Source
r/taskmaster•
meglet

What is the best way to introduce Taskmaster to people who have never seen anything like it before?

Specifically, I want to show Taskmaster to my parents.

This is not a Poll per se because I don’t have any options to vote on; I am seeking suggestions, advice, and guidance. I hope this is ok.

I am an American who stumbled across the show over Christmas with my brother and we had the most fun absolutely going mad with laughter bingeing it. I’ve gotten my husband to like it as well. We’re still watching it, kind of skipping around. I watch it whenever I’m really struggling with my depression and need a distraction. (And rewatch favorite series or episodes.)

Every now and then I spend an evening with my parents just hanging out and watching tv. So I have the perfect opportunity to introduce them to the show and get to enjoy it with people I love to laugh with. To make them laugh out loud is such absolute joy for me.

They don’t watch much British TV but my mom loved the IT Crowd and That Mitchell and Webb Look (two other shows I successfully introduced.)

We all probably have personal favorite moments and contestants and series, but aside from personal favorites, what do you think is the best representation of what the show is, how it works, and how outrageous, brilliant, creative, absurd, hilarious, and all-around entertaining it is? Would a full episode even be the best start? Maybe Best Of montage instead? What would you all suggest?

Thank you.

Posted Mar 14, 2022, 9:58 PM UTC

727
Nomerdoodle•

Season two episode one has a bit of everything that makes TM great. A very strong prize task (best document). A great example of TM outside the box thinking with Richard and the yoga mat that is on the top of the hill. And ofc the potato throw. I feel this episode is quintessential TM. If someone likes this episode, they'll like the show.

27
megletOP:mikewozniak: Mike Wozniak•

YES! This is exactly the sort of thing I was looking for. It IS a great all-around showcase episode. Packed full of the many reasons we love the show. Thank you!!

3
Tony_Three_Pies•

I recently did this with my family. I just started them off with Season 1 Episode 1. It’s tough to beat Romesh smashing a watermelon on the ground and eating until he’s sick as a way to set the tone of what the show is about.

My parents enjoyed it, but it’s hard to watch if you’re not used to using YouTube and VPNs so they haven’t continued to watch without me. My niece fell in love with it too and has since continued to watch.

11
neondino:johnnyvegas: Johnny Vegas•

Man, Romesh throwing up very nearly stopped me watching any more TM. It almost made it seem like it'd be like Jackass but with celebrities.

7
megletOP:mikewozniak: Mike Wozniak•

Unfortunately I fear the throwing up bit, as brief a moment it is in a wider incredible scene, makes it more of a “third-date episode”. (If I can make that clumsy metaphor.) They need to be firmly into the show before they’re exposed to that. Don’t want to come on too strong, lol.

Its cool you got your family to watch it just like I’m trying to! Yeah, my parents may not watch it without me either, unless I successfully teach them how to use their new tv to access YouTube. My mom might watch on her iPad (as she did with IT Crowd and Mitchell and Webb). But even it’s just something we only enjoy together as a family, that would be such a win. Especially with my dad!

4
Morazain2600•

Then you want the second episode of the first season the pie whisperer episode Alex Horne with the hot tooth paste pie and eating and of course how can we forget tree wizard. That episode made it for me.

3
wykah•

The Watermelon task is my entry clip to those that haven't seen it.

9
theeniceorc•

Is there a contestant who they would recognise? That could help get them into it. Maybe Victoria Coren-Mitchell would give them a link to David Mitchell? Noel Fielding and Katherine Parkinson were in the IT crowd. Otherwise an early one might be good. I think a montage wouldn't have as much relevance for someone who hasn't seen the show at all. I love that you're fighting depression with Taskmaster, well done!

4
megletOP:mikewozniak: Mike Wozniak•

Thank you. I’ve wondered if having someone familiar on the show would help hook their interest and make them more comfortable and open to watching. Of course, I usually don’t know ANYBODY in many of the series and wind up loving them all.

Thank you for the support in fighting depression. When my depression settles deep, deep into my Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis-riddled bones and I often cannot even get interested in anything, even rereading my favorite most comforting books, it’s wonderful that, at least for now, something has busted through that gray wall and grabbed my attention and actually made me laugh out loud. And that thing right now is Taskmaster.

When people have talked about some piece of media genuinely helping them get through an incredibly low point in their lives, I never quite understood, but now I’m starting to. Anything that makes you feel like yourself for just a little while is an immense relief and source of refueling strength!

