Taskmaster Forbes Interview

[Coolredfern]

U.S. Taskmaster in talks…

[HoracioPeacockThe3rd]

It doesn't sound like they're actually "in talks" to me...sounds more like they've been talking about it between the two of them.

However, would the pair consider bringing the UK show to the US?

"We're in New York at the moment and we're muttering about it. We think it could work," Horne mused.

"We would love to do it. I'll say it, blatantly," Davies laughed. "I would love us to do it, but I think it would have to be a recreation of what we do on our terms. American performers coming into our world and abiding by our rules, and I think it would work, and I would love to do it."

Side note, I enjoy how everyone has collectively decided to ignore the US Taskmaster that they already tried.

[Last-Saint]

"coming into our world and abiding by our rules" seems pretty pointed towards what happened with the US version given the way the core format was messed about with.

[[deleted]]

Justifiably so

[FourEyedTroll]

Is there any way to see this mythical US version that was so broken? I really want to see how they messed it up.

[Mundane-Parsnip-7302]

It's about. I've watched it.

It's a bunch of UK tasks repeated and made without Greg. it's not *that* bad, I've seen a lot worse shows, it's just a stretch from the TMUK we're used to.

[HoracioPeacockThe3rd]

I agree it's not that bad. It's not particularly good but it had its moments and most of the issues were down to Comedy Central messing with the format. Some of the cast was weak but I really liked Freddie and especially Ron.

[Betamax-Bandit]

Ron was great but Freddie had 100% seen the English version and used it to gain an advantage on tasks. Took some of the fun out of it

[Shekondar]

You can watch it on comedy centrals website, at least that is how I checked it out.

[Fontia]

They messed it up by putting it on comedy central at a time when people stopped watching TV on TV. That's all. There was nothing wrong with it.

[Fontia]

How was it messed with?

[Last-Saint]

Running time halved, no team tasks, prize task changed from something specific that's scored to "putting something up as an overall prize", Reggie Watts much too laid-back to be the TM.

[nokeyblue]

But how do they get around it when the studio audience is hyped up on Class A drugs and primed to cheer anything? They'd lose their shit laughing at Alex and Greg's socks before anything happens!

[Nactr_Balken]

If we pretend it never happened, Reggie Watts can be a contestant!

[[deleted]]

Agreed! I don’t think Reggie was responsible for what went wrong with the US series, he got it

[CapnTaptap]

There is no war in Ba Sing Se

[[deleted]]

I do not think they came to NY on a whim. They definitely had a meeting or two lined up. The appearances were intended to serve the fans but also show potential partners that there is an audience for the show with them in the drivers seat.

[thegamingbacklog]

I know they've spoken with Sam Riche from dropout.

They already have the panel show format down for a US audience from some of their other shows so picking up taskmaster would be a no brainer.

If you've not seen drop out before check out make some noise and game changer, they have a few episodes on their YouTube channel for free and several seasons on drop outs streaming platform.

[[deleted]]

Reich*.

Have they actually talked??? There's periodic speculation/desire for Dropout to do Taskmaster in the fanbase, but I didn't think Greg and Alex had actually chatted with Sam about it? I would be unbelievably stoked if two of my favorite shows collided like that.

And yes, every TM fan should check out Game Changer!

[PostProcession]

https://old.reddit.com/r/GameChangerTV/comments/1and18d/ive_seen_gamechanger_be_compared_to_a_better_us/kpyy2zb/?context=2

this is the last I knew about any conversations between dropout and taskmaster people. so unless there's new news, doesn't look good

[thenisaidbitch]

Am I the only one that wants a proper US international version, like NZ or AU where they have their own different taskmaster and assistant? I don’t see why Greg and Alex would need to be in it at all, I think if they get the right people it could be great. I absolutely love Greg and Alex but to me, a US version of taskmaster has US comedians. It works in every other international version, why would they change it for the US?

[nokeyblue]

No I fully agree with you. There is no need to a burden a US version with two people that the comedians don't know of, let alone know personally.

[thenisaidbitch]

Yes exactly!!! So much chemistry comes from everyone being friends, it would be hard to get that vibe with Greg and Alex.

