Taskmaster Australia is a hit Australian comedy panel show that first aired on Network 10 on 2 February 2023. Adapted from the award-winning British show Taskmaster created by Alex Horne, it features a panel of five celebrities—mainly comedians—competing in bizarre and hilarious tasks. The series is hosted by Tom Gleeson, the “Taskmaster”, alongside his assistant Tom Cashman, nicknamed “Lesser Tom”.
With its witty format, chaotic energy, and competitive spirit, Taskmaster Australia quickly established itself as a standout program in the local comedy landscape. The show blends physical, creative, and lateral-thinking challenges with sharp banter, ensuring every episode delivers laughter.
Format of Taskmaster Australia
The Taskmaster Australia format mirrors its British counterpart. Contestants compete in pre-recorded tasks filmed at the Taskmaster Retreat, a quirky property in Riverhead, New Zealand.
- Prize Task: Each episode starts with contestants bringing in items based on a theme. These are judged for points.
- Pre-recorded Tasks: Contestants attempt three individual or team challenges ranging from absurd art projects to physical stunts.
- Studio Judging: Clips are shown, and Tom Gleeson awards points while Tom Cashman assists with rule clarifications.
- Final Live Task: Contestants face a studio game, often physical or logic-based.
- Series Champion: Across ten episodes, one contestant earns the most points and wins the Taskmaster trophy, modeled after Tom Gleeson’s head.
This formula has proved universally appealing, blending competition with unpredictability and comedy.
Seasons Overview
Season 1 (2023)
Premiered on 2 February 2023 with contestants:
- Danielle Walker (winner)
- Jimmy Rees
- Julia Morris
- Luke McGregor
- Nina Oyama
Danielle Walker claimed the inaugural championship. Episodes like “Foot Juice” and “Lucky with a Sausage” established the offbeat humor of the series.
Season 2 (2024)
Originally filmed as the third series, Season 2 aired in May 2024 with:
- Lloyd Langford (winner, after tie-breaker)
- Anne Edmonds (runner-up)
- Jenny Tian
- Josh Thomas
- Wil Anderson
This season delivered standout episodes such as “A Hotly Contested Auction” and “Killed by a Nerd”.
Season 3 (2024)
Aired in September 2024, featuring:
- Aaron Chen (winner)
- Concetta Caristo
- Mel Buttle
- Peter Helliar
- Rhys Nicholson
Aaron Chen excelled in tasks, including “For Your Logie Consideration” and “Gimme Some Item”. This season featured special cameos by Cate Blanchett and Alex Horne.
Season 4 (2025)
Released on 27 March 2025, the cast included:
- Emma Holland (winner)
- Takashi Wakasugi (runner-up)
- Tommy Little
- Lisa McCune
- Dave Hughes
Highlights included “Wasting a Man’s Time” and “You’ve Unleashed the Dragon”. Emma Holland’s sharp wit and inventive task-solving made her a breakout star.
Season 5 (2025)
Filmed in March 2025 with a cast of:
- Anisa Nandaula
- Brett Blake
- Celia Pacquola
- Joel Creasey
- Rove McManus
The season is set to air later in 2025.
Season 6 (2025)
Studio filming is confirmed for October 2025 at NEP Studios Sydney, continuing the momentum of the franchise.
Cast and Key Figures
- Tom Gleeson – The Taskmaster, known for his blunt and sarcastic humor.
- Tom Cashman – The Taskmaster’s Assistant, providing rule enforcement and comic relief.
- Alex Horne – Creator of the original Taskmaster format, serving as executive producer.
- Cam Bakker – Series producer who developed the Australian version.
- Contestants – Comedians and celebrities rotate each season, offering fresh dynamics.
Production and Filming
Taskmaster Australia production is a collaboration between:
- Avalon Television (UK company behind the original show)
- Kevin & Co. (New Zealand company, making its first production outside NZ)
Filming takes place at the Taskmaster Retreat in New Zealand, the same location as Taskmaster NZ. Studio elements are filmed in Sydney (seasons 1, 2, 4, 5, 6) and Melbourne (season 3).
Tasks are developed by a team of writers, including Sam Smith (Taskmaster NZ) and Tom Cashman, before receiving final approval from Alex Horne.
Episode Highlights
Across four seasons (40 episodes as of May 2025), Taskmaster Australia has produced memorable moments:
- Season 1: Danielle Walker’s quirky win in “Foot Juice”.
- Season 2: Josh Thomas’ emotional outburst in “The Moment of Divorce Is Recorded”.
- Season 3: Aaron Chen’s creativity in “For Your Logie Consideration”.
- Season 4: Emma Holland’s dominance with multiple episode wins.
Viewership has ranged between 235,000 and 444,000, with audiences praising its chaotic humor and unpredictable tasks.
Reception
Critical reception has been positive. The Age praised Season 1, noting the show captured the essence of the British original while letting Tom Gleeson craft a uniquely Australian Taskmaster persona. Fans highlight the chemistry between Gleeson and Cashman as central to the show’s success.
The program’s presence on the official Taskmaster YouTube channel has broadened its audience, allowing international fans to enjoy highlights.
Why Taskmaster Australia Works
Several factors explain the show’s success:
- Familiar Format, Fresh Casts – A tried-and-tested concept reinvented each season with new comedians.
- Australian Humor – The sarcastic wit of Tom Gleeson aligns with the nation’s comedic style.
- Global Appeal – As part of the Taskmaster franchise, it draws fans worldwide.
- Balance of Chaos and Competition – The unpredictability of tasks keeps both participants and viewers engaged.
Taskmaster Franchise
Taskmaster Australia joins a growing list of international adaptations, including:
- Taskmaster UK – The original, launched in 2015.
- Taskmaster NZ – A popular New Zealand version.
- Other versions in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Spain, and Portugal.
By maintaining consistency while localizing humor, the franchise has become a global comedy phenomenon.
Conclusion
Taskmaster Australia has quickly cemented itself as one of the best modern comedy shows on Network 10. With Tom Gleeson as the commanding Taskmaster and Tom Cashman as his quirky assistant, the series blends absurd tasks, hilarious contestant performances, and witty judgment into pure entertainment.
As it moves into Season 5 and 6, the show continues to grow its fanbase, proving that the Taskmaster format is as popular in Australia as it is in the UK and beyond. For fans of comedy panel shows, Taskmaster Australia is a must-watch blend of chaos, creativity, and competition.
