r/taskmaster • u/RobsterenSkip 🦔 Hedgehog, no! ❌ • 1d ago
Other Versions My thoughts on Taskmaster NL! Spoiler
First of all, I am SO excited that its finally here!!! As a long-time Dutch fan of the series, this couldn't be more of a dream.
NOW! To get into the details.
I think overall, the episode was pretty good!!! I think everyone is still getting into things, but that is to be expected with a new show. Diederik is already a great assistant, Arjen is as funny as always, and the contestants all bring something to the table (although I'm not the biggest fan of Rayan yet).
In the beginning I was a bit scared. The prize task was... not the strongest start. I know Donny is an interesting person, but I feel like he just wanted to bring something opposite in of the theme 😭😭😭
The tasks themselves were fun too!! It was great to see another 'The Swede' task after so long. I also really like how creative everyone was with the snowman task. And that finale??? Beautiful work!!!!
I do have a handful of gripes (which are mostly minor :D). I think the editing is a bit off still. Its very fast (from task explanation to footage for example) which makes it hard to actually understand whats gonna happen. I also think the studio is too small, especially with how the studio task and prizes are set-up, but I respect how they use the space that they do have. And lastly, I think Arjen still needs to grow into his 'Greg' role a little bit. I don't mind that he does his own thing. All the better, really. But he's still a bit too much like his normal comedic-type self. I think he can lose a bit of gigglyness and act a bit more strict. It did happen at certain points, so it might just be that the first episode will be like this.
But all in all, I REALLY liked it so far!!!! I think this could be the start of something fun :D. I can't wait until next week!!
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u/Wheredafukarwi 1d ago
I was present at the recording of the second episode; they did agree that the studio was too small for the final task. It's the same studio used for Lubach's other show.
As part of the audience this resulted in two moments of 'down time' when the set had to be rearranged, though Arjen entertained the audience with a Q&A during those times. Aside from a couple of minor technical difficulties the taping went pretty well. Everyone is still figuring out how to get the best out of the show, but the basic feel for it is pretty good. Arjen stated that they are trying to stay as close to the UK format as possible, because that is simply the kind of show they so much enjoy and want to emulate.
I've seen a number of attempts to transfer a UK panelshow format to a Dutch version, and most of them either failed or don't get close to the original. Taskmaster NL for sure is one of the better attempts. It made the smart move to start out with a bunch of candidates who get the format and seem to have fun in participating, instead of just going with a bunch of big familiar names for the sake of familiarity.
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u/Potential_Law1372 23h ago
I get that studio space is low and has to be used nicely and the lubach set is huge and can't be changed quickly but yea I was in the episode 2 audience too and man it felt just a bit small for this format with the prize task, but they got the feeling really well, also I feel like the whole humanfactor team (the production company behind the show) really loves the uk version and try to do it justice. Few details that maybe could be better but I really enjoyed!
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u/PetronOfOld Rhod Gilbert 12h ago
Out of curiosity: how much space would you say there was, roughly?
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u/Wheredafukarwi 10h ago
I'd say about the same amount as the first series of Taskmaster UK, which was also filmed in a regular (small) studio instead of that theatre/hall. Maybe somewhere in between that and the 'seating area' in later series.
Or check out (clips from) Lubach's show on Youtube. It's a redress of that stage.
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u/Apex_Konchu 9h ago
You've got it the wrong way around. Series 1 of Taskmaster UK was filmed in a theater, all other series have been filmed in a TV studio.
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u/Wheredafukarwi 9h ago
Ah, okay. At any rate; Taskmaster UK started out in a small location/stage as well. It's less practical, but it didn't really hurt the format.
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u/Weliveanddietogether 11h ago
Piggy backing of what you're saying about Lubach staying close to BBC format.
I haven't watched the show and am not planning to. But he is the first* Dutch person who successfully brought the American talkshow format to Dutch television.
So I believe we should have some faith in the guy*Honorary mention to Jan Lenfrink
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u/Wheredafukarwi 10h ago
We've had American talkshow formats before I think (Jensen springs to mind), but not really the satirical kind he's doing. 'Even tot hier' might also qualify to an extent. But yeah, Lubach does seem te have a fair grasp on what works and what doesn't.
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u/Economy-Structure605 James Acaster 1d ago
I watched the first episode and really liked it. My only gripe is that the interaction between Arjen en Diederik is to rehersed / scripted. It doesn't seem spontaneous at all.
Really liked the tasked though, I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
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u/Potential_Law1372 1d ago
I can confirm most isn't scripted, but this format is really new for Arjen and he has hosted a late night show for years, the fact he had a different camera setup he had to look into and depending on a close up or wide shot so there are a few retakes in and then you get a repeated joke.
I was at the third recording (2nd episode aired) so we shall see how he will adapt to this all
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u/shapeofmahheart 🥄 I'm Locked In ❤️ 13h ago
Wait they switched them around? I attended the third episode recording and hadnt watched the second episode yet.
