What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedTaskmaster
Alex Horne · Series · 2015
If you loved Taskmaster, start with Tailenders — a podcast on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to Taskmaster across media.
You love Taskmaster because you enjoy watching eccentric people attempt absurd, high-stakes challenges where their dignity is consistently at risk.
Books on the same thread
How to Be Perfect
Michael Schur, Todd May · Book · 2022
Explores: Moral decision-making, Virtue ethics, Practical living.
Just as Taskmaster forces comedians to navigate impossible scenarios, this guide applies rigorous, humorous logic to the messy, high-stakes ethical dilemmas of living a truly perfect life.
Dog Man
Dav Pilkey · Book · 2016
Explores: Good vs. Evil, Crime-fighting, Animal Heroes.
Like the creative problem-solving found in Taskmaster, this story features a hero who navigates bizarre, slapstick obstacles with a unique approach that prioritizes chaos over traditional logic.
The Sandman
Neil Gaiman and Dirk Maggs · Book
Explores: personification of abstract concepts, dreamscapes, interdimensional travel.
The elaborate, surreal world-building here mirrors the bizarre, custom-crafted reality of Taskmaster, offering an immersive experience that feels as meticulously designed as one of Alex Horne’s tasks.
Spy x Family, Vol. 1
Tatsuya Endo · Book · 2020
Explores: found family, secret identity, espionage.
This story captures the same frantic, comedic energy as Taskmaster, focusing on a group of misfits attempting to maintain their composure while completing highly unusual, secret missions.
Films on the same thread
Best in Show
Christopher Guest · Film · 2000
Explores: Dog Shows, Eccentric Characters, Parody.
The mockumentary format echoes the observational humor of Taskmaster, highlighting how intense, hyper-competitive personalities behave when they are faced with ridiculous, high-pressure tasks in a public arena.
The Ladykillers
Alexander Mackendrick · Film · 1955
Explores: Criminal incompetence, Old vs. New, Moral ambiguity.
This film showcases the same criminal incompetence and absurd planning seen in Taskmaster, where a group of oddballs attempts to execute a complex, poorly conceived scheme together.
What We Do in the Shadows
Jemaine Clement · Film · 2014
Explores: Vampires, Modern Life, Housemates.
Much like the housemates in Taskmaster, these characters navigate the mundane difficulties of modern existence through a lens of absurd, improvisational comedy that highlights their collective lack of competence.
Kick-Ass
Matthew Vaughn · Film · 2010
Explores: Ordinary People as Superheroes, Deconstruction of Superhero Tropes, Vigilantism.
This story deconstructs genre tropes with the same irreverent spirit found in Taskmaster, focusing on ordinary people who attempt to perform heroic feats without any actual preparation.
Podcasts on the same thread
Tailenders
Podcast
Explores: cricket, sports, humor.
Fans of Taskmaster will appreciate this podcast for its playful, alternative look at a structured sport, mirroring the way the show subverts traditional rules for comedic effect.
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
The improvised group dynamics and high-stakes chaos mirror the best moments of Taskmaster, where participants must rely on quick thinking and humor to navigate their fantastical, absurd environment.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What is the premise of Taskmaster?
Taskmaster features Greg Davies as the Taskmaster and Alex Horne as his assistant. Together, they challenge five hyper-competitive comedians to a series of tests designed to evaluate their wiles, wit, wisdom, and skills to determine who will be crowned the champion.
Who hosts Taskmaster?
Taskmaster is hosted by Greg Davies, who serves as the titular Taskmaster. He is supported by his assistant, Alex Horne, who helps facilitate the various challenges and tests presented to the five participating comedians throughout the series.
What is the goal for contestants on Taskmaster?
The five comedians competing on Taskmaster aim to demonstrate their wit and skills across various tasks set by the Taskmaster and his assistant. The ultimate objective for each participant is to outperform their peers and be crowned the official Taskmaster champion.
Is Taskmaster a competition show?
Yes, Taskmaster is a competitive series where five comedians are tested on their wiles, wit, wisdom, and skills. The contestants compete against one another in challenges assigned by Greg Davies and Alex Horne to see who will win the title of Taskmaster champion.