5
theeniceorc•

Well for what it's worth, this internet stranger is proud of you! Grab onto that one good thing! 💞

3
LCLeopards:joelycett: Joe Lycett•

I found Taskmaster from a clip of the Potato Throw on Youtube. Took me down a rabbit hole, which lead me to episode 1.

3
[deleted]•

Put an episode on, see if they enjoy it.

3
neondino:johnnyvegas: Johnny Vegas•

I think the most recent NY Treat is a pretty good self-contained introduction with a strong cast. You get the 'taskmaster thinking' with Jonny during the tasks, plus the added benefit of additional guests due to his illness preventing studio appearances, and though they were non-comedians it was still pretty lively without going into ongoing jokes/relationships etc. And you can watch it all in one sitting so you're not doing the 'oh if you just watch one more episode' thing you often get when trying to introduce a show.

3
megletOP:mikewozniak: Mike Wozniak•

That is an excellent point. It’s stand-alone, nicely self-contained as you say, so I wouldnt need to be explaining much - and I did quite enjoy it, more than I expected! It wasn’t my favorite, but I’m really looking for solid introductions, so that’s a solid suggestion. The tidy neatly tied-up running time is a big plus. And it gives you enough time with the cast to cheer for them even if coming in you know nothing of them. Thank you!

1
neondino:johnnyvegas: Johnny Vegas•

And if they like the standalone with non-comedic guests, think how much they'll have their mind blown with a full season. It's like giving them TWO gifts! I hope they enjoy!

1
Defector_Sicko:trophy: Greg Davies•

Rather than suggesting an episode or clip on Youtube this article may get them interested: https://defector.com/watch-taskmaster-and-indulge-in-the-simple-pleasure-of-watching-funny-people-do-weird-things/

Yes actual reading! It was my first knowledge of the show and that led me to Youtube and the taskmaster channel which is how I watch the episodes.

3
megletOP:mikewozniak: Mike Wozniak•

This is ideal to send my mom! Also it was a pleasure to read.

1
Defector_Sicko:trophy: Greg Davies•

I hope she likes it as well. :D

2
Larcen26•

My biggest "rule" for new watchers. Start in season 4. Then you can slide right into 5. They are two of the best seasons they ever did and if they like it you can easily jump back to start at the beginning.

I would also start then on YouTube first with some of the "Full Task" clips...I personally like "Get this coconut as far away from here as possible."

3
GTWalker:jobrand: Jo Brand•

If S7E10 wasn't the final, I would easily suggest that. The tasks and trickery are perfect.

2
megletOP:mikewozniak: Mike Wozniak•

I think it’s ok to show them a the final, I just want to find the best episodes that capture the essence of the show (and my parents’ attention!) As that cast is one of my personal favorites, that’s definitely going on my list! Thank you!

2
king_aegon_vi•

It's all good - you don't need to do a montage of 'best bits' as if the other bits are bad. The only reason to do it is if you are short on time that you can't watch a full episode - which you aren't.

There's not much continuity between seasons. If you don't want to start at the beginning, then pick your favourite season. Or if there's a cast that your parents would enjoy (perhaps they've seen one of the comics in something else and loved them).

2
roamingscotsman_84•

Just get stuck in. Episode 1 is a great place to start and the whole of the 1st series is less than 5hrs

1
megletOP:mikewozniak: Mike Wozniak•

Thank you for the suggestion of the chill, start at the beginning approach. Really common sense honestly! Maria von Trapp did say it was a very good place to start.

Thing is, I do hesitate to start at the very beginning because while still VERY FUNNY and well executed, they were still working out some details, and it’s missing some of the elements I think enhance the show later on. Like better set decoration at the house and the existence of the caravan, that sort of picky thing. (Heh.)

So many great shows take even a few seasons to find their mojo, and it’s so hard to go back and watch the awkward beginning knowing how good it can and will be. Fortunately Taskmaster is not one of those shows, as it didn’t have much it really needed to significantly fiddle with at all, of course. L

Shit I’m just musing alould. Think my bedtime meds kicked in a while ago.

(But woooooeeee some shows are definitely late bloomers that require patience and faith, mostly from the network, but also the viewers.)

1
roamingscotsman_84•

If she doesn't get hooked by Romesh and a watermelon or 'tree wizard' then you might be struggling

Other than that. Probably the series with Katherine Ryan and Richard Osman. Brilliant spectrum of characters and really fun variety of tasks

1
mysticrudnin•

just putting on s1e1 should work. don't need anything fancy. you found the show randomly, right? you don't need to curate everyone's experience.

1
Comfortable_Coconut9:rhodgilbert: Rhod Gilbert•

I told my best friend to just watch season 4 and she became obsessed

1