Full Disclosure: I’m just recommending series whenever I can. Check out Series 13!

This analysis is a bit different. For the past couple of weeks, I kept trying to decide what fictional book, movie, game, or show I should review next, and I kept coming up blank. Truthfully, I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately with life events and working toward officially releasing my first novel, Whispers of the Portal.

I’ve mentioned in previous posts that I am very much an overthinker and tend to fixate on getting something “perfect,” which, let’s face it, is impossible. I could be the most prolific writer in the world (spoiler: I’m not), and there will always be people who won’t enjoy what I share or create. It’s a tough truth to accept.

So, as has often happened in the past, I allow fear to take hold, insisting that I’m safer if I don’t share anything. Just keep my stories and characters to myself. It’s a big reason why The Anomalies series sat in a file on my computer for nearly a decade before I finally decided that enough was enough and I needed to get serious about something that was so important to me.

But even now, I’m hesitating because the buildup to releasing my first novel has become such a big deal in my mind. I’ve done countless edits and revisions, worked with beta readers and an editor, and have a clear timeline of how the next few weeks need to unfold. Yet still, I freeze.

Then I saw a post on Pinterest that really spoke to me:

“If you’re an anxious person, do everything for fun. Go to a job interview for fun. Submit documents for fun. Start a blog for fun. Anxiety feeds on importance. Don’t make everything a matter of life and death.”

It was such a clear and obvious reminder that I desperately needed. I’ve been told before, “Don’t borrow trouble. Stop worrying so much. You’re overthinking. Focus on the now.” But seeing it laid out like this gave me a new perspective because, above all else, I write for fun. So why should I take the joy out of sharing my work?

“All the Information Is on the Task”

Thinking about that perspective made me think of my favorite show—the one I return to time and time again whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed: Taskmaster.

Like many other fortunate viewers during an unfortunate time, I stumbled upon Taskmaster through a recommendation on YouTube in December 2020. One of the rare occasions where the algorithm got it completely right, I assumed it was because I had been watching clips of Noel Fielding from The Great British Bake Off. The recommendation was for Taskmaster Series 4, Episode 3: “Hollowing Out a Baguette.”

Feeling down and in desperate need of a distraction, I pressed play, not expecting much.

What I found instead was a source of absolute joy that has stayed with me ever since.

If you’re unfamiliar with the show, Taskmaster is a British panel show where five comedians or celebrities complete a series of increasingly absurd tasks that are judged by the Taskmaster himself, Greg Davies. The show’s premise comes from the brilliant mind of Alex Horne, who also stars as the long-suffering Taskmaster’s Assistant, documenting the contestants’ attempts while doing his best to keep them on track. The tasks range from creative challenges and perplexing puzzles to deceptively simple instructions that reward careful reading. The real delight comes from seeing how differently each contestant interprets exactly the same challenge.

It’s remarkable what this show has managed to achieve. In just over a decade, it has produced 21 seasons (“Series, Jason.”), multiple Champion of Champions specials, New Year’s Treats, Taskmaster Junior, numerous international adaptations, and shows no signs of slowing down.

“A Yardstick for Failure”

The real Dynamic Duo: Greg & Alex. Check out every series!

It’s difficult to encapsulate what makes Taskmaster such an entertaining and enduring series because there isn’t one single answer. The production team crafts each episode with excellent editing and sound design that help create a narrative beyond simply watching people complete challenges. Greg and Alex have developed one of my favorite comedic partnerships on television, and every new cast somehow creates its own unique chemistry that makes each series feel distinct from the last.

But I think what I love most is that Taskmaster perfectly embodies the quote that inspired this article.

It approaches challenges with fun.

Watching people tackle seemingly ridiculous or impossible tasks under a time limit is endlessly entertaining because success is never guaranteed. Sometimes brilliance emerges. Sometimes complete chaos unfolds. Sometimes contestants fail spectacularly. Yet the show celebrates every outcome because the joy comes from the attempt rather than the result.

Taskmaster has also introduced me to so many wonderful comedians over the years. Every series usually features at least two or three contestants I’d never heard of beforehand who quickly become personal favorites. I also think it says something that even my “least favorite” seasons remain genuinely enjoyable and always contain moments worth revisiting.

“Your Time Starts Now”

So this has been a rather roundabout way of saying that I hope we can all take a little inspiration from Taskmaster.

Find the joy in the task.

Don’t let fear convince you that every opportunity is a pass-or-fail test.

Whether it’s writing a novel, applying for a new job, starting a creative project, or simply trying something unfamiliar, not every challenge has to carry the weight of defining who we are. Sometimes it’s enough to simply show up, give it your best effort, and discover something about yourself along the way. (I’ll endeavor to practice what I preach.)

That’s ultimately what Taskmaster reminds me every time I watch it. The contestants aren’t memorable because they always succeed. They’re memorable because they embrace the absurdity, adapt when things inevitably go wrong, and somehow find a reason to laugh anyway.

If you’re interested in stepping into the world of Taskmaster, you’re in luck because the full series is available to watch for free on the Official Taskmaster YouTube channel in most regions outside the UK. One of the best things about the show is that you can jump into almost any series without needing prior context. When recommending it to friends, I usually ask whether there's a British comedian or television personality they already enjoy because, more often than not, there’s a Taskmaster connection waiting to be discovered.

While I genuinely think every series is worth watching (and rewatching), these are the ones I most often recommend:

Series 19

Contestants: Fatiha El-Ghorri · Jason Mantzoukas · Mathew Baynton · Rosie Ramsey · Stevie Martin

This series is full of chaos and witty banter from start to finish. The cast develops a fantastic dynamic and keeps the energy high throughout.

Series 7

Contestants: James Acaster · Jessica Knappett · Kerry Godliman · Phil Wang · Rhod Gilbert

This cast is full of bold personalities who aren’t afraid to challenge one another or even the Taskmaster himself. Hilarity naturally follows.

Series 4

Contestants: Hugh Dennis · Joe Lycett · Lolly Adefope · Mel Giedroyc · Noel Fielding

The series that started it all for me. The cast strikes a wonderful balance between wholesome warmth and delightful eccentricity, and it remains one of my comfort seasons to revisit.

Honorable Mention: Taskmaster New Year’s Treat 2021

Contestants: John Hannah · Krishnan Guru-Murthy · Nicola Coughlan · Rylan Clark · Shirley Ballas

If you’re looking for a one- or two-episode introduction to what Taskmaster has to offer, the New Year’s Treat specials are a fantastic place to start. This particular cast is quick-witted from the very beginning, and I still wish they had been given a full series together. I also think this episode would especially appeal to fans of Bridgerton and The Mummy.

Images are used under fair use for commentary and analysis. All copyrights remain with their original owners.

Seeking Joy Through Tasks and Trials

“All the Information Is on the Task”

“A Yardstick for Failure”