The original version of this list was released on March 27, 2024. For the historic simultaneous airing of Taskmaster‘s 20th season premiere in both the UK and US, we decided to enhance the list by including an additional five tasks.
Over the last several years, the British comedy series Taskmaster has transformed from a niche favorite amongst Anglophiles into what many believe is the internet’s most enjoyed lighthearted viewing. Every week, it delivers an unpredictable dose of madcap hilarity that blends the cozy charm of The Great British Bake-Off with the sharp humor of Would I Lie to You? The show has become so captivating for its followers that we frequently find ourselves eager to introduce it to others, sharing clips and trying our best to encourage as many people as possible to appreciate its eccentricity.
For beginners, let me explain the setup: In this show, Comedian Greg Davies plays the role of Taskmaster, both host and supreme ruler. His assistant, Alex Horne (the creator), helps guide five contestants (often comedians, but also actors, musicians, or even professional athletes) through a series of challenges presented in envelopes at the start of each segment. The tasks vary from simple (eat watermelon as fast as possible) to absurdly complex (complete tasks while riding a bicycle extremely slowly), with contestants aiming to display equally amusing and amazing feats. Greg Davies awards points after each task, based on performance and his own preferences, and the series winner receives a trophy shaped like his head.
Indeed, it’s every bit as preposterous as you might imagine, and essentially, it’s laughter served up as a balm against the harshness of an unforgiving universe. Yet, finding your way into a show like this can be challenging. How do you know if it will resonate with you? Fortunately, the unique format of Taskmaster allows you to dive right in and sample any individual task that catches your eye. This way, you can get a feel for the show and anticipate what full-length episodes might offer. To celebrate its 20th season, here are 30 standout tasks from Taskmaster‘s history, each of which will provide an excellent introduction for newcomers.
30.
Do the riskiest thing involving this egg (series 17)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=qG2ygeKSe8Q?si=lEEwgNb-Y7ph_y3-
In a new series, the initial task serves as an opportunity to introduce each cast member’s style and set the tone for the rest of the show. For Series 17, this introduction was a challenge to perform the riskiest egg-related action without breaking the egg. The contestants responded in unique ways: John Robins created a short film, Steve Pemberton took an egg on a carriage ride, Nick Mohammed threw bricks at it like Icarus, Joanne McNally padded her egg for a game of tennis, and Sophie Willan’s approach is best seen in its entirety. This task resulted in one of the strongest series openers ever produced by the show.
29.
Work out what is in the box (series 18)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=HRydXTLCV0U
In this intriguing game, one participant is given the chance to view an item inside a box, while their teammates must guess the object solely by interpreting the player’s facial expressions (no nodding or shaking heads). However, there’s a twist: two individuals, Jack Dee and Andy Zaltzman, have been secretly assigned the mission of lying whenever asked a question. If they tell the truth instead, the entire team will lose points. Ironically, their colleagues are unaware of this. Additionally, both Jack and Andy don costumes that make them appear like naval officers. This task is appealing for many reasons, but it’s particularly engaging due to the contrast between Rosie Jones’ enthusiastic antics – she wears a hot dog costume to earn extra points – and Dee’s disgruntled expression. “It’s Captain Jackie and the Hot Dog!” is a memorable phrase from Taskmaster.
28.
Hide three aubergines from Alex (series 9)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=4thifsGbHB0&pp=ygUVdGFza21hc3RlciBhdWJlcmdpbmVz
If you’re seeking a charmingly straightforward introduction to the show “Taskmaster,” this task from season nine is an excellent place to start and also features one of the series’ most delightful small-scale moments. In essence, participants are provided with three eggplants (or aubergines for our British friends) and asked to conceal them throughout the room within ten minutes. Following that, they must see how long it takes Alex to locate them. The ensuing chaos is nothing short of heartwarming insanity. Jo Brand squishes one of hers, David Baddiel attempts to eat his, while Rose Matafeo and Ed Gamble tear theirs into pieces, and Katy Wix underestimates the stamina required to hold a hard hat under one arm for an extended duration. It’s easy, it’s entertaining, and as a bonus, you can effortlessly recreate this “Taskmaster” gem at home!
27.
Tie yourself up as securely as possible (series 7)
Previously in the seventh series, competitors were informed that they’d encounter a siren at some point. Upon hearing it, they needed to swiftly move towards the entrance of the Taskmaster House, put on protective gear, and then lie down flat. This is when the siren proved its mischievousness most effectively – right in the thick of a challenge where everyone had to bind themselves up. One of the most ingeniously wicked moments conceived by Horne and the writers of Taskmaster, it was packed with excitement ranging from James Acaster going completely berserk to Rhod Gilbert expressing his frustration towards Horne via an innovative interpretation of task guidelines.