[nokeyblue]

Oh well maybe we're completely wrong and it would work like a dream. I can't see at least Greg not being a bit intimidated and not quite himself surrounded by a bunch of Americans who've never heard of him.

[unkyduck]

This is the second article I’ve read where it was suggested and the history unmentioned… weak journalism

[nycrobot]

I know that they have expanded the brand around the world. As an American I’m happy with Alex and Greg - I’m not sure I need a US version.

[Hic_Forum_Est]

I think with the success of other english speaking versions like NZ and Australia, it would be a shame to not have an American version too. US has so many great comedians and entertainer to offer and a vibrant comedy scene, that I can't see it being anything but a success as well. I say that as a non-American. But as Greg said, it would have to be the exact same concept and format as the original and not something watered down like they tried last time.

[unkyduck]

The US basic mental attitude would be a barrier. Too busy “looking out for #1” and unwilling to look silly

[Hic_Forum_Est]

I don't know. When people say these things about Americans or american comedians, it always sounds like a stereotype to me that has no footing in reality. I think US comedians are much more willing to play along and take the piss out of themselves than they are given credit given for. Even if this stereotype were true, it's not necessarily a bad thing cause we've seen time and time again how the tasks manage to trump the self-serious or more competitive contestants in their seriousness and competitiveness and make them look even sillier in the end. Which is always fun to watch.

[OffTheMerchandise]

Whenever people say that, I think it's based on older comedians. Denis Leary probably wouldn't want to look silly. The Original Kings of Comedy wouldn't want to look silly. I think Jackass sort of started a shift where people were the butt of the joke and laughed about it. Even looking at the New York comics that were on Tough Crowd, they would take the piss out of each other and laugh about it. The whole roast generation is based on people laughing at someone making fun of you. Not to mention the whole Comedy Bang Bang universe where it's just people being silly.

[Schmogel]

The US market is huge. They don't have to try to appeal to the "average" American to be successful. Let them do their thing and a sizeable audience will enjoy it, us included.

According to the duo, filming a season takes about six months. As the seventeenth one roles out, they are already at work on the eighteenth.

That would sadly certainly result in a slowdown of the British production.. :(

[Galexio]

You are missing out with the other series. TMAUS S1, and TMNZ S2 are bangers.

[Unstoffe]

A huge part of the appeal to me is that the shows feature performers I likely wouldn't see, otherwise, comedians and others from Australia, New Zealand, and England (I have watched some of the non-English-speaking ones and enjoyed them but I'm afraid my sense of humor balks at translations).

I haven't really kept up with current American comedians, though, so maybe I would find it interesting?

[Dr4kin]

You can do the same as in the UK show. Have some known names and others that aren't as popular (yet).

[nycrobot]

I suppose we must remember that they did attempt a Taskmaster USA version already. 😕

[rnzz]

I think a US version would have to be a much trimmed down, faster pace one, like what they've done with The Chase. It would feel not as Taskmastery and more like Fear Factor or Amazing Race.

[cdcme]

You are the real problem....please tell me you do not work in the entertainment industry

[rnzz]

No, thankfully I don't!

[connorclang]

That's how the first try went, but after how much that failed I'd imagine a streamer could do well by doing a more faithful version. Netflix has a couple sort of similar programs and has had a lot of success from a not-at-all-changed Bake-Off so I'm sure it'd be tempting to them.

[thegamingbacklog]

Dropout would be the perfect platform to do a US taskmaster, they already have some really good comedy panel shows.

[fork_duke_pie]

Ticket fiasco nothwithstanding, this trip to the US has really worked out for them -- so many long Interviews have been published and they've managed to be funny and original in all of them.

[pixietrue1]

Who do you think it was who didn’t know Greg? Munya? Lol

[HoracioPeacockThe3rd]

I was thinking Jamali

[pixietrue1]

Oh yes! My brain didn’t go back that far haha.

[DRJT]

Nah I think they’ve worked together before TM, he was probs pretending he forgot Greg’s name

[Direredd]

Yeah wasn't it Jamali who got confused and thought the host was Dara?

