Taskmaster returns: 21st series set to unleash more absurdity
Prepare for another onslaught of chaotic challenges and spectacularly bad decisions – Taskmaster is back, and it’s promising to be even more gloriously ridiculous.
Channel 4’s beloved antics kick off april 9th
After over a decade of subjecting celebrities to increasingly bizarre tasks, the show, hosted by the relentlessly deadpan Greg Davies and assisted by the slightly bewildered Alex Horne, is gearing up for its 21st series. Since 2015, viewers have witnessed a parade of A-listers attempting to ‘destroy a cake beautifully’ or ‘build the tallest tower out of marshmallows’ – often with disastrous results.
But what exactly can we anticipate from this new installment? Let’s break down the key details.
Premiere date & times: mark your calendars
The 21st series is scheduled to premiere on Thursday, April 9th, 2026, at 9:00 PM on Channel 4. Streaming options will be available via the official Taskmaster YouTube channel for those tuning in from beyond the UK.
Episode breakdown: a decade of delirium
This series comprises 10 episodes, each featuring five new contestants vying for the coveted golden head trophy, judged solely by Davies’ notoriously inscrutable gaze. The episode schedule is as follows:
- Episode 1: April 9th
- Episode 2: April 16th
- Episode 3: April 23rd
- Episode 4: April 30th
- Episode 5: May 7th
- Episode 6: May 14th
- Episode 7: May 21st
- Episode 8: May 28th
- Episode 9: June 4th
- Episode 10: June 11th
And get this – episode six will mark the show’s 200th episode, a frankly staggering testament to its enduring appeal. It’s a remarkable achievement, really.
Future looks bright: extended run ahead
Channel 4 has already confirmed a further six series, extending the show’s run well into the future. Spin-offs, including Taskmaster Champion of Champions and Taskmaster’s New Year Treat, are also slated for return, suggesting the franchise is far from reaching its expiration date. Davies himself seems genuinely amused, a rare expression for the man.
Ultimately, Taskmaster isn't about winning or losing; it’s about witnessing the spectacularly chaotic application of logic – or, more often, the complete absence thereof. Expect more humiliation, more absurd challenges, and more Greg Davies’ deadpan commentary. It's a reliably brilliant distraction, and frankly, we desperately need it.