It's coming back: Taskmaster NZ, arguably one of television's wackiest and consistently funny panel shows, is returning to our screens for a new season - and with it, an all-star lineup of Kiwi comedian contestants.
But who will be crowned the new Taskmaster champion?
The show
The panel show sees contestants perform a series of bizarre and baffling tasks, often pushing them to the limits of comic invention - all in the name of impressing The Taskmaster and his assistant.
The host and his helper
Seven Sharp presenter Jeremy Wells dons his other TV hat and takes on the role of The Taskmaster from his gilded throne, aided by hapless but faithful assistant Paul Williams.
The contestants
Meet the five brave personalities who will be competing in the show's upcoming season, premiering on Tuesday, August 6:
Hayley Sproull
She's no stranger to our screens, having hosted TVNZ’s Have You Been Paying Attention? and The Great Kiwi Bake Off. Hayley Sproull's dulcet tones also populate the airwaves on ZM’s Fletch, Vaughan and Hayley Breakfast Show.
Her passion for theatre and comedy has led her to create several successful comedy works, earning her an array of praise and accolades, including Best Newcomer at the NZ International Comedy Festival in 2012.
Ben Hurley
Comedy veteran Ben Hurley is one of the country’s most recognisable comedy faces and a previous winner of The Billy T Award and The Fred Dagg Award, conquering the toughest of crowds and reviewers alike.
This year, Hurley will fulfil a life goal of commentating cricket with the Alternative Commentary Collective and chucking in a few thoughts about rugby league on the Mad Monday podcast.
Abby Howells
Abby Howells is one of the hottest comedy performers of the moment and an award-winning comedian and writer. She won the prestigious Billy T Award at the 2023 New Zealand International Comedy Festival.
The Dunedin-born star may be a new face to some, but she has performed all around the world and appeared on 7 Days and Guy Montgomery’s Spelling Bee. She’s also a writer who’s penned episodes for Shortland Street.
Tofiga Fepulea’i
Wellington-born Tofiga Fepulea’i has graced screens and stages across New Zealand for more than 20 years with his unique brand of Pacific Island-style humour.
Tofiga rose to stardom in 2003 as one-half of the now iconic duo The Laughing Samoans alongside Eteuati Ete. For over a decade, the pair performed sold-out shows across Australasia, the Pacific, and the US with unprecedented success.
Tom Sainsbury
A multi-talented comedian, actor, writer and filmmaker, Tom Sainsbury has been active in the industry for many years. He hit the mainstream in 2017 after using Snapchat and short-form video content to satirise New Zealand politicians during the 2017 election.
He continues to work extensively in this area, parodying New Zealanders from all walks of life in short clips released almost daily on Instagram and Facebook. You may know him from his characters 'Gingerbread', ‘Fiona the wine reviewer’ or ‘Boomer Dad’.
Your task? Tune in to the show when it screens in early August.
Taskmaster NZ season five will premiere on Tuesday, August 6, at 7.30pm on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+
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