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| image = Taskmaster New Zealand title card.jpg
| image = Taskmaster New Zealand title card.jpg
| caption = Title card (season 4–present)
| caption = Title card (season 4–present)
| genre = [[Comedy]], [[panel game]]
| genre = [[television comedy|Comedy]]<br>[[panel game]]
| creator = [[Alex Horne]]
| creator = [[Alex Horne]]
| developer =
| developer =
| writer = {{Plainlist|
| writer = {{Plainlist|
* Sam Smith
* Sam Smith
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| starring = [[Paul Williams (comedian)|Paul Williams]] (assistant)
| starring = [[Paul Williams (comedian)|Paul Williams]] (assistant)
| theme_music_composer = [[The Horne Section]]
| theme_music_composer = [[The Horne Section]]
| country = New Zealand
| country = New Zealand
| language = English
| language = English
| num_series = 4
| num_series = 5
| num_episodes = 40
| num_episodes = 50
| list_episodes =
| list_episodes =
| executive_producer = {{Plainlist|
| executive_producer = {{Plainlist|
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Following the format of the original British version, the show consists of five contestants who compete in a series of strange and unusual tasks to gain points from the Taskmaster, [[Jeremy Wells]], administered by his assistant, comedian [[Paul Williams (comedian)|Paul Williams]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/taskmaster-nz|title=Taskmaster NZ|date=|website=TVNZ.co.nz|accessdate=2 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/taskmaster-nz-team-revealed-as-shows-release-date-nears/IZYROBUCFO5HGF4NSAVTWT74DQ/|title=Taskmaster NZ: Team revealed as shows release date nears|first=Michael|last=Craig|date=27 September 2020|website=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|accessdate=2 December 2020}}</ref>
Following the format of the original British version, the show consists of five contestants who compete in a series of strange and unusual tasks to gain points from the Taskmaster, [[Jeremy Wells]], administered by his assistant, comedian [[Paul Williams (comedian)|Paul Williams]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/taskmaster-nz|title=Taskmaster NZ|date=|website=TVNZ.co.nz|accessdate=2 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/taskmaster-nz-team-revealed-as-shows-release-date-nears/IZYROBUCFO5HGF4NSAVTWT74DQ/|title=Taskmaster NZ: Team revealed as shows release date nears|first=Michael|last=Craig|date=27 September 2020|website=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|accessdate=2 December 2020}}</ref>


''Taskmaster New Zealand'' is produced for [[TVNZ]] with support from [[NZ On Air]]. The first series was broadcast in the spring of 2020, while the second series was broadcast in the winter of 2021,<ref name="Joke">{{cite web |last1=Dessau |first1=Bruce |title=News: More Taskmaster For New Zealand |url=https://www.beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/10205/taskmaster-new-zealand |website=Beyond the Joke |date=9 March 2021 |access-date=10 March 2021}}</ref> the third in winter 2022,<ref name="NZ3">{{cite web |title=April 2022 Funding Decisions |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/news/april-2022-funding-decisions/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date=9 May 2022}}</ref><ref name="S3Date">{{cite web |title=Taskmaster NZ Season 3 starts July 6th |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/taskmaster/comments/vi25iv/taskmaster_nz_season_3_starts_july_6th/ |website=Reddit |access-date=22 June 2022 |date=22 June 2022}}</ref> and the fourth in winter 2023.<ref name="NOAS4">{{cite web |title=Clean sweep for comedy in NZ On Air's latest Scripted funding round |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/news/clean-sweep-for-comedy-in-nz-on-airs-latest-scripted-funding-round/ |website=NZOnAir |access-date=5 December 2022 |date=5 December 2022}}</ref> Funding for a fifth series was announced in November 2023, for 2024 broadcast.<ref name="NZOAS5">{{cite web |title=A scripted comedy and dark drama join slate of popular returning series funded by NZ On Air |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/news/a-scripted-comedy-and-dark-drama-join-slate-of-popular-returning-series-funded-by-nz-on-air/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date=6 January 2024 |date=24 November 2023}}</ref>
''Taskmaster New Zealand'' is produced for [[TVNZ]] with support from [[NZ On Air]]. The first series was broadcast in the spring of 2020, while the second series was broadcast in the winter of 2021,<ref name="Joke">{{cite web |last1=Dessau |first1=Bruce |title=News: More Taskmaster For New Zealand |url=https://www.beyondthejoke.co.uk/content/10205/taskmaster-new-zealand |website=Beyond the Joke |date=9 March 2021 |access-date=10 March 2021}}</ref> the third in winter 2022,<ref name="NZ3">{{cite web |title=April 2022 Funding Decisions |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/news/april-2022-funding-decisions/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date=9 May 2022}}</ref><ref name="S3Date">{{cite web |title=Taskmaster NZ Season 3 starts July 6th |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/taskmaster/comments/vi25iv/taskmaster_nz_season_3_starts_july_6th/ |website=Reddit |access-date=22 June 2022 |date=22 June 2022}}</ref> the fourth in winter 2023,<ref name="NOAS4">{{cite web |title=Clean sweep for comedy in NZ On Air's latest Scripted funding round |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/news/clean-sweep-for-comedy-in-nz-on-airs-latest-scripted-funding-round/ |website=NZOnAir |access-date=5 December 2022 |date=5 December 2022}}</ref> and the fifth in winter 2024.<ref name="NZOAS5">{{cite web |title=A scripted comedy and dark drama join slate of popular returning series funded by NZ On Air |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/news/a-scripted-comedy-and-dark-drama-join-slate-of-popular-returning-series-funded-by-nz-on-air/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date=6 January 2024 |date=24 November 2023}}</ref> Funding for a sixth season was announced in November 2024.<ref name="NZOAS6">{{Cite web |title=Firm audience favourites lead NZ On Air Non-Fiction funding |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/news/firm-audience-favourites-lead-nz-on-air-non-fiction-funding/ |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=www.nzonair.govt.nz |language=en}}</ref>