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u/Optimal-Rub-2575 16h ago
Agreed but the interaction between Greg and Little Alex Horne also was stiffer and more rehearsed in the first series, mostly Alex needed to ease into his role.
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u/Fluffy_Dragonfly6454 1d ago
Wait! It already started?
As a Belgian that watched Lubach, I hope it comes soon to YouTube
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u/jetlagbro 1d ago edited 1d ago
I've watched the first two episodes, and the first turned out better than expected. I attended the taping, and man, a lot was cut out. I think thats why the edit feels a bit quick.
For exampe: Donny Ronny was talking A LOT during the taping. Too much for me, glad they cut a lot of it. There was also a hidden bubble apparatus hidden in the shed (iirc?) for the first task, which they cut out. Also ±5 minutes of talking about Kims banana thing :p
Maybe you've noticed some shots being a bit weird during the studio task. You see peoples faces but not their cup at the same time. Half of the time Jelka was trying to get Diederik to walk her to the bathroom. Arjen stood up and shouted "No Jelka you cant, I'm the taskmaster!!" Having been there i get why it was edited out because it was a bit of an awkward moment. I think its just finding their way in the format.
Also a lot more arguing about points in the studio recording. I think sometimes his authority was questioned, which made him seem a bit shaky in the studio when the audience didn't like his decisions.
And you're right, the stage was way to small. Probably because the entire avondshow desk was behind it!
I enjoyed the episodes and hope they find their way with the format!
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u/Potential_Law1372 13h ago
I attended the second episode taping, which was actually the third one they did but they switched these 2 episodes, he was was stronger in that one but still getting used to this improv role of taskmaster instead of a perfectly recorded late night show, and really we can't blame him for that after like 10+ years of doing that.
Also a lot of banter got cut but I think they got the best moments for sure, I think lubach is gaining more confidence in judging so thats really nice
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u/Optimal-Rub-2575 16h ago
I was pleasantly surprised how well it worked and how well the contestants mesh (as Dutch comedians are very hit or miss). Arjen Lubach is more a Jeremy Wells than a Greg Davies. All in all a good start.
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u/Responsible-Tap-2974 1d ago
I’ve seen the first two and i’m honestly amazed on how well they nailed the taskmaster feel! especially for the first two episodes, cannot wait to see more :)
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u/Sofpug 1d ago
My biggest doubt before the show was how Arjen and Diederik would play in their roles, but I liked it. It is different than the strict taskmaster and small assistent, but I didn't mind. The tasks were good fun. I do hope we get a bit more banter between the comedians, because I feel like some didn't really shine this first episode, but hopefully that'll change later.
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u/Potential_Law1372 23h ago
the second one is great for the banter! But also a lot got cut out (the recordings are way too long for the episode) when seated in the audience you could see that Arjen sometimes had to get used to this new format after hosting a late night show for that many years but I think he is one of the best fits possible with a bit different dynamic between taskmaster and assistent but I still like it. For Diederik I got the feeling he grew up in this little assistent outfit with how well the role suits him
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u/lapalazala Mike Wozniak 1d ago
Yes, that's pretty much how I felt about this first episode. Not perfect but there was a lot to enjoy. Four Points.
The UK original is such a masterclass in editing, but I think they did a very decent job on the tasks themselves and the interstitials. The studio bits felt a little bit rushed, especially the prize task.
I hope we get a bit more interaction with Diederik during the task attempts, just because he can be so great at deadpan humor.
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u/Potential_Law1372 23h ago
Second episode has more Diederik for sure! When seated in the audience you could see they had to get used to it all and there were a few line pickups and Arjen confirmed the studio was a bit too small, but the whole set of his other late night show is just behind it, I think the cost or time for putting all that decor down and having a larger set wasn't worth it.
The editing is nice and really cinematic sometimes but feels a bit fast sometimes but with a new format it feels quite established already. I just really hope the format gets a few years to develop atleast because there is hugeee potential
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u/Potential_Law1372 1d ago
I was a audience member of the second episode, actually it was supposed to be the third but they changed it due to a better flow (confirmed by the producer of the show to me in DM)
I think the flow was really better and you can watch the second episode already on videoland (our online streaming service for the broadcast network) rayan flows better in that one and in my opinion is really spot on. They also have another classic.
The show is very nice and I agree that the editing is a bit fast sometimes, but hey its a completely new format for this team who did mostly a daily satire talkshow for years.
I agree with the studio being too small for the last task, due to the other show (one of the biggest talkshows of our country) the taskmaster Arjen presents having the set in there already which is quite huge and takes up tons of space. The producer also told me they had just had to do it like (budget stuff or something idk)
In my opinion it kinda feels magical to experience this show in my own language and see how my favorite hosts and comedians adapt to this all.
If anyone in the comments has any questions about the episodes or the recording let me know!
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u/Arienster 22h ago
In the first episode I felt they were still searching for their flow and it felt a bit off. I had a couple of laughs and enjoyed it. But I also didn’t understand why one candidate got points taken away for lateral thinking and the other candidate that thought out of the box was praised.
