - from pretty early on - Taskmaster has made a point of showcasing people known to be brilliant by the industry, but who are risky bookings. There’s a parallel universe where more entertainment shows do this, but it’s eighty million light years away. https://t.co/hoh9DeUTuW

— Mark Watson (@watsoncomedian) October 6, 2023

Taskmaster brings out a new side to comedians

Others on X spoke about how their minds were changed on Taskmaster following a Taskmaster appearance. @RobFreeman said, “Taskmaster’s also brilliant for showing new sides of comedians. There’s been a few I disliked going in, but have totally won me over. One of them is this series, and they’d done that by episode two.”

Others agreed, with @williamdchapple1 saying, “I was slightly nervous Frankie Boyle was just going to be massively dark and shocking the whole series but seeing a lighter side of him was absolutely brilliant.”

The show was given an unprecedented six season renewal earlier this year so it looks like we have a great few years of fresh comedians coming to our screens!

Close

What's Hot