==Cast==
==Cast==
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|-
|-
!rowspan=2|Season
!rowspan=2|Season
! rowspan="2" |Year
!colspan=5|Seating
! colspan="5" |Seating
|-
|-
!1st
!1st
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|-
|-
! 1
! 1
| 2020
| style="background:Gold;"| [[Angella Dravid]] {{asterisk}}
| style="background:Gold;" | [[Angella Dravid]] {{asterisk}}
| [[Brynley Stent]]
| [[Brynley Stent]]
| [[Guy Williams (comedian)|Guy Williams]]
| [[Guy Williams (comedian)|Guy Williams]]
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|-
|-
! 2
! 2
| 2021
| [[David Correos]]
| [[David Correos]]
| [[Guy Montgomery]]
| [[Guy Montgomery]]
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|-
|-
! 3
! 3
| 2022
| [[Chris Parker (comedian)|Chris Parker]]
| [[Chris Parker (comedian)|Chris Parker]]
| style="background:Gold;"| [[Josh Thomson (actor)|Josh Thomson]] {{asterisk}}
| style="background:Gold;"| [[Josh Thomson (actor)|Josh Thomson]] {{asterisk}}
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|-
|-
! 4
! 4
| 2023
| [[Sieni Leo'o Olo|Bubbah]]
| [[Sieni Leo'o Olo|Bubbah]]
| [[Dai Henwood]]
| [[Dai Henwood]]
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|-
|-
! 5
! 5
| 2024
| [[Abby Howells]]
| [[Abby Howells]]
| [[Ben Hurley]]
| [[Ben Hurley]]
| [[Hayley Sproull]]
| style="background:Gold;"| [[Hayley Sproull]] {{asterisk}}
| [[Tofiga Fepulea'i]]
| [[Tofiga Fepulea'i]]
| [[Tom Sainsbury]]
| [[Tom Sainsbury]]
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Alex Horne made a cameo in the introduction to the third episode, with the voices of previous contestants Guy Williams, Guy Montgomery and Josh Thomson appearing together in one of the episode's tasks. Thomson also was the director for some location tasks.<ref name="twitch-recap-1">{{cite AV media |people=Bracewell, Melanie; O'Leary, Ray |date=16 August 2023 |title=Taskmaster NZ Recap, Episodes 1 & 2 |type= |url=https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1900112552 |access-date= |time=53:50 |location= |publisher=Twitch }}</ref> Series 2 contestant Matt Heath made an indirect cameo via a task attempt in the eighth episode.
Alex Horne made a cameo in the introduction to the third episode, with the voices of previous contestants Guy Williams, Guy Montgomery and Josh Thomson appearing together in one of the episode's tasks. Thomson also was the director for some location tasks.<ref name="twitch-recap-1">{{cite AV media |people=Bracewell, Melanie; O'Leary, Ray |date=16 August 2023 |title=Taskmaster NZ Recap, Episodes 1 & 2 |type= |url=https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1900112552 |access-date= |time=53:50 |location= |publisher=Twitch }}</ref> Series 2 contestant Matt Heath made an indirect cameo via a task attempt in the eighth episode.


Episodes aired at an earlier timeslot compared to preceding seasons to compete with [[Three_(TV_channel)|Three]]'s ''[[The Traitors|The Traitors NZ]]''. Viewership, overall, increased throughout the series. The first two episodes achieved an average audience of 157,800 viewers in consolidated viewing figures,<ref>{{cite web |title=Audience ratings for TV - The 10 highest rating funded television programmes on air between 23 July - 19 August 2023
Episodes aired at an earlier timeslot compared to preceding seasons to compete with [[Three_(TV_channel)|Three]]'s ''[[The Traitors|The Traitors NZ]]''. <!-- Not comparable to prior seasons as episodes aired in a different time slot --> The first two episodes achieved an average audience of 157,800 viewers in consolidated viewing figures,<ref>{{cite web |title=Audience ratings for TV - The 10 highest rating funded television programmes on air between 23 July - 19 August 2023
|url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date=30 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830132015/https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |archive-date=30 August 2023}}</ref> with the second set of episodes (the third and fourth) averaging approximately 152,200 viewers,<ref>{{cite web |title=Audience ratings for TV - The 10 highest rating funded television programmes on air between 30 July - 26 August 2023
|url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date=30 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830132015/https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |archive-date=30 August 2023}}</ref> with the second set of episodes (the third and fourth) averaging approximately 152,200 viewers,<ref>{{cite web |title=Audience ratings for TV - The 10 highest rating funded television programmes on air between 30 July - 26 August 2023
|url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date=7 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907215735/https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |archive-date=7 September 2023}}</ref> <!--- Episodes 1-4 averaged 155,000. Ep 3-4 average is ep1-2 average minus the difference between ep1-2 and ep1-4. ---> the third week of episodes (the fifth and the sixth) averaging approximately 173,000 viewers,<ref>{{cite web |title=Audience ratings for TV - The 10 highest rating funded television programmes on air between 6 August -2 August [sic] 2023 |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date=14 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230914221940/https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |archive-date=14 September 2023}}</ref> the fourth week (episodes seven and eight) averaging approximately 163,900,<ref>{{cite web |title=Audience ratings for TV - The 10 highest rating funded television programmes on air between 3 September -30 September 2023 |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date=14 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014011010/https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |archive-date=14 October 2023}}</ref> and the final (episodes nine and ten) averaging 178,300.<ref>{{cite web |title=Audience ratings for TV - The 10 highest rating funded television programmes on air between 10 September -7 October 2023 |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date=26 October 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026003308/https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:gr6PEA2E2PwJ:https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/&hl=en&gl=uk |archive-date=26 October 2023}}</ref><!--- Episodes 1-6 averaged 161,000. Ep 5-6 average is ep1-6 average multiplied by 3 minus ep1-2 and ep3-4 averages. Ep 7-8 average is ep 9-10 average minus the difference between ep7-10 and ep-9-10.---> Viewership for individual episodes is unavailable due to the unique way television ratings are reported.
|url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date=7 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907215735/https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |archive-date=7 September 2023}}</ref> <!-- Episodes 1-4 averaged 155,000. Ep 3-4 average is ep1-2 average minus the difference between ep1-2 and ep1-4. --> the third week of episodes (the fifth and the sixth) averaging approximately 173,000 viewers,<ref>{{cite web |title=Audience ratings for TV - The 10 highest rating funded television programmes on air between 6 August -2 August [sic] 2023 |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date=14 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230914221940/https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |archive-date=14 September 2023}}</ref> the fourth week (episodes seven and eight) averaging approximately 163,900,<ref>{{cite web |title=Audience ratings for TV - The 10 highest rating funded television programmes on air between 3 September -30 September 2023 |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date=14 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014011010/https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |archive-date=14 October 2023}}</ref> and the final (episodes nine and ten) averaging 178,300.<ref>{{cite web |title=Audience ratings for TV - The 10 highest rating funded television programmes on air between 10 September -7 October 2023 |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date=26 October 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026003308/https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:gr6PEA2E2PwJ:https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/&hl=en&gl=uk |archive-date=26 October 2023}}</ref><!-- Episodes 1-6 averaged 161,000. Ep 5-6 average is ep1-6 average multiplied by 3 minus ep1-2 and ep3-4 averages. Ep 7-8 average is ep 9-10 average minus the difference between ep7-10 and ep-9-10. --> Viewership for individual episodes is unavailable due to the unique way television ratings are reported.