26.
Prize Task: The thing that makes you look the toughest (series 11)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ppozUaQN-tM?t=141
Each episode of the show Taskmaster commences with a challenge known as a “Prize Task.” In this task, contestants are assigned to bring an item that best fits a predetermined theme, such as the most burstable or the creepiest object. These tasks are intentionally diverse, giving host Greg Davies the opportunity to either praise contestants for their creative and intriguing contributions or jest at those with less impressive items. The most unforgettable of these tasks occurred during season 11’s finale when the theme was about looking tough. Contestant responses varied from a leather cap to a bat adorned with a driven nail, but viewers might find themselves puzzled early on… Why is soft-spoken Mike Wozniak wearing such a large puffy hat? Patience will be rewarded as the episode unfolds.
25.
Sabotage your team (series 14)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=7R3xHgynvYY?list=PLRWvNQVqAeWIIp9qYiyyZmx42gFXA6dhX&t=455
At times, during moments of added amusement, the writers’ room for ‘Taskmaster’ assigns a hidden challenge to only one competitor. Typically, this prank backfires on the individual, but this time it was their teammates who were left bewildered. The main task required teams to link hands on hips and transport as much sand as they could into a shopping cart. Comedians Munya Chawawa and Sarah Millican worked well together, but the three-member team experienced pandemonium when John Kearnes received secret instructions to undermine his teammates, Fern Brady and Dara O’Briain. The ensuing sequence was filled with witty insults, bafflement, and sand sculptures shaped like hats.
24.
Read the Taskmaster’s mind (series 9)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=o_Nc5j2xGg8?t=2225
The Taskmaster program is at its most entertaining when it becomes intentionally nonsensical, causing viewers to be drawn into the absurdity. A perfect example occurred during the finale when Jo Brand, known for her fantastic performances, demonstrated extraordinary skills as a mind-reader. In this live task, contestants had to guess whether Greg Davies was looking at a picture of a horse or a laminator. Since they had an equal chance with every guess, it’s remarkable that Brand seemed to possess uncanny insight, almost like she possessed psychic powers. Was she reading reflections? Or simply having good fortune? Perhaps she is a psychic with an incredibly dry sense of humor. Make up your own mind by watching the performance.
23.
Put the watermelon on this table (series 17)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Bd7eaxP8xEE?list=PLRWvNQVqAeWL-7a_WW4Z39sNvq12z7mVS&t=1139
This team challenge is all about racking up bonus points by behaving oddly, without anyone realizing it. The task itself – moving a watermelon from one spot to another without touching it or re-entering the room where it’s supposed to end up – is tricky enough, but things get even more peculiar when you factor in the mysterious instructions given beforehand. Each team member must perform unusual actions such as saying “umbrella”, lying down for 30 seconds, or collecting assorted items. As if that weren’t challenging enough, the goal is to complete this task while behaving quirkily. The result is a delightful pandemonium, especially when you tally up the many ways Nick Mohammed and Steve Pemberton keep things from going smoothly.
22.
Repurpose the cement mixer (series 13)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=PBl3vDBTIak&t=580s&pp=ygUXdGFza21hc3RlciBjZW1lbnQgbWl4ZXI%3D
Discussing some amusingly imaginative instances from the thirteenth season, there’s a scene where competitors were presented with an empty cement mixer and asked to think creatively about its potential uses. Judi Love thought of it as a cocktail shaker, Ardal O’Hanlon turned it into a beauty salon centerpiece, Sophie Duker used it like a lottery number generator for ice breaker conversations with Horne, Bridget Christie made an offbeat art film about climate change using it, but the real standout is Chris Ramsey. His usage of the cement mixer was both hilarious and memorable; it elicited one of the top three heartiest laughs I’ve ever heard from my wife, and it was simply magnificent. I strongly recommend you watch this moment – it’s sure to bring a smile to your face as well.
21.
Film something that will look impressive in reverse (series 1)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=4T8mxqRDp4w&pp=ygUhdGFza21hc3RlciBpbXByZXNzaXZlIGluIHJlc3ZlcnNl
In Taskmaster, participants are usually given a chance to create something using time, a camera, and a prompt. This first remarkable creation from that part of the show is the task where the five initial contestants were asked to do something visually impressive when played in reverse. While Josh Widdicombe was undeniably clever, his skateboard stunt of seeming to pull a car wasn’t the standout. That title goes to Romesh Ranganathan, who managed to make balloons appear by popping them in reverse and even composed a catchy tune called “Tree Wizard,” which you might find hard to forget for quite some time.
