Taskmaster series 6: record ratings set

Taskmaster series 6 debuted this week to its best ratings yet. The new series premiere, which featured Tim Vine, Russell Howard, Liza Tarbuck, Asim Chaudhry and Alice Levine, had an overnight viewing figure of 778,000 which is a real result considering that Dave's catch-up services will no doubt add another large chunk.

Best news of all for fans is that Taskmaster is here to stay for a while, as UKTV announced back in February that it's ordered four (four!) new series of the smash hit show, which will consist of ten sixty-minute episodes a pop.

Taskmaster is currently airing on Wednesday nights at 9pm on Dave. The first episode brought us "wheelbarrow stunts, lemon towers and a big wardrobe in a field" and we loved it. You can read our thoughts on the recently aired US version here. 

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Greg Davies will be back as the omnipotent Taskmaster, alongside assistant Alex Horne, and they'll be joined by Alice Levine (My Dad Wrote A Porno), Asim Chaudhry (People Just Do Nothing), Liza Tarbuck (Upstart Crow), Russell Howard (The Russell Howard Hour), and Tim Vine (Not Going Out). We can't wait to see them have a go.

In a statement about the four-series renewal a few months back, Executive Producer Jon Thoday had this to say:

“We are delighted by Dave’s ongoing commitment and support for Taskmaster. It’s great to know the exceptionally creative team behind it will continue to surprise and entertain viewers with this hugely popular and original show.”

Richard Watsham, Director of Commissioning at UKTV, added: “I couldn’t be more proud of Taskmaster and Alex Horne’s brilliant creation. Once in a while a startlingly original bit of TV comes along that redefines an entire genre and I’m just pleased it’s on Dave. Can’t wait to work with Andy Devonshire and the fantastic team at Avalon on another 40 episodes which will enable us to keep booking the very best comic talent both new and established.”

Creator Horne had a few words, too:

“Once more I’m surprised by and indebted to the hitherto-respected performers who have agreed to put their careers on hold to do this stupid thing, and to UKTV for allowing it to happen 9 (NINE!) times. Also, for the record, I’m well over six foot tall.”

The show has become a huge hit for UKTV Play and Dave, with the Christmas special alone netting almost a million viewers.

More as we have it.