{{Episode table |total_width=70% |background=#FFE599 |overall = 8 |title = 30 |aux2 = 25 |aux2T = Winner |airdate = 25 |airdateR =<ref name="S4Airdates"/> |country = U.S. |episodes =
{{Episode table |total_width=70% |background=#FFE599 |overall = 8 |title = 30 |aux2 = 25 |aux2T = Winner |airdate = 25 |airdateR =<ref name="S4Airdates"/> |country = U.S. |episodes =
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=== Series 5 (2024) ===
=== Series 5 (2024) ===
The show's recommission for a fifth series was confirmed in November 2023. It will, again, consist of ten episodes.<ref name="NZOAS5"/> Studio filming took place between 4 and 8 June 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=TaskMaster.Info - Taskmaster NZ: Season 5 |url=https://taskmaster.info/season.php?id=91 |access-date=2024-06-04 |website=taskmaster.info}}</ref>
The show's recommission for a fifth series was confirmed in November 2023.<ref name="NZOAS5"/> Studio filming took place between 4 and 8 June 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=TaskMaster.Info - Taskmaster NZ: Season 5 |url=https://taskmaster.info/season.php?id=91 |access-date=2024-06-04 |website=taskmaster.info}}</ref>


The cast was revealed on 20{{nbsp}}July 2024, as [[Abby Howells]], [[Ben Hurley]], [[Hayley Sproull]], [[Tofiga Fepulea'i]], and [[Tom Sainsbury]].<ref name="S5Cast">{{cite web |last1=Simich |first1=Ricardo |title=Taskmaster NZ: Season five stars revealed - Spy |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/taskmaster-nz-season-five-stars-revealed-spy/7S7JM6MU5JDL7KFKYLG4ZW37IU/ |website=NZ Herald |access-date=20 July 2024 |date=20 July 2024}}</ref> The series started airing on 6{{nbsp}}August 2024, again with two episodes broadcast weekly at the same time slot as the season prior.
The cast was revealed on 20{{nbsp}}July 2024, as [[Abby Howells]], [[Ben Hurley]], [[Hayley Sproull]], [[Tofiga Fepulea'i]], and [[Tom Sainsbury]].<ref name="S5Cast">{{cite web |last1=Simich |first1=Ricardo |title=Taskmaster NZ: Season five stars revealed - Spy |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/taskmaster-nz-season-five-stars-revealed-spy/7S7JM6MU5JDL7KFKYLG4ZW37IU/ |website=NZ Herald |access-date=20 July 2024 |date=20 July 2024}}</ref> The series started airing on 6{{nbsp}}August 2024, again with two episodes broadcast weekly at the same time slot as the season prior. Sproull was the overall winner of the series, with Hurley as the runner-up, while Sainsbury placed third, Fepulea'i placed fourth, and Howells finished last.


The first two episodes achieved an average audience of 163,600 viewers in consolidated viewing figures,<ref>{{cite web |title=Audience ratings for TV - The 10 highest rating funded television programmes on air between 14 July - 10 August 2024. |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date=21 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821170813/https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |archive-date=21 August 2024}}</ref> with the second week of episodes averaging approx. 154,000 viewers.<!-- Ep 3-4 average is ep1-2 average minus the difference between ep1-2 and ep1-4. --><ref>{{cite web |title=Audience ratings for TV - The 10 highest rating funded television programmes on air between 21 July - 17 August 2024. |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date=29 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240829140622/https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |archive-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> The third week of episodes averaged approx. 135,100 viewers,<!--- Ep 5-6 average is ep1-6 average multiplied by three, minus ep3-4 average and ep1-2 average ---><ref>{{cite web |title=Audience ratings for TV - The 10 highest rating funded television programmes on air between 28 July - 24 August 2024. |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date=5 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240905141838/https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |archive-date=5 September 2024}}</ref> with the fourth week averaging approx. 154,100 viewers,<ref>{{cite web |title=Audience ratings for TV - The 10 highest rating funded television programmes on air between 4 - 31 August 2024. |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |website=NZ On Air |date=13 September 2024 |access-date=13 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913104237/https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |archive-date=13 September 2024}}</ref> and the final, fifth week averaging 145,600 viewers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Audience ratings for TV - The 10 highest rating funded television programmes on air between 1 - 28 September 2024.
Season 1 contestant Madeleine Sami appeared as a guest in lieu of Fepulea'i in the first episode.
|url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date=16 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241016172028/https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |archive-date=16 October 2024}}</ref> Viewership for individual episodes is unavailable due to the unique way television ratings are reported.

As Fepulea'i was ill during the studio record, various previous contestants returned to represent him and conduct the prize and live tasks on his behalf. For episodes 1 and 2, Season 1 contestant Madeleine Sami returned; for episodes 3 and 4, Season 2 contestant Matt Heath; for episodes 5 and 6, Season 3 winner Josh Thomson; for episodes 7 and 8, Season 4 contestant Bubbah; and for episodes 9 and 10, Season 3 contestant Chris Parker. Bubbah also made an appearance in a pre-filmed task in the tenth episode.