20.
Generate a water-cooler moment (series 5)
The participants are given a real water cooler and asked to generate a conversation-sparking “water cooler moment” using it as a prop. Notable contestant Bob Mortimer showcases his famous party trick of splitting an apple in half, while Nish Kumar embraces his role as one of the program’s more entertainingly inept players by attempting a drop kick. Meanwhile, Sally Phillips takes a different approach and delivers one of the most dedicated performances to “the bit” ever seen on Taskmaster, with her soap opera-style antics so convincing that they even managed to stir up some romantic feelings from Greg – making it a must-watch moment!
19.
Create a music video for a nursery rhyme (series 2)
Another initial task that encourages participants to express their creativity is “Create a unique music video for a nursery rhyme.” This assignment results in an array of unusual, humorous interpretations. For example, Richard Osman pays tribute to “Bittersweet Symphony,” Katherine Ryan creates a nursery rhyme about dental care, and Joe Wilkinson offers a lethargic rendition of “Old MacDonald.” Among the standout moments are Jon Richardson’s eerie version of “Three Blind Mice” and Doc Brown rapping about fish while physically interacting with a salmon. It’s now up to you to decide which one shines brightest.
18.
Convince the other team that the following things are the opposite (series 19)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=CKnK91g3mM8?list=PLRWvNQVqAeWKt7kCUfEMdJi40m7H58CJd&t=1003
In the chronicles of Taskmaster’s history, no team has been as lovable as the duo “Javie Martzoukas,” comprising of Jason Mantzoukas (who undoubtedly earned a spot in the Taskmaster Hall of Fame) and Stevie Martin. This adoration stems from various reasons, but for numerous viewers, it likely began with this particular task. The challenge was unique, requiring teams to decipher if the opposing team was lying live in the studio while viewing pre-recorded footage – that’s entertaining enough. However, what truly sets it apart is when Jason and Stevie start chatting animatedly on the set floor, reminiscent of a sleepover, leading up to a punchline that might just be the funniest moment of series 19 in its entirety.
17.
Build the tallest tower out of cans (series 16)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=r1PoSdFWvQg?t=498
After over 9 years and more than 15 seasons, everyone signing up for Taskmaster is well aware they’re in for an unpredictable mix of wildness and irritating challenge. Yet, this doesn’t deter Horne and his team from concocting surprises. An early task from series 16 serves as a prime example – contestants were instructed to construct the tallest can tower in the “lab” room of the Taskmaster House, while blindfolded throughout the process. The twist? They couldn’t see the massive stack of cans just a foot away from collapsing. This was disastrous for the competitors, but delightful for us, as we got to enjoy Bake Off alum Sue Perkins exclaim, “absolute shower of shit.
16.
Find the shoe Alex is thinking of (series 13)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=HaMHoDP1BKI?t=435
13th series contestants were led into a room filled with various types of shoes and asked to identify the shoe that Horne was thinking of. As Judi Love puts it, it’s like the classic game of “Guess Who?” but with shoes (let’s call it “Shoe Who?”). The contestant who can find the correct answer using the fewest questions gets the most points. To add to the fun, each competitor is given a unique phrase or sound they must utter after each question. If you want to witness five individuals experiencing their own unique brands of confusion and frustration, from Sophie Duker seeming ready to confront Horne to Horne momentarily appearing as if he wants to confront Bridget Christie, this clip is just what you need. Even Davies admires the intensity of the exasperation on display.
15.
Camouflage yourself (series 4)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=6obm_UIifpY&pp=ygUbdGFza21hc3RlciBjYW1vdWZsYWdlIHRhc2sg
A task involving contestants creating a concealed image using a blank canvas is described here: The objective is to camouflage oneself within a photo, a challenge that the Taskmaster will attempt to spot. Unfortunately, Mel Giedroyc misinterprets the instructions, resulting in one of the show’s memorable task flops. On the other hand, everyone else delivers outstanding performances by creating clever disguises. The highlight of this task is Noel Fielding using his bright-yellow jumpsuit, initially chosen as a costume for his Taskmaster role, in an ingenious way, which could be termed “practical fashion.” This term can be found online for more information.
14.
Deliver all the plates to Alex (series 11)
In this delightful task reminiscent of “Taskmaster,” an episode from series 11 stands out as a testament to the unique perspectives each contestant brings. The challenge? Deliver plates to Alex using either a bicycle, scooter, or hoverboard. Charlotte Ritchie exudes joy on her ride, Lee Mack strategizes rules for his benefit, and Mike Wozniak’s competitive approach is notably awkward yet meticulous. However, Sarah Kendall steals the show with her casual comment, “After all, life’s about living, isn’t it?
