Key Highlights:
- Greg Davies and Alex Horne joined Mashable’s Say More to discuss Taskmaster Series 22, featuring contestants Richard Ayoade, Chloe Petts, Isy Suttie, Matt Lucas, and Nina Conti.
- Horne and Davies addressed how they navigate disruptive “chaos agents” like Ayoade, confirming that Horne does not build special task contingencies for subversive players.
- Horne addressed his recent appearance on Dropout’s Game Changer, noting that while there are no definitive plans for another crossover, he and Davies hope to visit the United States soon.
Inside ‘Taskmaster’ Series 22: Managing Comedy’s Subversive Forces
The beloved British comedy game show Taskmaster has returned to the spotlight on Mashable’s interview show Say More, featuring creator Alex Horne and host Greg Davies in conversation with Mashable Executive Producer Mark Stetson. The duo offered an in-depth breakdown of the chaotic Series 22, which boasts an eccentric roster of competitors including Richard Ayoade, Chloe Petts, Isy Suttie, Matt Lucas, and Nina Conti. During the discussion, Davies and Horne reflected on their philosophy for navigating unpredictable comedy performers, the most memorable wardrobe choices across the show’s history, the rare instances that forced them to break character, and Davies’ personal fondness for Caramac bars.
A central pillar of the Taskmaster format is that each task functions as an open canvas, allowing comedians to interpret instructions through their distinct comedic lenses. Occasionally, participants choose to completely upend the foundational premise rather than execute the assigned challenge as written. In Series 22, that unpredictable presence is Richard Ayoade. Addressing Ayoade’s disruptive approach, Horne explained: We knew what we were getting into with him,
adding, He doesn’t like playing by the rules. So… he’s going to be trying to unpick it.
The Art of Not Planning for Chaos
Davies expanded on the dynamic between Horne’s meticulous puzzle construction and Ayoade’s contrarian instincts. Reflecting on the creative tension in the studio and on location, Davies remarked: Alex is very organized and has spent a great deal of time designing these games. And you know, with someone like Richard, he’s not going to just fall into line. He’s a very strong flavor of character, and he’s going to play things his way.
Despite dealing with subversive competitors over more than twenty series—drawing comparisons to unpredictable performers like Jason Mantzoukas—Horne revealed that he refrains from designing safeguard measures or alternative rules to keep participants on track. When asked if he designs contingencies specifically for these disruptors, Horne said: Not really. You’d be amazed how little has changed. Because it’s still going to be five different people coming in trying to do the thing. And once the cameras roll, they are just in the moment and they forget about everything else. So if you’ve got a Rich Ayoade, he will turn things on their head.
Potential Crossovers and Future U.S. Visits
The conversation also pivoted toward Horne’s international presence, particularly his guest cameo on Dropout’s acclaimed improvisational game show Game Changer. When Stetson questioned whether fans might see further collaborations between the two comedy properties, Horne kept future prospects open but tempered immediate expectations. I don’t know. We saw that we were both doing vaguely similar shows, and so he got in touch and came over to England. We are also both very busy, so I think we’ll keep tantalizing people. So who knows? I mean, currently no big plans, but Greg and I hope to come to America again very soon, so you never know.
Why This Matters
The enduring appeal of Taskmaster lies in its balance between Horne’s rigid, literal game mechanics and the psychological unpredictability of its contestants. Rather than tightening the format against “chaos agents” who deliberately dismantle task briefs, the production deliberately allows rule-breaking to drive natural comedy. Additionally, Horne’s interaction with the American comedy platform Dropout highlights the growing international footprint of British panel and game formats among North American audiences, particularly as Taskmaster expands its global accessibility through platforms like YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the contestants competing in ‘Taskmaster’ Series 22?
Series 22 features a lineup consisting of Richard Ayoade, Chloe Petts, Isy Suttie, Matt Lucas, and Nina Conti.
Where can viewers watch ‘Taskmaster’ Series 22?
Taskmaster Series 22 is currently available for streaming on YouTube.
Will there be another crossover between ‘Taskmaster’ and Dropout’s ‘Game Changer’?
According to Alex Horne, there are currently no major plans in place for another crossover due to busy schedules, though he mentioned that he and Greg Davies hope to visit America again in the near future.