{{Episode table |total_width=70% |background=#FFFF99 |overall = 8 |title = 30 |aux2 = 25 |aux2T = Winner |airdate = 25 |airdateR =<ref name="S5Airdates"/> |country = U.S. |episodes =
{{Episode table |total_width=70% |background=#FFFF99 |overall = 8 |title = 30 |aux2 = 25 |aux2T = Winner |airdate = 25 |airdateR =<ref name="S5Airdates"/> |country = U.S. |episodes =
Line 461: Line 470:
|EpisodeNumber = 2
|EpisodeNumber = 2
|Title = Slightly Sucked Pasta
|Title = Slightly Sucked Pasta
|Aux2 =
|Aux2 = Abby Howells
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|08|7|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|08|7|df=y}}
}}
}}
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|EpisodeNumber = 3
|EpisodeNumber = 3
|Title = The Lamp Left Me on Read
|Title = The Lamp Left Me on Read
|Aux2 =
|Aux2 = Tom Sainsbury
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|08|13|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|08|13|df=y}}
}}
}}
{{Episode list
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 4
|EpisodeNumber = 4
|Title =
|Title = Having a Flare-Up
|Aux2 =
|Aux2 = Ben Hurley
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|08|14|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|08|14|df=y}}
}}
}}
{{Episode list
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 5
|EpisodeNumber = 5
|Title =
|Title = A Marvellous Tool
|Aux2 =
|Aux2 = Hayley Sproull
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|08|20|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|08|20|df=y}}
}}
}}
{{Episode list
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 6
|EpisodeNumber = 6
|Title =
|Title = The One Where Rachel Dies in Childbirth
|Aux2 =
|Aux2 = Tofiga Fepulea'i
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|08|21|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|08|21|df=y}}
}}
}}
{{Episode list
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 7
|EpisodeNumber = 7
|Title =
|Title = Sierra Echo Xylophone
|Aux2 =
|Aux2 = Tom Sainsbury
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|08|27|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|08|27|df=y}}
}}
}}
{{Episode list
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 8
|EpisodeNumber = 8
|Title =
|Title = A Genie Comes If You Rub It
|Aux2 =
|Aux2 = Ben Hurley
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|08|28|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|08|28|df=y}}
}}
}}
{{Episode list
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 9
|EpisodeNumber = 9
|Title =
|Title = An Absolute Pedant
|Aux2 =
|Aux2 = Abby Howells
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|09|03|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|09|03|df=y}}
}}
}}
{{Episode list
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 10
|EpisodeNumber = 10
|Title =
|Title = Oh Baby It's Elegance
|Aux2 =
|Aux2 = Tofiga Fepulea'i
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|09|4|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|09|4|df=y}}
}}
}}
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==Production==
==Production==
Funding from NZ On Air for the first series was announced in September 2019.<ref name="NZOA1">{{cite web |title=More laugh therapy ordered for New Zealanders |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/news/more-laugh-therapy-ordered-new-zealanders/ |website=NZOnAir |access-date=15 May 2022 |date=27 September 2019}}</ref> Pre-recorded tasks are filmed at a mansion in North [[Auckland]] referred to as the "Taskmaster House" or "Taskmaster Ranch", which is actually a boutique events venue marketed under the name "HUs", situated between the communities of [[Riverhead, New Zealand|Riverhead]] and [[Coatesville, New Zealand|Coatesville]] to the north-west of Auckland, adjacent to [[Riverhead Forest]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/pop-culture/14-08-2023/a-strange-strange-morning-at-the-taskmaster-nz-house|title=A strange, strange morning at the Taskmaster NZ house|first=Stewart|last=Sowman-Lund|date=14 August 2023|website=The Spinoff}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Taskmaster+NZ+House+45+Croft+Lane,+Riverhead+0793,+New+Zealand/HUs+-+Boutique+Venue+&+Accommodation+Croft+Lane,+Riverhead,+New+Zealand/@-36.7267721,174.6127815,19z/|title=Taskmaster NZ House to HUs - Boutique Venue & Accommodation|website=Google Maps}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hus.nz/journal/choosing-a-bo|title=Discover the Magic HUs: Your Ideal Outdoor and Indoor Film Location in Auckland|website=HUs Boutique Auckland Venue}}</ref>
Funding from NZ On Air for the first series was announced in September 2019.<ref name="NZOA1">{{cite web |title=More laugh therapy ordered for New Zealanders |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/news/more-laugh-therapy-ordered-new-zealanders/ |website=NZOnAir |access-date=15 May 2022 |date=27 September 2019}}</ref> Pre-recorded tasks are filmed at a mansion in North [[Auckland]] referred to as the "Taskmaster House" or "Taskmaster Ranch", which is actually a boutique events venue marketed under the name "HUs", situated between the communities of [[Riverhead, New Zealand|Riverhead]] and [[Coatesville, New Zealand|Coatesville]] to the north-west of Auckland, adjacent to [[Riverhead Forest]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/pop-culture/14-08-2023/a-strange-strange-morning-at-the-taskmaster-nz-house|title=A strange, strange morning at the Taskmaster NZ house|first=Stewart|last=Sowman-Lund|date=14 August 2023|website=The Spinoff}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Taskmaster+NZ+House+45+Croft+Lane,+Riverhead+0793,+New+Zealand/HUs+-+Boutique+Venue+&+Accommodation+Croft+Lane,+Riverhead,+New+Zealand/@-36.7267721,174.6127815,19z/|title=Taskmaster NZ House to HUs - Boutique Venue & Accommodation|website=Google Maps}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hus.nz/journal/choosing-a-bo|title=Discover the Magic HUs: Your Ideal Outdoor and Indoor Film Location in Auckland|website=HUs Boutique Auckland Venue}}</ref> The same venue is used for tasks in ''[[Taskmaster Australia]]''.


Prior to the filming of the studio shows for the first series, a "warm-up episode" was shot with no studio audience – internally called "Episode Zero" – that allowed Wells and Williams to practice their roles, featuring some tasks that were going to be cut from the series proper.<ref>{{cite podcast
Prior to the filming of the studio shows for the first series, a "warm-up episode" was shot with no studio audience – internally called "Episode Zero" – that allowed Wells and Williams to practice their roles, featuring some tasks that were going to be cut from the series proper.<ref>{{cite podcast
Line 524: Line 533:
Justine Smith, speaking of her experience filming the third series, noted that the entire process is very different to that of her other usual television appearances, and that "taking part in Taskmaster requires a different skill set"; she commented that it was "very secretive", with contestants not privy to witnessing tasks being set up and are unaware of "what's happening in advance". Smith recalled that she was "taken in – literally almost with a hood over [her] head – to a room [you're] not allowed to leave" before "[you] come out[,] do the task and go straight back into [your] room"; the lack of a reaction to the performance in a task troubled Smith, who commented "[y]ou turn around and walk away, [it being] a comedian's worst nightmare to not have someone tell you it was OK or laugh."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nealon |first1=Sarah |title=Taskmaster NZ duo eye up the opposition |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/129035245/taskmaster-nz-duo-eye-up-the-opposition |website=Stuff.co.nz |access-date=3 July 2022 |date=23 June 2022}}</ref>
Justine Smith, speaking of her experience filming the third series, noted that the entire process is very different to that of her other usual television appearances, and that "taking part in Taskmaster requires a different skill set"; she commented that it was "very secretive", with contestants not privy to witnessing tasks being set up and are unaware of "what's happening in advance". Smith recalled that she was "taken in – literally almost with a hood over [her] head – to a room [you're] not allowed to leave" before "[you] come out[,] do the task and go straight back into [your] room"; the lack of a reaction to the performance in a task troubled Smith, who commented "[y]ou turn around and walk away, [it being] a comedian's worst nightmare to not have someone tell you it was OK or laugh."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nealon |first1=Sarah |title=Taskmaster NZ duo eye up the opposition |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/129035245/taskmaster-nz-duo-eye-up-the-opposition |website=Stuff.co.nz |access-date=3 July 2022 |date=23 June 2022}}</ref>


