Taskmaster New Zealand: Difference between revisions
David Levy (talk | contribs) m David Levy moved page Taskmaster (New Zealand TV series) to Taskmaster New Zealand over redirect: now formally titled as such |
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{{Infobox television |
{{Infobox television |
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| alt_name = Taskmaster |
| alt_name = Taskmaster New Zealand |
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| image = Taskmaster |
| image = Taskmaster New Zealand title card.jpg |
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| caption = Title card from |
| caption = Title card from series 4 |
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| genre = [[Comedy]], [[panel game]] |
| genre = [[Comedy]], [[panel game]] |
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| creator = [[Alex Horne]] |
| creator = [[Alex Horne]] |
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| company = |
| company = |
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| channel = [[TVNZ 2]] |
| channel = [[TVNZ 2]] |
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| picture_format = |
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| audio_format = |
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| first_aired = {{Start date|2020|10|21|df=y}} |
| first_aired = {{Start date|2020|10|21|df=y}} |
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| last_aired = present |
| last_aired = present |
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}} |
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'''''Taskmaster NZ''''' 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 [[Taskmaster (TV series)|UK television show]] in 2015. |
'''''Taskmaster New Zealand''''' (also known as '''''Taskmaster''''' or '''''Taskmaster NZ''''') 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 [[Taskmaster (TV series)|UK television show]] in 2015. |
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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]], and adjudicated by his assistant, comedian [[Paul Williams (comedian)|Paul Williams]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/taskmaster-nz|title=Taskmaster NZ|author=|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|author=Michael Craig|date=27 September 2020|website=nzherald.co.nz|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]], and adjudicated by his assistant, comedian [[Paul Williams (comedian)|Paul Williams]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/taskmaster-nz|title=Taskmaster NZ|author=|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|author=Michael Craig|date=27 September 2020|website=nzherald.co.nz|accessdate=2 December 2020}}</ref> |
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''Taskmaster |
''Taskmaster New Zealand'' is produced for [[TVNZ]], with support from [[NZ On Air]]. The first series was broadcast in summer 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> and 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> Funding for a fourth series was confirmed in December 2022;<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> studio filming began in mid-2023 and the series premiered on 14{{nbsp}}August. |
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==Cast== |
==Cast== |
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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,<ref>{{cite web |title=Audience ratings for TV - 4–31 July |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date=15 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815003423/https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |
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,<ref>{{cite web |title=Audience ratings for TV - 4–31 July |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date=15 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815003423/https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |
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|archive-date=15 August 2021}}</ref> to an average of 165,800 for the last four episodes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Audience ratings for TV - 15 August - 11 September |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date= |
|archive-date=15 August 2021}}</ref> to an average of 165,800 for the last four episodes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Audience ratings for TV - 15 August - 11 September |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date=24 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924005743/https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |
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|archive-date= |
|archive-date=24 September 2021}}</ref> The tenth and final episode, alone, received 187,700 viewers.<ref>{{cite web |title=The 10 highest rating funded television programmes on air between 5 September - 2 October |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date=16 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016192148/https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |
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|archive-date=16 October 2021}}</ref> |
|archive-date=16 October 2021}}</ref> |