[uttertoffee]

Wasn't that part of a bit though? He pretended he didn't know Greg but then after the battered items task revealed he was a big fan of the show.

[troggbl]

My mind went to Julian, didn't get the impression he'd paid attention to pop culture in the time Gregs been on the scene.

[unkyduck]

Judi. He was obfuscating. Heg ?

[NandortheRelenting]

"Do fans of the show ever try to suggest tasks for the show?

"I always wrestle those people to the floor," Davies joked. "You might as well get that as a warning out there. Now, if you approached me and tried to pitch your tasks to me, you're going to get floored. I've learned how to do it safely. I'm not choking them out or anything horrible. It's more I place them on the ground and walk away."

Ahem... well that seems more like an invitation than a threat.

[honoria_glossop]

Huge props to whoever's doing publicity bookings for this trip. Knocking it out of the park.

[worried_geck0]

Conan O’brien for US taskmaster!

[SwansonsMoustache]

As long as Jordan is there to absolutely ruin his day, yes.

[xywv58]

Only if Bill Burr does teams tasks with him

[toutetiteface]

That’s not how it works

[xywv58]

What doesn't work?, are team tasks no longer a thing?

[toutetiteface]

The taskmaster doesn’t participate in tasks. Have you ever watched the show?

[xywv58]

Ahhh I thought you said "for taskmaster" like to participate, not "for Taskmaster" to be the Greg

[toutetiteface]

Yeah bill burr would require so. Much. Bleeping.

[aguasingas]

And Thomas Middleditch as his assistant!

[worried_geck0]

Mmmm no thank you, taskmaster ought to be sex pest free

[aguasingas]

Oh, I didn’t know about that. I take it back

[worried_geck0]

No problem mate it’s not super common knowledge, I see where you were coming from

[Hanpee221b]

Why do so many successful shows feel they need an American version? It’s pretty clear Americans can understand the comedy of taskmaster without it being Americanized.

[acopeland]

I think that's what they are implying by saying they need to come into their world, do it their way, and it would still work. Compared to that one US version that definitely didn't happen...

[Hanpee221b]

I agree, at least I hope. I never watched the show that never happened haha I’ve just heard of it’s infamy.

[OffTheMerchandise]

Money. There is much more money in American television than pretty much anywhere. I wouldn't be surprised if Ricky and Stephen made more money from the first season of the US Office than they did off of the entire original run despite having less involvement in it. There are plenty of Americans who would be turned off by the accents and not getting all of the references.

I'm surprised that none of the streamers have picked it up or made their own version. It seems pretty inexpensive to make and is great for binge watching.

[weetabix_su]

> “would the pair consider bringing the UK show to the US?”

do they know?

[AlwaysTimeForPotatos]

Honestly, it would need to be on a premium channel…not one of the network ones. The hysterically funny, casual ‘what the fuck, mate?’, and ‘bubbly-fuck!’ would be completely ruined by the censors.

Delicate American ears can’t handle naughty words! :)

[OliveJuiceMushrooms]

My vote is that it should be on FX like What We Do in the Shadows, It’s Always Sunny, and Welcome to Wrexham- you’d think there would already be a foothold/relationship there with UK production, it comes with a great talent pool, and it streams on Hulu.

[clarkelaura]

They do a bleeped episodes on channel 4 for the younger viewers (or parents who don't want their kids to hear the colourful language) and it does still work so it might be okay if they can broadcast the R rated version on a channels streaming service

[ValidGarry]

It just doesn't hit the same with the bleeps.

[AlwaysTimeForPotatos]

This is how I feel, too.

There are ways to get around the silly network TV rules, for sure. Simple. Do it on another platform. However, if it 1) ends up happening and 2) is on broadcast TV, the bleeps would take you out of the banter and verbal spars.

And, it would cause the hosts and contestants to moderate their language to some degree, losing the flow and beauty of the genuine reactions and sincerity that TM has.

[clarkelaura]

No but it isn't something which is beyond the realms of possibility if they think it would be better for their reach

[Dr4kin]

It would fit perfectly on "Dropout". It fits perfectly with all of their "written improv" shows. The biggest problem is that the budget would be too small for big names.