13.
Surprise little Alex Horne when he emerges from the shed (series 3)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=HZpcvswUUb0&pp=ygUYdGFza21hc3RlciBzdXJwcmlzZSBhbGV4
Instead of tasks that contestants could film and submit later, this three-part classic begins in an uncomplicated manner: Horne spends an hour relaxing in the shed on Taskmaster House property. Upon exiting, each competitor must offer him something unexpected. The ensuing events vary from unsettling (presented by Sara Pascoe and Paul Chowdhry), to playful (Al Murray and Dave Gorman), to utterly bizarre (Rob Beckett). One memorable moment from the entire series is Rob Beckett’s hysterical laughter while brandishing a power sprayer.
12.
Eat the most watermelon (series 10)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=T2M1tLmkHpg?t=2027
In the initial season of ‘Taskmaster’, a pivotal moment occurred as contestants were challenged to consume as much watermelon as they could within a minute. This task, now well-known, was elevated in series ten with teams being formed, given four minutes instead of one, and an additional rule: no self-feeding. The ensuing spectacle was both laugh-out-loud funny and arguably catered to someone’s unique preferences. Daisy May Cooper’s ravenous determination in this challenge undoubtedly earns it a spot in the ‘Taskmaster’ Hall of Fame.
11.
Get the potato in the golf hole (series 2)
On the popular TV show Taskmaster, there’s a well-established editing tradition that viewers are very familiar with. This traditional task, which is quite straightforward, is typically saved for the end of classic episodes. The challenge at hand involves a golf hole positioned in the center of a red carpet passing as a putting green. Contestants must aim to get a potato into this hole without setting foot on the red carpet itself. While there are several strategies to complete this task, one option is simply to walk up and throw the potato into the hole. Notably, Joe Wilkinson, one of the show’s most memorable characters, decided to go with this straightforward approach, only to regret it in the studio later.
10.
Get all the rubber rings on your barge pole (series 15)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=LbRuC41l2-M?t=1713
In simpler and more conversational terms:
There’s a little boat called a barge floating along a canal, with a pole fixed at the front. Attached to the same canal are five colorful floats shaped like watermelons. The objective is simple: navigate the barge forward so that each of these watermelon-shaped floats gets hooked onto the pole.
What makes this task interesting is that these aren’t typically people who get to drive a boat, but rather comedians and actors who find great joy in this unusual activity. Mae Martin shows incredible determination, while Jenny Eclair exudes endless excitement. And as if that wasn’t enough, Kiell Smith-Bynoe surprises us with an improvised song from the Taskmaster series that’s incredibly catchy, and you might find yourself humming “For Me” for days after watching it!
9.
Place something somewhere surprising (series 19)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=UUaAQJ0DBPQ?list=PLRWvNQVqAeWKt7kCUfEMdJi40m7H58CJd&t=578
Jason Mantzoukas, during his time on Taskmaster, often demonstrated an enthusiasm for causing mayhem with his motto being “Destroy, Dismantle, Consume in Flames.” However, despite this anarchic spirit, Mantzoukas, a devoted fan of the show who willingly joined its ranks, also showed himself to be a shrewd competitor when the occasion called for it. To illustrate, consider the task where each participant aimed to surprise Greg Davies with the placement of a certain item. While everyone had a good time with this challenge, Mantzoukas’ creative solution involving a guest appearance from a previous Taskmaster player was both ingenious and somewhat eerie, much like his antics throughout series 19.
8.
Silently make the tastiest and prettiest cocktail with the coolest name (series 10)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=MpagMjUtDTg?t=396
In a lab, there’s a bar filled with cocktail ingredients. The task for each of the five talented contestants from series ten is to create a cocktail for Alex without making any sound louder than 60 decibels. If they fail to keep the noise down, they must discard their drink and start over by shouting a specific phrase. This show, Taskmaster, is intriguing as it often pushes otherwise reasonable and friendly individuals to act irrationally, losing their composure and focus, a phenomenon that becomes quite evident in several contestants this time, with Daisy May Cooper displaying notable instances of uncontrollable excitement, reminiscent of George Costanza’s exaggerated expressions.
7.
Make an exotic sandwich (series 4)
A consistent aspect of the show Taskmaster requires contestants to prepare a dish and present it to Alex Horne, who must consume it without complaint before relaying his feedback to Greg Davies. Adhering to this format, the participants in season four attempted to create the most exotic sandwich imaginable, only to discover they had to eat their own creations afterwards. Mel Giedroyc, always full of enthusiasm, enthusiastically devoured her sandwich filled with various chocolate candies, creating one of Taskmaster’s most memorable food moments. As for Noel Fielding, he did something uniquely Noel Fielding-like that you’ll have to watch to believe it!