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The contestants for the series were announced in June 2022, and are [[Chris Parker (comedian)|Chris Parker]], [[Josh Thomson (actor)|Josh Thomson]], Justine Smith, [[Kura Forrester]] and [[Paul Ego]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Simich |first1=Ricardo |title=Shortland Street star Kura Forrester joins all-new Taskmaster cast |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/shortland-street-star-kura-forrester-joins-all-new-taskmaster-cast/IMATC3LJWFAWCYCY57KJR4XDWA/ |website=NZHerald |access-date=19 June 2022 |date=18 June 2022}}</ref> The series premiered on 6 July 2022;<ref name="S3Date"/> in the run-up to the series, series 1 and 2 were repeated on [[TVNZ Duke]] across the two weekends before its launch.<ref>{{cite web |title=A Brand-new Cast Of Celebrity Contestants Revealed For Taskmaster NZ Season Three |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU2206/S00143/a-brand-new-cast-of-celebrity-contestants-revealed-for-taskmaster-nz-season-three.htm |website=SCOOP |access-date=19 June 2022 |date=19 June 2022}}</ref> 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 contestants for the series were announced in June 2022, and are [[Chris Parker (comedian)|Chris Parker]], [[Josh Thomson (actor)|Josh Thomson]], Justine Smith, [[Kura Forrester]] and [[Paul Ego]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Simich |first1=Ricardo |title=Shortland Street star Kura Forrester joins all-new Taskmaster cast |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/shortland-street-star-kura-forrester-joins-all-new-taskmaster-cast/IMATC3LJWFAWCYCY57KJR4XDWA/ |website=NZHerald |access-date=19 June 2022 |date=18 June 2022}}</ref> The series premiered on 6 July 2022;<ref name="S3Date"/> in the run-up to the series, series 1 and 2 were repeated on [[TVNZ Duke]] across the two weekends before its launch.<ref>{{cite web |title=A Brand-new Cast Of Celebrity Contestants Revealed For Taskmaster NZ Season Three |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU2206/S00143/a-brand-new-cast-of-celebrity-contestants-revealed-for-taskmaster-nz-season-three.htm |website=SCOOP |access-date=19 June 2022 |date=19 June 2022}}</ref> 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. |
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The series launch recorded 145,400 viewers in consolidated viewing figures.<ref>{{cite web |title=Audience ratings for TV - The 10 highest rating funded television programmes on air between 12 June - 9 July 2022 |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date= |
The series launch recorded 145,400 viewers in consolidated viewing figures.<ref>{{cite web |title=Audience ratings for TV - The 10 highest rating funded television programmes on air between 12 June - 9 July 2022 |url=https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |website=NZ On Air |access-date=20 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720231519/https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/research/audience-ratings-tv/ |archive-date=20 July 2021}}</ref> <!--- DO NOT INSERT RATINGS COLUMN INTO TABLE; NZONAIR REPORTS RATINGS IN FOUR-WEEK AVERAGES, NOT WEEKLY ---> |
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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. |
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. |
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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> |
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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 |
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"/> |
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===Funding=== |
===Funding=== |
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''Taskmaster |
''Taskmaster New Zealand'' receives funding from NZ On Air, which has steadily increased each series. 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"/> |
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Funding for a fourth series was confirmed in December 2022, for "up to $882,119".<ref name="NOAS4"/> |
Funding for a fourth series was confirmed in December 2022, for "up to $882,119".<ref name="NOAS4"/> |
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== Distribution == |
== Distribution == |
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''Taskmaster |
''Taskmaster New Zealand'' was made available to stream in Sweden through SVT Play in December 2022.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.svtplay.se/bast-i-test-nya-zeeland | title=Bäst i test Nya Zeeland }}</ref> It is intended to be made available on Taskmaster SuperMax+ – a streaming platform dedicated to hosting ''Taskmaster'' content – at an unknown date.<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> |
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== References == |
== References == |
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Revision as of 08:41, 18 August 2023
| Taskmaster New Zealand | |
|---|---|
 Title card from series 4 | |
| Also known as | Taskmaster New Zealand |
| Genre | Comedy, panel game |
| Created by | Alex Horne |
| Written by |
|
| Directed by | Andy Robinson & Tom Furniss |
| Presented by | Jeremy Wells |
| Starring | Paul Williams (assistant) |
| Theme music composer | The Horne Section |
| Country of origin | New Zealand |
| Original language | English |
| No. of series | 4 |
| No. of episodes | 40 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Editors |
|
| Running time | 44 minutes[1] |
| Original release | |
| Network | TVNZ 2 |
| Release | 21 October 2020 – present |
| Related | |
| Taskmaster (British TV series) | |
Taskmaster New Zealand (also known as Taskmaster or Taskmaster NZ) 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, and adjudicated 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 summer 2020, while the second series was broadcast in the winter of 2021,[4] and the third in winter 2022.[1][5] Funding for a fourth series was confirmed in December 2022;[6] studio filming began in mid-2023 and the series premiered on 14 August.