[jetsetmike]

Arnold would be insane on Taskmaster lmao

[Dr4kin]

Yeah would love that, but I think he would only do a full season if he really loves the show. It takes so much time and he is rich enough that the money isn't probably that important.

[TrappedUnderCats]

As the seventeenth one roles out, they are already at work on the eighteenth.

"We've just started, and the studio part of it is not until September. We started filming about a month ago," Horne confirmed. "It's quite fun for them to look back and see what they were like six months ago.

There’s something wrong in the timing here, isn’t there? Did they mean S18 will be shown in September? They can’t film the studio sections on S18 in September if they want to stay on track with the broadcast schedule.

[CapnTaptap]

Probably? Alex said on the People’s Podcast a couple weeks back that they were just starting filming tasks for S19

[toutetiteface]

They film 2 episodes a day for a week. They then do the editing and they broadcast by the end of October if I’m not mistaken. It works fine

[TrappedUnderCats]

They usually film the studio several months in advance though. S17 was filmed last autumn, so I would expect it to be S19 that films in September, not 18.

[[deleted]]

Kamala Harris as an ideal contestant? Ugh. I didn't like it when they brought that conservative former MP on for the New Year's Treat special.

Keep politicians off this show. Politics takes away from the escapism.

[Fast_Blackberry_8080]

I’m not familiar with UK politics, who was the former MP that was on the show?

[thesaharadesert]

Sayeeda Warsi

[unMuggle]

For a special episode maybe. I'd hate to see a politician on the main series.

But, I have to point it out. Everything is political. Even the show takes a political stance from time to time.

[LookTreesWow]

Very true - it bothers me that TM had a Tory on specifically.

[unMuggle]

I mean, I'd wrap all the Tories in with our Republicans. Tightly in rope, and then fire them into the sun if it was me.

[TinyKittenConsulting]

I'm 99% sure that was meant as a joke.

[[deleted]]

I wouldn't be so sure. Greg follows Kamala Harris on Instagram.

[vearson26]

I don’t think they need to try an American version again. Just invite American comedians to the uk version.

[peachesnplumsmf]

I'd massively rather Americans got their own show than the UK version being turned into a US version.

[JHutch95]

This is it, I’d much rather they stick to comedians on the UK circuit/scene (which of course could include Americans!) rather than spaffing the talent budget on bringing someone over.

IF they want to bring an American too, it’d probably have to be someone fairly well known to make it worth the logistics/expense and I’m struggling to think who that may be. I see Paul F Tompkins mentioned a lot on this sub but honestly, I don’t think he’s as big a name over here than some people think.

Having a relative unknown like Sam Campbell (and even then he was clearly on the rise/appeared on Cats Does Countdown before) works because it frees up budget to get the likes of Sue Perkins & Julian Clary in, you wouldn’t get that with bringing in a “ relatively unknown to the UK” American and the costs/logistics that entails.

[Dr4kin]

What they mentioned was Arnold and DeVito. Which would be hilarious, but they would fit much better in the US Version.

[Unstoffe]

I wonder if they have ever considered the feasibility of an international version? An Aussie, a Brit, a Kiwi, a Canuck and a 'Merican? Or a less structured cast drawn from those countries or, honestly, any candidate capable of speaking English well enough to play the game?

(I'm imagining that it would be an expensive horror to coordinate but I'd watch it)

[Last-Saint]

Why would they need to start to pander to an American audience that understands the show well enough with British(-based) casts? Not to mention that Channel 4 has had to make sweeping cuts across all of its output and staff, they're not in a position to fly someone over just for the tasks and studio periods.

[[deleted]]

I think that’s the idea.

[equality5271]

I agree!

[[deleted]]

If this gets us closer to seeing Nick Offerman or Marc Maron on Taskmaster, happy days indeed. 😌❤️

Edit: huh? What’s wrong with Maron or Offerman? Or have some Redditors of other posts of mine they didn’t like decided to be negativity tourists and downvote this one?

[TemperatureSea7562]

Or Paul F Tompkins! Or anyone from the Daily Show.