6.
Physically re-create a classic video game (series 7)
Jessica Knappett begins this task expressing her excitement and apprehension, stating that she doesn’t want to spoil something that is a long-held dream for her, much like many viewers of Taskmaster feel when such joyous moments occur. The task involves the contestants creating their own video game with assistance from the show’s crew, which is usually a time when everyone, regardless of their performance in the game, gets to have fun. In this episode, all seven series’ participants embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly. From Knappett’s enthusiastic interpretation of Mario Kart to James Acaster’s spot-on portrayal of Grand Theft Auto character movements, the entire segment is a delightful watch from start to finish.
5.
Get as close as you can to Alex without his noticing you (series 8)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=39n5LJel7qk?t=1708
In this eighth series favorite of “Taskmaster,” the show’s playground expands significantly to encompass an entire rail yard. The challenge itself is straightforward: Alex Horne stands on a bridge overlooking the rail yard, while the contestants are initially located at a considerable distance away when the task commences. As time progresses, Alex intermittently ducks and reappears every ten seconds, attempting to spot each competitor as they cautiously approach him. The last one to be noticed emerges victorious. This series of runs is filled with laughter (Lou Sanders delivers a memorable line that will go down in “Taskmaster” history: “Will he notice me if I’m a bin?”) and genuine tension, as some contestants manage to get closer than anticipated at the outset of the task.
4.
Declare your love for the Taskmaster (series 6)
In this list, some moments from the popular show Taskmaster stand out as particularly memorable for fans, especially when they are asked to recollect the most unforgettable events. One such moment occurs at the end of a task where each competitor is asked to craft their most heartfelt declaration of love for Davies. Contestants have creative leeway in how they interpret this request, leading to some outlandish performances. For instance, Tim Vine dresses up as Davies’s mother, while Russell Howard chooses to express his affection by promising not to sleep with Davies’s mother. The scene then shifts to the mischievous Liza Tarbuck, who carries out an action involving Horne, a chair, and a cake that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats. Buckle up!
3.
Buy the best present for the Taskmaster (series 1)
The first season of Taskmaster is a captivating keepsake for dedicated viewers, given the show’s significant popularity and viral success in the nine years since its debut. Initially, it’s evident that Horne and Davies harbor doubts about their humorous program’s potential success, with contestants still finding their footing, and the need for memorable highlights to maintain audience interest.
Midway through the series, a defining moment occurs when contestants are challenged to spend £20 on the best gift for Davies. They have several weeks to prepare before showcasing their presents in the studio. This is where Josh Widdicombe makes a lasting impression by removing his shoe and sock, revealing a tattoo – a testament to his unwavering dedication throughout the game and providing Taskmaster fans with an iconic, delightful moment that leaves Davies utterly surprised.
2.
Make a noise without the Taskmaster identifying you (series 12)
As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I must say that each episode finale consistently delivers a live segment, which, at times, offers a blend of unpredictable outcomes. Occasionally, the action may dwindle too swiftly or the contestants might struggle with the task at hand. However, there are instances like this one where all five competitors strive to produce incomprehensible sounds while Davies listens intently, with his back turned. Everyone is utterly engrossed in devising clever ways to deceive him, and by the end, we’re all left laughing until tears stream down our faces. It’s an engaging task that miraculously manages to be both hilarious and challenging – a home playable gem, the most entertaining live segment the show has ever concocted, and an instant mood booster all rolled into one!
1.
Write a song for a stranger (series 5)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=emz6GVWvJlo?si=WNc5BM5e55Z8s5Gr
Every diehard fan of Taskmaster cherishes their preferred contestants, tasks, and memorable instances from the show’s expanding archive. However, delve into the vastness of the internet, and one moment clearly stands out as the most infamous and side-splitting in the show’s history. This moment features a woman named Rosalind, two teams of competitors, and a task that challenges them to compose a song about an unknown woman based on a brief interview. Comedians Nish Kumar and Mark Watson present a delightful, unexpected tune, but the climactic point comes when Bob Mortimer, Aisling Bea, and Sally Phillips make their appearance. The instant they whisper-sing “Rosalind’s a nightmare,” you can sense you’re witnessing an all-time classic bit, and to this very day that bit remains the epitome of Taskmaster’s silly, emotional, indelible allure.
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2025-09-11 21:01