Cast
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
- † Series champion
| Series | Seating | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | |
| 1 | Angella Dravid † | Brynley Stent | Guy Williams | Leigh Hart | Madeleine Sami |
| 2 | David Correos | Guy Montgomery | Laura Daniel † | Matt Heath | Urzila Carlson |
| 3 | Chris Parker | Josh Thomson † | Justine Smith | Kura Forrester | Paul Ego |
| 4 | Bubbah Olo | Dai Henwood | Karen O'Leary | Melanie Bracewell | Ray O'Leary |
Episodes
Series 1 (2020)
The filming of the tasks was completed in March 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic caused a nationwide lockdown.[7] 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 completed the standings.[8]
Host of the original, British version of Taskmaster, Greg Davies, appears as part of the prize tasks in the seventh episode.
| No. | Title | Winner | Original air date | Viewership[9] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Gluten Free" | Brynley Stent | 21 October 2020 | N/A |
| 2 | "A Political Hotcake" | Madeleine Sami | 28 October 2020 | 134,100 |
| 3 | "D.A.P." | Brynley Stent | 4 November 2020 | N/A |
| 4 | "I'm Queer, I'm Here" | Guy Williams | 11 November 2020 | N/A |
| 5 | "Unhealth Must Be Dead" | Brynley Stent | 18 November 2020 | N/A |
| 6 | "The Problem Is Me" | Angella Dravid | 25 November 2020 | 129,000 |
| 7 | "An Intervention" | Leigh Hart | 2 December 2020 | N/A |
| 8 | "Sweaty Socks and Depression" | Angella Dravid | 9 December 2020 | 108,100 |
| 9 | "Astro Blasters" | Leigh Hart | 16 December 2020 | 106,400 |
| 10 | "My Uncle John" | Madeleine Sami | 23 December 2020 | N/A |
Series 2 (2021)
On 30 May 2021, the contestants for series 2 were named as David Correos, Guy Montgomery, Laura Daniel, Matt Heath, and Urzila Carlson.[10] 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,[11] to an average of 165,800 for the last four episodes.[12] The tenth and final episode, alone, received 187,700 viewers.[13]
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. | Title | Winner | Original air date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Flight of Fantasy" | Matt Heath | 7 July 2021 |
| 2 | "Heat Stroke" | Laura Daniel | 14 July 2021 |
| 3 | "At Your Service" | David Correos | 21 July 2021 |
| 4 | "Unbung" | Guy Montgomery | 28 July 2021 |
| 5 | "Feel My Bean" | Urzila Carlson | 4 August 2021 |
| 6 | "Eat Your Asses" | Guy Montgomery | 11 August 2021 |
| 7 | "Completing the Set" | Laura Daniel | 18 August 2021 |
| 8 | "Judgement Day" | Guy Montgomery | 25 August 2021 |
| 9 | "Bing Bang Schlong" | Matt Heath | 1 September 2021 |
| 10 | "A Good Time, Not a Fast Time" | David Correos | 8 September 2021 |
Series 3 (2022)
Funding from NZ On Air for a ten-episode third series was announced in April 2022,[1] having been received months earlier.[14] The tasks were written in February 2022.[14] Filming for the studio shows took place in the last week of May.[15][16][17]
The contestants for the series were announced in June 2022, and are Chris Parker, Josh Thomson, Justine Smith, Kura Forrester and Paul Ego.[18] 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.[19] 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.[20]
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. | Title | Winner | Original air date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "F**k Golf" | Josh Thomson | 6 July 2022 |
| 2 | "Sauce Tits" | Josh Thomson | 13 July 2022 |
| 3 | "Mexican Lasagna" | Paul Ego | 20 July 2022 |
| 4 | "Herbs and Spices" | Chris Parker | 27 July 2022 |
| 5 | "The Prime Minister Thanks You" | Kura Forrester | 3 August 2022 |
| 6 | "Sweet Navel Orange" | Chris Parker | 10 August 2022 |
| 7 | "Butt Heavy" | Chris Parker | 17 August 2022 |
| 8 | "Best Friends" | Chris Parker | 24 August 2022 |
| 9 | "Well Alright!" | Chris Parker | 31 August 2022 |
| 10 | "Wet Ass Cutlery" | Josh Thomson | 7 September 2022 |
Series 4 (2023)
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.[21]
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.[22] Ray O'Leary previously appeared on the show as part of a studio task during the third series.
