‘Taskmaster' Is a Mischievous, Unpredictable British Panel Show
The gap between 'this is the best episode of the best season' and 'this is the worst episode of the worst season' is minuscule. That said, this season — Season 19 (19!) — is among the best of the best, and it's an ideal entree for new viewers. The American comedian Jason Mantzoukas is one of the contestants this season, and his gleeful maniac persona fits perfectly with the show's sense of mischief. He is also clearly a student of the game … not that it helps him win.
The contestants most familiar with the workings of the show are no more likely to win a task than those least familiar, and no single virtue is more desirable than another. Nervous pedantry earns a certain amount of mileage, but a 'Cs get degrees' approach leads often to a faster, funnier conclusion. Brazenness and preciousness are equally valuable. Athleticism has its rewards, but defaulting to an athletic method can and does backfire. There are a lot of ways to be funny, and on 'Taskmaster' there are also a lot of ways to be smart.
I was curious how the show would incorporate Mantzoukas's antic energy, but everything feels harmonious — and no one person is singing the melody. Mathew Baynton, the creator and a star of the original British version of 'Ghosts,' brings a twee braininess, and the comedian Fatiha El-Ghorri's impeccable timing and tough-girl shtick add warmth, raunch and surprise. Stevie Martin's sweet openness and Rosie Ramsey's grounded wit keep everything in balance.
Seasons 9-19 on are on the show's YouTube channel, with new episodes of Season 19 arriving weekly on Fridays. And if you burn through all those, seek out the international versions.
Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
22 minutes ago
- Yahoo
French baby names are having a moment—and Olivia Culpo's pick shows exactly why
When Olivia Culpo and Christian McCaffrey introduced the world to their daughter, Colette Annalise, they tapped into a growing trend among new parents. Romantic, refined, and rich in meaning, the name Colette (a diminutive of Nicole, meaning 'people of victory') feels effortlessly elegant. Paired with Annalise, a name with roots in grace and devotion, the choice struck a chord for its beauty and its emotional resonance. While the celebrity moment made headlines, it's part of a broader wave we're seeing everywhere: the quiet rise of French-inspired baby names that feel timeless, poetic, and deeply meaningful. The rise of romantic French baby names Names like Margot, Eloise, Camille, and Colette are undeniably having a moment. These names often carry a lyrical softness that feels gentle and feminine while remaining strong. They strike a balance between vintage charm and modern minimalism, making them especially appealing to today's parents. Parents are revisiting the past with a fresh perspective. Names like Margot and Eloise have steadily climbed the charts over the past decade, signaling a shift toward revival names that blend tradition with trend. French names in particular carry a certain romantic nostalgia—calling to mind cobblestone streets, literary heroines, and timeless fashion icons—while still feeling rooted and strong. In a fast-moving world, these names bring a sense of calm and thoughtfulness. A sense of story. Of softness. Of soul. Related: 'Old people baby names' are the 2025 trend we didn't know we needed Colette as a symbol of strength Colette sounds delicate, yet its meaning—'victory of the people'—embodies quiet power. And for Olivia Culpo, who has spoken candidly about her struggles with endometriosis and fertility, the name likely carries even more emotional weight. Parenthood often begins long before a baby is born. It begins in the waiting rooms, in the procedures, in the quiet prayers. For many families—especially those who've faced loss, challenges, or uncertainty—naming a child becomes a deeply symbolic act. A way to honor the past while hoping for the future. Choosing a name like Colette reflects resilience and grace alongside beauty. This is a strength that stands firm with quiet confidence. Culpo's choice captures what many parents seek today: names that are emotionally grounded and quietly powerful, whether for their meaning or sound. Beautiful French baby names to consider If you're drawn to the elegance of names like Colette, here are 40 more romantic French names—20 for girls and 20 for boys—to inspire your list. Each one carries its own unique note of charm, strength, or softness. French baby girl names: Esmé – 'Beloved'; light and lyrical Odette – 'Wealth'; graceful and classic Sylvie – 'From the forest'; nature-inspired and gentle Anaïs – 'Grace'; vibrant and fresh Geneviève – 'Tribe woman'; regal and romantic Elodie – 'Foreign riches'; melodic and modern Camille – 'Attendant'; chic and unpretentious Manon – 'Bitter'; simple yet strong Delphine – 'Dolphin'; aquatic and elegant Lucienne – 'Light'; vintage and luminous Margot – 'Pearl'; playful yet polished Céline – 'Heavenly'; celestial and sleek Chloé – 'Blooming'; fresh and youthful Noémie – 'Pleasantness'; sweet and serene Vivienne – 'Alive'; timeless and spirited Josette – 'God will add'; delicate and classic Colette – 'Victory of the people'; refined and resilient Amélie – 