Coming up with tasks, writers Smith and Williams "abide by strict rules", in that tasks cannot be replicated from either a previous series or a version of ''Taskmaster'' from another country, and at least one task has been excised close to filming because of this. Tasks have to be submitted to and approved by producers before being presented to contestants. One task from the first series ("Make the best desert") was almost cut from broadcast because all of the contestants misread it (as "Make the best dessert"), but Stent's reaction when she re-read the task and understood it properly – which Williams called one of "the season's best moments" – convinced the producers to retain it.<ref name="S2Writers"/>
Coming up with tasks, writers Smith and Williams "abide by strict rules". Tasks have to be submitted to and approved by producers before being presented to contestants. One task from the first series ("Make the best desert") was almost cut from broadcast because all of the contestants misread it (as "Make the best dessert"), but Stent's reaction when she re-read the task and understood it properly – which Williams called one of "the season's best moments" – convinced the producers to retain it.<ref name="S2Writers"/>


===Funding===
===Funding===
''Taskmaster New Zealand'' receives funding from NZ On Air for one season a year.
''Taskmaster New Zealand'' receives funding from NZ On Air, which has, overall, increased over the course of its run. The first series was allocated "up to [[New Zealand dollar|$]]734,953",<ref name="NZOA1"/> the second "up to $792,119 plus a platform contribution reduction of $635,040",<ref>{{cite web |title=The best medicine – three local comedy productions set to bring laughter to Aotearoa audiences |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/news/the-best-medicine-three-local-comedy-productions-set-to-bring-laughter-to-aotearoa-audiences/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date=20 May 2022 |date=5 March 2021}}</ref> and the third confirmed for "up to $886,574".<ref name="NZ3"/>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"

|+ NZ On Air funding for ''Taskmaster''
Funding for a fourth series was confirmed in December 2022, falling slightly, with "up to $882,119" assigned.<ref name="NOAS4"/> The fifth series was awarded the highest level of funding yet, with "up to $935,059".<ref name="NZOAS5"/>
! Season !! Funding ([[New Zealand dollar|$]]) !! Ref.
|-
| 1 || 734,953 || <ref name="NZOA1"/>
|-
| 2 || 792,119 || <ref>{{cite web |title=The best medicine – three local comedy productions set to bring laughter to Aotearoa audiences |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/news/the-best-medicine-three-local-comedy-productions-set-to-bring-laughter-to-aotearoa-audiences/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date=20 May 2022 |date=5 March 2021}}</ref>
|-
| 3 || 886,574 ||<ref name="NZ3"/>
|-
| 4 || 882,119 ||<ref name="NOAS4"/>
|-
| 5 || 935,059 ||<ref name="NZOAS5"/>
|-
| 6 || 944,306 ||<ref name="NZOAS6"/>
|}


==Reception==
==Reception==
Line 543: Line 566:


== Distribution ==
== Distribution ==
''Taskmaster New Zealand'' was made available to stream in Sweden through SVT Play in December 2022 under the local name {{lang|sv|[[Bäst i test]] Nya Zeeland}},<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.svtplay.se/bast-i-test-nya-zeeland | title=Bäst i test Nya Zeeland }}</ref> is able to be viewed in Norway through Discovery+ (where it is called {{lang|no|[[Kongen befaler]] New Zealand}}),<ref>{{cite web |title=Taskmaster NZ |url=https://taskmaster.info/show.php?id=8 |website=Taskmaster.Info |access-date=22 August 2023}}</ref> and aired in the United Kingdom on [[Channel 4]] starting 28{{nbsp}}August 2023 with episodes subsequently made available on [[Channel 4]]'s streaming service by the [[Channel 4 (VoD service)|same name]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Taskmaster NZ S1 |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/programme/b-lrt8g9/taskmaster-nz-season-1/?episode=b-h21n4w |website=Radio Times |access-date=22 August 2023}}</ref> Seasons 1, 2, and 3 (partially) are also available on the ''[[Taskmaster (TV series)|Taskmaster]]'' [https://www.youtube.com/@Taskmaster/featured YouTube Channel].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Taskmaster - YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/@Taskmaster/playlists |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=www.youtube.com}}</ref>
''Taskmaster New Zealand'' was made available to stream in Sweden through SVT Play in December 2022 under the local name {{lang|sv|[[Bäst i test]] Nya Zeeland}},<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.svtplay.se/bast-i-test-nya-zeeland | title=Bäst i test Nya Zeeland }}</ref> is able to be viewed in Norway through Discovery+ (where it is called {{lang|no|[[Kongen befaler]] New Zealand}}),<ref>{{cite web |title=Taskmaster NZ |url=https://taskmaster.info/show.php?id=8 |website=Taskmaster.Info |access-date=22 August 2023}}</ref> and aired in the United Kingdom on [[Channel 4]] starting 28{{nbsp}}August 2023 with episodes subsequently made available on [[Channel 4]]'s streaming service by the [[Channel 4 (VoD service)|same name]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Taskmaster NZ S1 |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/programme/b-lrt8g9/taskmaster-nz-season-1/?episode=b-h21n4w |website=Radio Times |access-date=22 August 2023}}</ref> The first three seasons are also available on the ''[[Taskmaster (TV series)|Taskmaster]]'' [https://www.youtube.com/@Taskmaster/featured YouTube channel].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Taskmaster - YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/@Taskmaster/playlists |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=www.youtube.com}}</ref>


It is available for streaming on Taskmaster SuperMax+, a subscription streaming platform dedicated to hosting ''Taskmaster'' content able to be accessed internationally.<ref>{{Cite tweet |last= Horne |first= Alex |user=AlexHorne |number=1499793883554795524 |date= 4 March 2022|title= And yes, the plan is that EVERYTHING will go there eventually - Taskmaster New Zealand, Sweden, Norway, Croatia etc etc. That's the plan. All in one place. But will also be on YouTube etc. It's for those who want an ad-free Taskmaster home. |access-date= 21 May 2022 }}</ref>
It is available for streaming on Taskmaster SuperMax+, a subscription streaming platform dedicated to hosting ''Taskmaster'' content able to be accessed internationally.<ref>{{Cite tweet |last= Horne |first= Alex |user=AlexHorne |number=1499793883554795524 |date= 4 March 2022|title= And yes, the plan is that EVERYTHING will go there eventually - Taskmaster New Zealand, Sweden, Norway, Croatia etc etc. That's the plan. All in one place. But will also be on YouTube etc. It's for those who want an ad-free Taskmaster home. |access-date= 21 May 2022 }}</ref>