Studio filming began on 31 May and lasted a week.[23][24] It was confirmed on 1 August that the series will premiere on 14 August, and will air two episodes weekly.[25]
| No. | Title | Winner | Original air date [25] |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "A Love Bomb" | Melanie Bracewell | 14 August 2023 |
| 2 | "I'm a Therapist, Not a Greengrocer" | Dai Henwood | 15 August 2023 |
| 3 | "Everyone Is Just a Teal Dress" | TBA | 21 August 2023 |
| 4 | "More Licky Licky" | TBA | 22 August 2023 |
| 5 | TBA | TBA | 28 August 2023 |
| 6 | TBA | TBA | 29 August 2023 |
| 7 | TBA | TBA | 4 September 2023 |
| 8 | TBA | TBA | 5 September 2023 |
| 9 | TBA | TBA | 11 September 2023 |
| 10 | TBA | TBA | 12 September 2023 |
Production
Funding from NZ On Air for the first series was announced in September 2019.[26] 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.[27] The studio shows were originally scheduled to film at South Pacific Pictures in Auckland in late August 2020, but were later cancelled[28] - Auckland was moved into level 3 COVID-19 restrictions shortly beforehand - and were delayed into September.[29] 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".[30]
The second series was confirmed in March 2021,[31] with the lineup confirmed that May.[10] 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.[32] One task during the series was cut after Carlson broke her collarbone in an attempt to complete it.[33]
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."[34]
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.[32]
Funding
Taskmaster New Zealand receives funding from NZ On Air, which has steadily increased each series. The first series was allocated "up to $734,953",[26] the second "up to $792,119 plus a platform contribution reduction of $635,040",[35] and the third confirmed for "up to $886,574".[1]
Funding for a fourth series was confirmed in December 2022, for "up to $882,119".[6]
Reception
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",[36] 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".[37] 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."[38] 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."[39]
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]
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".[40] 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".[41]
Distribution
Taskmaster New Zealand was made available to stream in Sweden through SVT Play in December 2022.[42] It is intended to be made available on Taskmaster SuperMax+ – a streaming platform dedicated to hosting Taskmaster content – at an unknown date.[43]
References
- ^ a b c d "April 2022 Funding Decisions". NZ On Air. Retrieved 9 May 2022.
- ^ "Taskmaster NZ". TVNZ.co.nz. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
- ^ Michael Craig (27 September 2020). "Taskmaster NZ: Team revealed as shows release date nears". nzherald.co.nz. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
- ^ a b Dessau, Bruce (9 March 2021). "News: More Taskmaster For New Zealand". Beyond the Joke. Retrieved 10 March 2021.
- ^ a b "Taskmaster NZ Season 3 starts July 6th". Reddit. 22 June 2022. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
- ^ a b c "Clean sweep for comedy in NZ On Air's latest Scripted funding round". NZOnAir. 5 December 2022. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
- ^ Chris Schulz (27 September 2020). "Taskmaster NZ team revealed, show finally ready to go after coronavirus delays". stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
- ^ "Taskmaster NZ reveals Kiwi comedian all-star lineup". tvnz.co.nz. 27 September 2020. Archived from the original on 30 October 2020. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
- ^ "Imgur - Taskmaster NZ overnight ratings, including +1". Imgur. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
- ^ a b "Taskmaster NZ to return with new line up of comedians". Stuff. 30 May 2021. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
- ^ "Audience ratings for TV - 4–31 July". NZ On Air. Archived from the original on 15 August 2021. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
- ^ "Audience ratings for TV - 15 August - 11 September". NZ On Air. Archived from the original on 24 September 2021. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
- ^ "The 10 highest rating funded television programmes on air between 5 September - 2 October". NZ On Air. Archived from the original on 16 October 2021. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
- ^ a b "Taskmaster NZ renewed for Season 3". Reddit. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
- ^ "I'm in!". Reddit. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
- ^ "I got invited to be in the studio audience of Taskmaster NZ…". Reddit. 10 May 2022. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
- ^ Smith, Sam [@ReelBigSmith] (13 May 2022). "May 23 to 27 [...]" (Tweet). Retrieved 22 May 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ Simich, Ricardo (18 June 2022). "Shortland Street star Kura Forrester joins all-new Taskmaster cast". NZHerald. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "A Brand-new Cast Of Celebrity Contestants Revealed For Taskmaster NZ Season Three". SCOOP. 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ^ "Audience ratings for TV - The 10 highest rating funded television programmes on air between 12 June - 9 July 2022". NZ On Air. Archived from the original on 20 July 2021. Retrieved 20 July 2021.