'Hardworking'; dreamy and determined Renée – 'Reborn'; grounded and graceful Léonie – 'Lioness'; bold and beautiful French baby boy names: Étienne – 'Crown'; noble and sleek Lucien – 'Light'; artistic and poetic Théo – 'Gift of God'; short and sweet Olivier – 'Olive tree'; warm and classic Henri – 'Ruler of the home'; old-world charm Julien – 'Youthful'; soft yet strong Marceau – 'Warlike'; modern and edgy Benoît – 'Blessed'; gentle and grounded Remy – 'Oarsman'; fashionable and fresh Laurent – 'From Laurentum'; elegant and cool Gaspard – 'Bringer of treasure'; rare and radiant Mathis – 'Gift of God'; stylish and spirited Florent – 'Blooming'; romantic and rare Pascal – 'Easter child'; vintage with a twist Romain – 'From Rome'; worldly and rich Anselme – 'Divine protection'; soulful and unique Cédric – 'Kind and loved'; classic and familiar Loïc – 'Famed warrior'; compact and strong Armand – 'Soldier'; bold and distinctive René – 'Reborn'; timeless and tender French baby names offer a quiet magic that touches on meaning, sound, and feeling all at once. They speak to resilience and grace. To softness and strength. Sometimes, a name like Colette expresses what words alone cannot. Related: The most unique celebrity baby names Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
How Princess Kate Honored the Late Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II With Her Latest Look
Full-Circle Moment The silk caped gown Kate wore to the July 8 state dinner honoring Macron is the same hue as one of France's national colors. The dress was designed by Sarah Burton, the creative director at French label Givenchy, 14 years after the style visionary made Kate's 2011 wedding dress while leading British brand Alexander McQueen. Favorite Tiara The Queen Mary Lover's Knot tiara was also one of late mother-in-law Princess Diana's favorites. The diamond and pearl diadem, created in 1914 by jeweler Garrard for Queen Mary, has been Kate's pick for 10 of her 15 tiara moments over the past 14 years. Tributes to Queen Elizabeth II The late Queen Elizabeth II's Greville Diamond Chandelier Earrings framed Kate's face. She also wore the cross, star and blue sash signifying her position as a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order — an honor bestowed upon her by the monarch, who died in 2022 — as well as Elizabeth's Royal Family Order on a yellow ribbon pinned to her bodice. A Nod to Princess Diana Diana was the original owner of the current Princess of Wales' Nigel Milne triple-strand pearl bracelet. Honoring the King The royal wore her Royal Family Order of King Charles III for the first time, pinning the badge — featuring a miniature portrait of her father-in-law — atop a pale blue ribbon. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Jonah Hauer-King Teases 'Villainous, Horrible Knight' Role In Anna Biller's ‘The Face of Horror': 'No Redeeming Qualities Whatsoever'
With the opening weekend of I Know What You Did Last Summer, Jonah Hauer-King is entering his 'scream king' era. At Monday's world premiere of the slasher requel, in which he plays Milo Griffin, the actor told Deadline that he's next beginning production in Prague on writer/director Anna Biller's third feature The Face of Horror, her followup to 2016's The Love Witch. More from Deadline Jonah Hauer-King, Kristine Froseth, Ellie Bamber, Leo Suter & Bella Heathcote To Star In Anna Biller's 14th-Century Ghost Story 'The Face Of Horror' 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' Red Carpet: Cast Talks Keeping A Killer Secret 'Masters Of the Air' Star Ben Radcliffe Boards 'The Face Of Horror' 'I start next week. Yeah, I shoot that this summer,' he told me. 'I play this really villainous, horrible knight, who really has no redeeming qualities whatsoever, which is kinda fun.' Hauer-King added, 'I've been getting to know her over the last year or so, and she's got such an amazing, creative mind and brain—again, people say this a lot—but has genuine individual vision. If you've seen The Love Witch, you know. She has such a particular visual style and type of storytelling.' Noting that cinematographer M. David Mullen will shoot the film on 35mm, the actor raved, 'It's the first time I've done that, so I'm very excited.' Jonah Hauer-King at Monday's 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' premiere in DTLA, sharing an update on Anna Biller's 'The Face of Horror' — Deadline (@DEADLINE) July 15, 2025 Last month, Deadline reported that Hauer-King was cast in The Face of Horror alongside Kristine Froseth, Ellie Bamber, Leo Suter and Bella Heathcote. Ben Radcliffe has also since joined the cast. Set in 14th Century England and loosely inspired by the Japanese ghost story Yotsuya Kaidan, the supernatural thriller sees Hauer-King as a knight called Edward Carnifex who marries his longtime love Eleanor (Froseth), only to get bored of her and instead court a wealthy noblewoman (Heathcote). It is only a matter of time before Eleanor will be forced to take a bloody revenge. Bamber plays Eleanor's sister Beatrice, and Suter plays Edward's squire and Beatrice's suitor Richard. Best of Deadline 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery 2025 TV Cancellations: Photo Gallery Everything We Know About Amazon's 'Verity' Movie So Far