Latest revision as of 06:12, 25 November 2024

Taskmaster New Zealand
Title card (season 4–present)
Also known asTaskmaster
Taskmaster NZ
GenreComedy
panel game
Created byAlex Horne
Written by
  • Sam Smith
  • Joseph Moore
  • Paul Williams
Directed byAndy Robinson & Tom Furniss
Presented byJeremy Wells
StarringPaul Williams (assistant)
Theme music composerThe Horne Section
Country of originNew Zealand
Original languageEnglish
No. of series5
No. of episodes50
Production
Executive producers
  • Bronwyn Bakker
  • Cameron Bakker
  • Richard Allen-Turner
  • James Taylor
  • Jon Thoday
  • Rob Aslett
  • Andy Devonshire
  • Alex Horne
Editors
  • Ben Winter
  • Luke Earl
Running time44 minutes[1]
Production companies
Original release
NetworkTVNZ 2
Release21 October 2020 (2020-10-21) –
present
Related
Taskmaster (British TV series)
Taskmaster Australia

Taskmaster New Zealand (also known as Taskmaster or Taskmaster NZ especially prior to season 4) is a New Zealand comedy panel game show, first broadcast in 2020 on TVNZ 2. The format for the show was created by British comedian Alex Horne during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2010 and was subsequently developed into a successful UK television show in 2015.

Following the format of the original British version, the show consists of five contestants who compete in a series of strange and unusual tasks to gain points from the Taskmaster, Jeremy Wells, administered by his assistant, comedian Paul Williams.[2][3]

Taskmaster New Zealand is produced for TVNZ with support from NZ On Air. The first series was broadcast in the spring of 2020, while the second series was broadcast in the winter of 2021,[4] the third in winter 2022,[1][5] the fourth in winter 2023,[6] and the fifth in winter 2024.[7] Funding for a sixth season was announced in November 2024.[8]

Cast

[edit]

In the studio, other than while attempting the live task, the contestants sit on a row of chairs in alphabetical order of forename from left to right.
Key

  •  *  Season champion
Season Year Seating
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th
1 2020 Angella Dravid * Brynley Stent Guy Williams Leigh Hart Madeleine Sami
2 2021 David Correos Guy Montgomery Laura Daniel * Matt Heath Urzila Carlson
3 2022 Chris Parker Josh Thomson * Justine Smith Kura Forrester Paul Ego
4 2023 Bubbah Dai Henwood Karen O'Leary Melanie Bracewell * Ray O'Leary
5 2024 Abby Howells Ben Hurley Hayley Sproull * Tofiga Fepulea'i Tom Sainsbury

Episodes

[edit]
SeriesEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
11021 October 2020 (2020-10-21)23 December 2020 (2020-12-23)
2107 July 2021 (2021-07-07)8 September 2021 (2021-09-08)
3106 July 2022 (2022-07-06)7 September 2022 (2022-09-07)
41014 August 2023 (2023-08-14)12 September 2023 (2023-09-12)
5106 August 2024 (2024-08-06)4 September 2024 (2024-09-04)

Series 1 (2020)

[edit]

The filming of the tasks was completed in March 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic caused a nationwide lockdown.[9] The contestants were Angella Dravid, Brynley Stent, Guy Williams, Leigh Hart, and Madeleine Sami. Dravid was the overall winner of the series, with Sami in second, Stent in third, Hart in fourth, and Williams in last place.[10]

Greg Davies, the host of the original British version of Taskmaster, appeared as part of the prize task in the seventh episode.

No.TitleWinnerOriginal air dateViewership[11]
1"Gluten Free"Brynley Stent21 October 2020 (2020-10-21)N/A
2"A Political Hotcake"Madeleine Sami28 October 2020 (2020-10-28)134,100
3"D.A.P."Brynley Stent4 November 2020 (2020-11-04)N/A
4"I'm Queer, I'm Here"Guy Williams11 November 2020 (2020-11-11)N/A
5"Unhealth Must Be Dead"Brynley Stent18 November 2020 (2020-11-18)N/A
6"The Problem Is Me"Angella Dravid25 November 2020 (2020-11-25)129,000
7"An Intervention"Leigh Hart2 December 2020 (2020-12-02)N/A
8"Sweaty Socks and Depression"Angella Dravid9 December 2020 (2020-12-09)108,100
9"Astro Blasters"Leigh Hart16 December 2020 (2020-12-16)106,400
10"My Uncle John"Madeleine Sami23 December 2020 (2020-12-23)N/A

Series 2 (2021)

[edit]

On 30 May 2021, the contestants for series 2 were named as David Correos, Guy Montgomery, Laura Daniel, Matt Heath, and Urzila Carlson.[12] Daniel was the overall winner of the series, with Montgomery as the runner-up, while Correos placed third, Heath placed fourth, and Carlson finished last.

Unlike the first series, ratings were reported in four-week averages rather than individually - and in consolidated ratings as opposed to overnights - but the series' audience generally improved throughout, from an average of 113,800 for the first four episodes,[13] to an average of 165,800 for the last four episodes.[14] The tenth and final episode, alone, received 187,700 viewers.[15]

Series 1 contestant Angella Dravid cameoed in the tenth and final episode, as part of a task. MP Chlöe Swarbrick also appears during the first episode as part of the prize tasks.

No.TitleWinnerOriginal air date
1"Flight of Fantasy"Matt Heath7 July 2021 (2021-07-07)
2"Heat Stroke"Laura Daniel14 July 2021 (2021-07-14)
3"At Your Service"David Correos21 July 2021 (2021-07-21)
4"Unbung"Guy Montgomery28 July 2021 (2021-07-28)
5"Feel My Bean"Urzila Carlson4 August 2021 (2021-08-04)
6"Eat Your Asses"Guy Montgomery11 August 2021 (2021-08-11)
7"Completing the Set"Laura Daniel18 August 2021 (2021-08-18)
8"Judgement Day"Guy Montgomery25 August 2021 (2021-08-25)
9"Bing Bang Schlong"Matt Heath1 September 2021 (2021-09-01)
10"A Good Time, Not a Fast Time"David Correos8 September 2021 (2021-09-08)

Series 3 (2022)

[edit]

Funding from NZ On Air for a ten-episode third series was announced in April 2022,[1] having been received months earlier.[16] The tasks were written in February 2022.[16] Filming for the studio shows took place in the last week of May.[17][18][19]

The contestants for the series were announced in June 2022 as Chris Parker, Josh Thomson, Justine Smith, Kura Forrester and Paul Ego.[20] The series premiered on 6 July 2022;[5] in the run-up to the series, series 1 and 2 were repeated on TVNZ Duke across the two weekends before its launch.[21] Thomson was the overall winner of the series, with Parker as the runner-up, while Forrester placed third, Ego placed fourth, and Smith finished last.