{{cite web}}:|archive-date=/|archive-url=timestamp mismatch; 20 July 2022 suggested (help) - ^ Smith, Sam [@ReelBigSmith] (4 December 2022). "I guess I better start writing some tasks... #TaskmasterNZ #Season4 (JK I've already written a bunch)" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Simich, Ricardo (27 May 2023). "Spy: Dai Henwood and Melanie Bracewell join Taskmaster NZ". NZ Herald. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
- ^ @taskmasternzofficial (15 May 2023). "Taskmaster New Zealand will return in 2023! ... Filming begins May 31st!" – via Instagram.
- ^ Newall, Steve (12 August 2023). ""I just want to say that I really was trying" – Ray O'Leary talks Taskmaster". Flicks.
- ^ a b @tvnzpublicity (2 August 2023). "We have a date! Taskmaster NZ starts Monday 14 August and continues on Tuesday for a double dose of weekly TM chaos! Only on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+" – via Instagram.
- ^ a b "More laugh therapy ordered for New Zealanders". NZOnAir. 27 September 2019. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
- ^ Gamble, Ed; Williams, Paul (30 September 2021). "Ep 48. Paul Williams — S12 Ep.2". Taskmaster: The Podcast (Podcast). Spotify. Event occurs at 13:48-14:47. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
- ^ "Taskmaster New Zealand: CANCELLED". EventFinda.co.nz. Archived from the original on 16 May 2022. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
- ^ "I went to a Taskmaster NZ Filming!". Reddit. 23 September 2020. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
- ^ Nealon, Sarah (24 June 2021). "Why Jeremy Wells likes inspiring fear in Taskmaster contestants". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
- ^ "TVNZ 2 Orders More of Taskmaster and Comedy Gala". ScreenScribe.tv. 5 March 2021. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
- ^ a b Schulz, Chris (2 July 2021). "Taskmaster NZ reveals the secret to making comedians feel uncomfortable". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
- ^ Sanders, Lou; Bernhardt, Jack; Williams, Paul (20 May 2022). "Paul Williams". Taskmaster: The People's Podcast (Podcast). Spotify. Event occurs at 17:09-18:23. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
- ^ Nealon, Sarah (23 June 2022). "Taskmaster NZ duo eye up the opposition". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
- ^ "The best medicine – three local comedy productions set to bring laughter to Aotearoa audiences". NZ On Air. 5 March 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
- ^ Croot, James (26 October 2020). "TVNZ's Taskmaster NZ, Netflix's Queen's Gambit among great new shows to stream". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
- ^ Darren Bevan (22 October 2020). "Taskmaster NZ: Does it live up to the hype of my favourite show or ruin it forever?". stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
- ^ Stewart Sowman-Lun (21 October 2020). "Taskmaster NZ proves we can do panel comedy as well as the Brits". thespinoff.co.nz. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
- ^ Karl Puschmann (30 October 2020). "Karl Puschmann: Is Taskmaster NZ up to the task?". nzherald.co.nz. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
- ^ Croot, James (8 July 2021). "Taskmaster NZ: TVNZ's second stab at the hit Brit series makes polarising start". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
- ^ Sowman-Lund, Stewart (9 September 2021). "Goodbye Taskmaster NZ, the show that saved my lockdown". The Spinoff. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
- ^ "Bäst i test Nya Zeeland".
- ^ 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.
