Taskmaster’s New Year Treat 2026: Everything You Need to Know About the Two-Part Special

1 January 2026 Television

Taskmaster Ushers in 2026 with Historic Two-Part Special

As British comedy fans prepare to ring in the new year, Channel 4’s beloved game show Taskmaster is set to deliver its most ambitious festive offering yet. The two-part Taskmaster’s New Year Treat will air on Channel 4 over the festive period, beginning on 2nd January 2026, marking the first instalment to be aired in two parts. This expansion reflects the show’s continued popularity and its status as a New Year’s tradition for comedy enthusiasts across the UK.

Star-Studded Celebrity Line-Up Announced

Big Zuu, Jill Scott, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Sam Ryder and Susie Dent will compete in the two-part Taskmaster’s New Year Treat, bringing together personalities from diverse entertainment backgrounds. The eclectic mix includes television personality and rapper Big Zuu, Euros trophy winner Jill Scott who lifted the trophy with the Lionesses in 2022, and Countdown’s lexicographer Susie Dent. The mighty Greg Davies will score the efforts of these stars as Little Alex Horne diligently keeps track of proceedings.

Breaking with Tradition

The special will differ from the main show by involving non-comedians as contestants – previous winners have been actors Sue Johnston and Lenny Rush, athlete Mo Farah, dancer Shirley Ballas and presenter Adrian Chiles. The studio recordings took place on the 19th of November 2025 at Television Centre, ensuring the special is primed for its early January debut.

What This Means for Taskmaster Fans

The two-part format signals Channel 4’s confidence in the programme, which has enjoyed remarkable longevity since its debut. Since its 2015 debut, the show has gone on to air in 120 countries and has found success on YouTube with 1.9 million subscribers. Beyond the New Year Treat, viewers can also anticipate season 21 of Taskmaster set to air in 2026, alongside the fourth Champion of Champions special. For British comedy fans, this New Year’s celebration promises double the chaos, double the tasks, and double the entertainment as five famous faces tackle Greg Davies’ absurd challenges.