The series launch recorded 145,400 viewers in consolidated viewing figures.[22]

Series 2 contestant and writer for the show (from this series onwards) David Correos cameoed in the seventh episode as part of a task, as did athlete Eliza McCartney as part of the prize task.

No.TitleWinnerOriginal air date
1"F**k Golf"Josh Thomson6 July 2022 (2022-07-06)
2"Sauce Tits"Josh Thomson13 July 2022 (2022-07-13)
3"Mexican Lasagna"Paul Ego20 July 2022 (2022-07-20)
4"Herbs and Spices"Chris Parker27 July 2022 (2022-07-27)
5"The Prime Minister Thanks You"Kura Forrester3 August 2022 (2022-08-03)
6"Sweet Navel Orange"Chris Parker10 August 2022 (2022-08-10)
7"Butt Heavy"Chris Parker17 August 2022 (2022-08-17)
8"Best Friends"Chris Parker24 August 2022 (2022-08-24)
9"Well Alright!"Chris Parker31 August 2022 (2022-08-31)
10"Wet Ass Cutlery"Josh Thomson7 September 2022 (2022-09-07)

Series 4 (2023)

[edit]

Funding for a fourth series was confirmed in December 2022.[6] At the time, writer Sam Smith said he had already written at least some of the tasks for the series.[23]

The cast was revealed on 27 May 2023, as Dai Henwood, Melanie Bracewell, Ray O'Leary, Sieni Leo'o Olo (Bubbah), and Karen O'Leary.[24] Ray O'Leary previously appeared on the show as part of a studio task during the third series. Bracewell was the overall winner of the series, with Bubbah as the runner-up, while Ray O'Leary placed third, Henwood placed fourth, and Karen O'Leary finished last.

Studio filming began on 31 May and lasted a week.[25][26] It was confirmed on 1 August that the series would premiere on 14 August, with two episodes broadcast weekly.[27]

Alex Horne made a cameo in the introduction to the third episode, with the voices of previous contestants Guy Williams, Guy Montgomery and Josh Thomson appearing together in one of the episode's tasks. Thomson also was the director for some location tasks.[28] Series 2 contestant Matt Heath made an indirect cameo via a task attempt in the eighth episode.

Episodes aired at an earlier timeslot compared to preceding seasons to compete with Three's The Traitors NZ. The first two episodes achieved an average audience of 157,800 viewers in consolidated viewing figures,[29] with the second set of episodes (the third and fourth) averaging approximately 152,200 viewers,[30] the third week of episodes (the fifth and the sixth) averaging approximately 173,000 viewers,[31] the fourth week (episodes seven and eight) averaging approximately 163,900,[32] and the final (episodes nine and ten) averaging 178,300.[33] Viewership for individual episodes is unavailable due to the unique way television ratings are reported.

No.TitleWinnerOriginal air date [27]
1"A Love Bomb"Melanie Bracewell14 August 2023 (2023-08-14)
2"I'm a Therapist, Not a Greengrocer"Dai Henwood15 August 2023 (2023-08-15)
3"Everyone Is Just a Teal Dress"Melanie Bracewell21 August 2023 (2023-08-21)
4"More Licky Licky"Karen O'Leary22 August 2023 (2023-08-22)
5"Your Hand Can Do a Better Job"Karen O'Leary28 August 2023 (2023-08-28)
6"There Had to Be Blood"Melanie Bracewell29 August 2023 (2023-08-29)
7"A Pretty Skux Cartwheel"Bubbah4 September 2023 (2023-09-04)
8"Steroids and Cigarettes"Ray O'Leary5 September 2023 (2023-09-05)
9"Truffle Pig"Bubbah11 September 2023 (2023-09-11)
10"Where Is Scorpio?"Melanie Bracewell12 September 2023 (2023-09-12)

Series 5 (2024)

[edit]

The show's recommission for a fifth series was confirmed in November 2023.[7] Studio filming took place between 4 and 8 June 2024.[34]

The cast was revealed on 20 July 2024, as Abby Howells, Ben Hurley, Hayley Sproull, Tofiga Fepulea'i, and Tom Sainsbury.[35] The series started airing on 6 August 2024, again with two episodes broadcast weekly at the same time slot as the season prior. Sproull was the overall winner of the series, with Hurley as the runner-up, while Sainsbury placed third, Fepulea'i placed fourth, and Howells finished last.

The first two episodes achieved an average audience of 163,600 viewers in consolidated viewing figures,[36] with the second week of episodes averaging approx. 154,000 viewers.[37] The third week of episodes averaged approx. 135,100 viewers,[38] with the fourth week averaging approx. 154,100 viewers,[39] and the final, fifth week averaging 145,600 viewers.[40] Viewership for individual episodes is unavailable due to the unique way television ratings are reported.

As Fepulea'i was ill during the studio record, various previous contestants returned to represent him and conduct the prize and live tasks on his behalf. For episodes 1 and 2, Season 1 contestant Madeleine Sami returned; for episodes 3 and 4, Season 2 contestant Matt Heath; for episodes 5 and 6, Season 3 winner Josh Thomson; for episodes 7 and 8, Season 4 contestant Bubbah; and for episodes 9 and 10, Season 3 contestant Chris Parker. Bubbah also made an appearance in a pre-filmed task in the tenth episode.

No.TitleWinnerOriginal air date [41]
1"A Long Denouement"Abby Howells6 August 2024 (2024-08-06)
2"Slightly Sucked Pasta"Abby Howells7 August 2024 (2024-08-07)
3"The Lamp Left Me on Read"Tom Sainsbury13 August 2024 (2024-08-13)
4"Having a Flare-Up"Ben Hurley14 August 2024 (2024-08-14)
5"A Marvellous Tool"Hayley Sproull20 August 2024 (2024-08-20)
6"The One Where Rachel Dies in Childbirth"Tofiga Fepulea'i21 August 2024 (2024-08-21)
7"Sierra Echo Xylophone"Tom Sainsbury27 August 2024 (2024-08-27)
8"A Genie Comes If You Rub It"Ben Hurley28 August 2024 (2024-08-28)
9"An Absolute Pedant"Abby Howells3 September 2024 (2024-09-03)
10"Oh Baby It's Elegance"Tofiga Fepulea'i4 September 2024 (2024-09-04)

Production

[edit]

Funding from NZ On Air for the first series was announced in September 2019.[42] Pre-recorded tasks are filmed at a mansion in North Auckland referred to as the "Taskmaster House" or "Taskmaster Ranch", which is actually a boutique events venue marketed under the name "HUs", situated between the communities of Riverhead and Coatesville to the north-west of Auckland, adjacent to Riverhead Forest.[43][44][45] The same venue is used for tasks in Taskmaster Australia.

