Taskmaster is one of the best panel shows currently on television. And like all panel shows, it stars a wonderful slew of comedians, each of whom attempt to one-up themselves in terms of talent and embarrassment.
And, like all panel shows, there is a huge difference in quality in regards to the comedians. Some don't exactly land, whether they take the show too seriously, don't seem to be into it, or have poor banter with the other comedians. Others are in their element and shine, and it is these celebrities whom everyone obviously remembers.
Guz Khan
Guz Khan is known for his roles in Man Like Mobeen, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Turn Up Charlie, and he starred in the 12th season of Taskmaster. Unfortunately, it is too recent to firmly establish where Khan falls on the Taskmaster tier list.
Fortunately, he was so strong that he immediately made an impression. Redditor orhan94 writes, "It is too soon, but Guz Khan is pretty close to entering the top 5," and returnofthemozz agrees, stating, "Guz is too precious. Not only is he hilarious but he's super genuinely honoured to be there and supportive of the other contestants too."
James Acaster
James Acaster has done it all, from some of the best stand-up specials to hosting panel shows and various podcasts to repeatedly competing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He is also a regular contestant on panel shows, including series 7 of Taskmaster.
He is a massive favorite of Reddit user Cautious_Pumpkin9939. They write, "Personally I think James Acaster is the best contestant they've ever had. I love how awkward yet confident he is. Whether he really nails a task or fails completely, he was always funny. Plus unrivalled catchphrases, 'Suck it!' and 'Bab-eh'."
Mel Giedroyc
Mel Giedroyc is a prominent British presenter, having hosted the likes of Light Lunch and The Great British Baking Show. She's definitely one of the best talk shows hosts from the UK. Redditor ColonelSquishy is a big fan of her appearance on Taskmaster, writing, "Mel came across as so lovable, but I've always had a bit of a soft spot for her since Bake Off. Especially loved the banter/chemistry between her and Noel."
They are correct in stating that Mel is arguably one of the nicest and warmest contestants that the show has ever hosted, and it made her a massive fan favorite.
Rhod Gilbert
Rhod Gilbert is a panel show regular and was also the host of Never Mind the Buzzcocks from 2014-2015. He also appeared on the seventh series of Taskmaster, and he instantly struck a chord with the fanbase. ColonelSquishy writes, "I also really liked Rhod Gilbert's chaotic energy during his series. He seemed to enjoy making Alex take his trousers off, which shows Alex's commitment to the show to actually do that stuff."
He's certainly one of the most unpredictable contestants in the show's history, and it was exactly this energy that made watching him such an anxious pleasure.
Mark Watson
Reddit user fattymaggo writes, "The biggest surprise for me was definitely Mark Watson - I am not from the UK, so I didn't know him going in, but he was by far the funniest contestant for me in that season and consistently made me laugh in every episode."
One of the greatest pleasures about Taskmaster is finding new comedians, and discovering Mark Watson must have been an absolute pleasure. He was consistently happy and obviously pleased to be there, and his enthusiasm proved wonderfully infectious.
Katherine Ryan
Katherine Ryan is one of the funniest female stand-up comedians, and she can be seen in the Netflix specials Katherine Ryan: In Trouble and Katherine Ryan: Glitter Room. She appeared on the second series of Taskmaster and impressed Reddit user liza_lo.
As they write, "One of the biggest surprises to me was Katherine Ryan, I'd seen her on panel shows and didn't find her funny at all but I thought she killed it on Taskmaster." It's just one of those shows that really brings out the best in certain comedians, and that seems to be the case with Katherine Ryan.
Nish Kumar
Nish Kumar is easily one of the worst contestants on Taskmaster in regards to his actual performance. But it was his constant bumbling and incompetence which made him so much fun to watch. Redditor mtstilwell writes, "I really enjoyed Nish Kumar, he was really funny, and I loved how the music task contrasted everything he did through out the series."
The music task in particular surprised a lot of people, as his song was genuinely brilliant and served as a small redemption arc of sorts.
Bob Mortimer
Bob Mortimer is often seen as part of comedy duos, whether it's working with Vic Reeves or Paul Whitehouse on Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing. He is actually quite distinct within the Reddit Taskmaster fandom, as he won a poll asking for the best contestants.
According to Reddit user bendog1616, "628 votes later and Bob Mortimer wins a very competitive final against James Acaster. Bob Mortimer received 338 votes (54%) versus James Acaster's 290 votes (46%)." Is he the greatest contestant in Taskmaster history? It's very possible.
Aisling Bea
Aisling Bea belongs in a great feminist movie, because she certainly has the right attitude. Bea is probably the most outspoken contestant in Taskmaster history, and much of comedy centered around the male-centric nature of the show.
Some didn't like her gender-focused and confrontational brand of comedy, whereas others adored it. That includes Reddit user jamsbybetty, who comically writes, "When Aisling Bea got cross with Alex it made me feel all kindsa ways."
Noel Fielding
Noel Fielding is known within the United Kingdom for his dark and surreal comedy, and while he tended to lighten the mood of his comedy for Taskmaster, he was arguably still the most surreal contestant on the show. He always thought outside the box, and he often proved the most creative contestant of his series.
Reddit user ich_habe_keine_kase hilariously writes, "Noel. I was into Noel before Taskmaster, and I'm still into him now. Have any of the other contestants won Sexiest Man Alive?" Fair enough. Good point.