Taskmaster has plunged to new depths of disgust, leaving its loyal fanbase utterly horrified and threatening to flood Ofcom with complaints. The latest episode of Series 17 on Channel 4 has been branded the most revolting in the show's history, all thanks to a challenge that involved a public lavatory brush.
Hosts Greg Davies and Alex Horne are no strangers to absurd and messy tasks, but this particular challenge has crossed a line for many. The segment, which has since gone viral on social media, has been slammed as 'vile' and 'unhygienic' by disgusted viewers.
Viewer Backlash Erupts Online
Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), exploded with outrage immediately after the episode aired. Long-time fans of the beloved comedy show expressed their shock and disbelief, with many stating it was a step too far even for Taskmaster's famously bizarre standards.
One horrified viewer tweeted, "Well that's the most disgusting thing I've ever seen on #Taskmaster," capturing the sentiment of hundreds. Another simply declared the show had "finally gone too far," suggesting the producers had finally found the limit of audience tolerance for gross-out humour.
A Challenge Too Far?
While the specific details of the task are best left to the imagination, it involved an item typically found in a public convenience being used in a way that defied all common sense and hygiene protocols. The contestants' reactions, a mix of grim determination and pure horror, did little to quell the audience's nausea.
The sheer audacity of the challenge has sparked a fierce debate. Is this a hilarious push of boundaries or a genuinely off-putting misstep that could alienate the show's core audience? The volume of negative feedback suggests a significant portion of viewers believe it's the latter.
Ofcom Complaints Loom
The backlash was so severe that numerous viewers threatened to formally report the episode to UK media regulator Ofcom. Such a wave of complaints could potentially trigger an investigation into whether the show breached broadcasting standards concerning harmful or offensive material.
This isn't the first time a comedy show has faced scrutiny for its content, but it marks a significant moment for Taskmaster, which has largely enjoyed a controversy-free run until now. Whether Ofcom will act remains to be seen, but the court of public opinion has already delivered a stern verdict.
For now, Taskmaster's production team is facing a cleanup operation of a different kind, as they deal with the mess left by what many are calling their most ill-conceived challenge yet.
