Taskmaster Commissioned for Six More Series as Global Audience Soars
Channel 4 has officially commissioned six additional series of the wildly popular comedy game show Taskmaster, securing the programme's future for years to come. The announcement comes as the show continues to attract a massive international audience, with adaptations running in thirteen countries worldwide including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Returning Hosts and Extended Commitment
The renewal ensures that comedians Greg Davies and Alex Horne will return to their respective roles as Taskmaster and his "little assistant" for the foreseeable future. The new agreement also includes additional spin-off specials such as Taskmaster's New Year Treat and Taskmaster Champion of Champions, expanding the franchise's content offerings.
Alex Horne, the creator of Taskmaster, expressed both excitement and apprehension about the extended commitment. "I'm pleased and quite stressed that I've got to come up with a lot more tasks for a lot more comedians," Horne admitted. "But the thought of three more years in Greg's deep embrace is soothing my little head."
Greg Davies responded with characteristic humor, stating: "I am delighted the comedian meat grinder remains open for business. I look forward to gleefully keeping it fed with the help of a small, introverted man that I own."
Imminent New Series and Celebrity Lineup
The 21st series of Taskmaster is scheduled to premiere on April 9, 2026, featuring an impressive roster of celebrity contestants. The lineup includes Pakistani-American comedian and Marvel actor Kumail Nanjiani, The Thick of It creator Armando Iannucci, Gavin and Stacey star Joanna Page, Masked Singer host Joel Dommett, and comedian Amy Gledhill.
These celebrities will face the Taskmaster's famously unusual challenges in their quest to reclaim forfeited personal items. Previous winners of the competition include notable comedians such as Josh Widdicombe, Katherine Ryan, Bob Mortimer, Dara O Briain, and the most recent champion, Maisie Adams.
Future Prospects and International Success
In a recent interview with RadioTimes, Alex Horne teased exciting developments for future seasons, hinting at the potential involvement of an Oscar-winning participant. "I could give you a sneaky bit of information for the distant future," Horne revealed. "We have got an Oscar winner in a future season."
Tom Beck, Channel 4's Head of Live Events and Commissioning Editor, praised the programme's enduring appeal. "Taskmaster is the most creative, funny and frankly ludicrous show on telly," Beck stated. "I'm delighted to enable their silly brilliance for another three years."
Executive producer Jon Thoday added: "The brilliance of Alex, Greg, the production team, along with the excellent comedians, keep this show delighting and surprising viewers every series."
Programme History and Format
The BAFTA award-winning series first launched in 2015 on UKTV's Dave channel before transitioning to Channel 4 in 2020. To date, there have been twenty complete series, with the programme typically broadcasting two series each year. The format features five celebrity contestants competing in bizarre and inventive challenges under the watchful eye of Greg Davies as the Taskmaster, with Alex Horne serving as his assistant and task designer.
The show's unique blend of improvisational comedy, competitive spirit, and creative problem-solving has resonated with audiences globally, making it one of Britain's most successful comedy exports in recent years.
