List #97: Ranking Taskmaster Cohorts, Ultimate Countdown! The Top 5 (Part 3 of 3)

During this pandemic, I've seen lots of people discover the UK delight Taskmaster, brainchild of Alex Horne. As someone who, over the course of the past four years, has steadily made her way through every available iteration and offshoot (you realize most of these people have podcasts, right?), I say, "Welcome!"

See also: Rec. #696, Rec. #731, List #71, Rec. #858, Rec. #873, List #95


Many casts have now had the absurd and joyful Taskmaster experience, and I have thoughts on all of them.

Let's count down! See Part 1 here. See Part 2 here. 

5. Series Eleven (currently airing; ranking subject to change): Charlotte Ritchie, Jamali Maddix, Lee Mack, Mike Wozniak, Sarah Kendall

Currently airing, so who really knows, but it's already had a couple of instant-classic tasks (two words: table - salt). Not to mention the magnificence of Sarah Kendall's hair.

4. Series Six: Alice Levine, Asim Chaudhry, Liza Tarbuck, Russell Howard, Tim Vine

Earns this spot mainly for the iconic cake-sitting, but each contestant in this one is sincerely likeable in their own way. Plus, bonus! Alice Levine says, "Hey, girl" to Alex.

3. Series Seven: James Acaster, Jessica Knappett, Kerry Godliman, Phil Wang, Rhod Gilbert

Best line: "I wanted to be on the girls' team really badly." | Runner-up: "A laminator!"

2. Series Four: Hugh Dennis, Joe Lycett, Lolly Adefope, Mel Giedroyc, Noel Fielding 

Highest ratio of deliciously chaotic contestants | Fave task from this group: Hide from Alex

1. Series Five: Aisling Bea, Bob Mortimer, Mark Watson, Nish Kumar, Sally Phillips

This cast does the most enthusiastic cheering on of one another, by far. They also do some of the best stuff. "Write and perform a song for a stranger" is my favorite task, ever ever ever -- both the process and the results. Also unforgettable: The point-of-view film from Sally Phillips

[Tiny bonus: May I humbly suggest a fun add-on? For any season/series, take a drink every time someone walks into a new task space carrying a cup of tea. You'll only stay sober for the US season.]