Prior to the filming of the studio shows for the first series, a "warm-up episode" was shot with no studio audience – internally called "Episode Zero" – that allowed Wells and Williams to practice their roles, featuring some tasks that were going to be cut from the series proper.[46] The studio shows were originally scheduled to film at South Pacific Pictures in Auckland in late August 2020, but were later cancelled[47] – Auckland was moved into level 3 COVID-19 restrictions shortly beforehand – and were delayed into September.[48] More relaxed measures were in place at time of filming, but mandated that Wells was spaced apart from the series' contestants in the studio, which Wells later remarked felt "pretty weird", and was an "unusual experience".[49]

The second series was confirmed in March 2021,[50] with the lineup confirmed that May.[12] Pre-production took four weeks at the beginning of 2021, between writers Sam Smith and Williams, before moving from a studio onto Zoom after the February Auckland lockdown was put in place. During the series, to ensure contestants were unable to decipher, and thus prepare for, what a task could be prior to filming, tasks were given nicknames should they be written on call sheets.[51] One task during the series was cut after Carlson broke her collarbone in an attempt to complete it.[52]

Justine Smith, speaking of her experience filming the third series, noted that the entire process is very different to that of her other usual television appearances, and that "taking part in Taskmaster requires a different skill set"; she commented that it was "very secretive", with contestants not privy to witnessing tasks being set up and are unaware of "what's happening in advance". Smith recalled that she was "taken in – literally almost with a hood over [her] head – to a room [you're] not allowed to leave" before "[you] come out[,] do the task and go straight back into [your] room"; the lack of a reaction to the performance in a task troubled Smith, who commented "[y]ou turn around and walk away, [it being] a comedian's worst nightmare to not have someone tell you it was OK or laugh."[53]

Coming up with tasks, writers Smith and Williams "abide by strict rules". Tasks have to be submitted to and approved by producers before being presented to contestants. One task from the first series ("Make the best desert") was almost cut from broadcast because all of the contestants misread it (as "Make the best dessert"), but Stent's reaction when she re-read the task and understood it properly – which Williams called one of "the season's best moments" – convinced the producers to retain it.[51]

Funding

[edit]

Taskmaster New Zealand receives funding from NZ On Air for one season a year.

NZ On Air funding for Taskmaster
Season Funding ($) Ref.
1 734,953 [42]
2 792,119 [54]
3 886,574 [1]
4 882,119 [6]
5 935,059 [7]
6 944,306 [8]

Reception

[edit]

Viewership

[edit]

In a press release announcing the show's recommission, it was reported that the first series increased TVNZ 2's audience by 19% among 25-54s and more than doubled the channel's audience aged 15–34, "reach[ing] more people than any other local comedy series on air in 2020".[4]

In consolidated viewership, the show - specifically its second series - was TVNZ2's tenth most popular show among adults aged 18–49 - the channel's target demographic - during the latter six months of 2021. In turn, for the year to March 2023, the show's third series was TVNZ2's fifth most popular show among that audience.[55] The fourth series was TVNZ2's second most popular show in 2023 among 18-49s.[56]

Critical response

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The first episode received mixed to positive reviews from critics. James Croot of Stuff claimed the series was "off to a terrific start" and "you might just need to put an hour aside for the next few weeks",[57] in contrast to comments of colleague Darren Bevan, who wrote that "while Taskmaster NZ hasn't romped away with a decisive victory, it has done enough to secure a technical win and an appointment for a second week's viewing". Bevan did offer praise, towards Paul Williams' role as the assistant, calling him "one of the show's MVPs before even 30 minutes of the first episode have passed".[58] Stewart Sowman-Lund of The Spinoff agreed that Williams "is well-suited to the role" of the assistant. Sowman-Lund praised the first episode stating that "Taskmaster NZ starts high in the sky – and long may it continue."[59] Karl Puschmann, writing for The New Zealand Herald did not give the show as favourable a review, stating that "it's okay. There's some good gags and it's great to see our comedians on screen. But still, it's not for me."[60]

For the first episode of the second series, James Croot of Stuff – in contrast to his more positive comments regarding the first series – noted that, regarding the dynamic between Wells and Williams, "[t]he former still seems unsure of their relationship, the power dynamic less clear-cut than between the original's Greg Davies and Alex Horne", and that while some of the tasks "offer[ed] plenty of entertaining laughs", others were not "quite as successful". He concluded by admitting that "while Taskmaster NZ is trying to balance creating its own identity with maintaining the joy of the original, it's not always succeeding".[61] The Spinoff's Stewart Sowman-Lund was more positive, praising the entire series as "truly hilarious", and that its contestants "will surely go down in the annals of Taskmaster history as one of the best casts the show has ever seen".[62]

Distribution

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Taskmaster New Zealand was made available to stream in Sweden through SVT Play in December 2022 under the local name Bäst i test Nya Zeeland,[63] is able to be viewed in Norway through Discovery+ (where it is called Kongen befaler New Zealand),[64] and aired in the United Kingdom on Channel 4 starting 28 August 2023 with episodes subsequently made available on Channel 4's streaming service by the same name.[65] The first three seasons are also available on the Taskmaster YouTube channel.[66]

It is available for streaming on Taskmaster SuperMax+, a subscription streaming platform dedicated to hosting Taskmaster content able to be accessed internationally.[67]

References

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  2. ^ "Taskmaster NZ". TVNZ.co.nz. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
  3. ^ Craig, Michael (27 September 2020). "Taskmaster NZ: Team revealed as shows release date nears". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
  4. ^ a b Dessau, Bruce (9 March 2021). "News: More Taskmaster For New Zealand". Beyond the Joke. Retrieved 10 March 2021.
  5. ^ a b "Taskmaster NZ Season 3 starts July 6th". Reddit. 22 June 2022. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
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  7. ^ a b c "A scripted comedy and dark drama join slate of popular returning series funded by NZ On Air". NZ On Air. 24 November 2023. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
  8. ^ a b "Firm audience favourites lead NZ On Air Non-Fiction funding". www.nzonair.govt.nz. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
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  41. ^ Cite error: The named reference S5Airdates was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
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  45. ^ "Discover the Magic HUs: Your Ideal Outdoor and Indoor Film Location in Auckland". HUs Boutique Auckland Venue.
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  67. ^ Horne, Alex [@AlexHorne] (4 March 2022). "And yes, the plan is that EVERYTHING will go there eventually - Taskmaster New Zealand, Sweden, Norway, Croatia etc etc. That's the plan. All in one place. But will also be on YouTube etc. It's for those who want an ad-free Taskmaster home" (Tweet). Retrieved 21 May 2022 – via Twitter.
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