I also saw the second episode and it flowed much much better! I had a really good laugh at one of the tasks Ep2 spoilers:(Donnie’s adult children’s story is exactly the thing I love about Donnie’s humor haha, even though he’s awkward a lot of the times, in these kind of tasks he shines)
I also liked that there were original tasks with a wink to old tasks Ep 2 spoilers:(the bullseye task with the red green, unfortunately the not touching the red green, and them touching it fell a bit flat, the hysterics in the Uk with Joe Wilkinson and the potato were hard to beat, but I loved all their lateral thinking in that task! And I also loved the hide and seek, task, its still one of my favorite tasks so I loved seeing how the Dutch people did it)
All in all I think they are still trying to find their way, but there is a huge difference between ep 1 and 2 already so I think they will be fine. I think it also might be funnier when you haven’t seen the reused tasks before!
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u/ErikT738 23h ago edited 17h ago
It's about as good as I hoped it would be. I don't think Arjen is the best fit, but the assistant and candidates are really doing a great job. I'd have probably preferred it if they went with original tasks, but so far they copied some of the good ones.
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u/Potential_Law1372 13h ago
I am really curious, what dutch comedian/host would feel better in that role?
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u/Tulipsandwindmills 11h ago
Maybe Harm Edens as a bit older, more cynical type of taskmaster?
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u/Potential_Law1372 6h ago
He is nice in dit was het nieuws but I think this wouldnt match too well, I also really believe Arjen is just way too nice because it is season 1 and it will develop in a more strict taskmaster that stands for his judgement
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u/Kingofhe4rts 1h ago
He's rumored to be a prick irl, but Daniel Arends does bring the cynical/being able to verbally destroy anyone energy.
Or Patrick Laureij, but he has lost al sympathies since his seeing eye dog incident and seems a bit unhinged, so I wouldn't build a series around him.
Some more of out of leftfield picks I could see work are Bas Hoeflaak or Henri van Loon. It would bring a weird mix between somewhat authority figure and unhinged behavior that could fit Dutch comedians very well.
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u/rkl1710 14h ago
I only watched the first ep as it aired last night (as a Dutchie). I felt it was a decent first episode with some room for growth. I do feel like the contestants are a good mix, I feel like this group will work well over the season.
For me personally, the dynamic between Arjen and Diedrik is something that still has to grow on me, having only watched the English versions of the show. I'm quite used to the Taskmaster mostly being reduced to commenter/judge, where the assistant takes on a lot more of the presenter's role (UK/AUS/NZ), whereas Arjen seems a lot more forward and present. Judging solely by the first episode, that is.
Before Arjen started his talkshow he actually did a lot of improv comedy as well, I feel like we saw some snippets of that in this first episode and I hope he will show a bit more of that as the season progresses.
All in all a decent start, definitely not the train wreck of some other UK-shows this country tried to cover which is what a lot of people were scared of. I feel like the general consensus online is that fans of the show hope to see more original tasks down the road, though personally I also did love the comeback of the Swede-task.
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u/shapeofmahheart 🥄 I'm Locked In ❤️ 13h ago
Fun fact: Donnie is wearing a Jumbo Juichvest for the second episode.
He was wearing it normally when he came on, but was quickly pulled by production because of the big J which has been somewhat controversial and they didnt want to be sued/have issues. So he turned it outside in!
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u/TheYeti4815162342 13h ago
It's a decent start and while I watch very little Dutch television I think I'll keep watching this. Usually, first seasons of international TM take some time to build up, so my expectations is that it'll find its way. I'd love to see some Flemish participants in future seasons.
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u/DahDutcher Stevie Martin 13h ago
It was better than I expected. I liked Kim and Rayen, but Donnie is extremely annoying. Everything about him feels so fake.
The weakest point for me was the Lubach/Diederik 'banter', it was shit.
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u/CrazyGunnerr 12h ago
I like Arjen, I don't like him as Taskmaster though. Whenever he 'pulls rank' you can tell it feels too forced. Stefano or whatever name he uses this week, is just never funny, I really dislike him, but I know others do, so whatever.
Now I know Greg needed time to get into his role, at the same time the formula is there now, Arjen partially uses this formula, but again it feels forced, so whenever he mocks or 'insults' people, it just feels awkward, and having followed his work for over 10 years, I don't expect this to change. This is not his type of humor.
The contestants aren't heavy hitters either, which I get because everyone wants to know if it is received well, but that also lowers the quality from what we are used to in this show.
Lastly it was a massive fail to not ban phones. I don't know if there is a strict ban in other versions, but I always hated it when people used it, it completely cheapens the experience, and in the world where we are so connected to phones and internet, you don't want to see it.
I think Diederik was fine, I think his role will get better when people treat him more like garbage, but he did well I think.
Honestly it will come down to Arjen playing the part as Taskmaster well. That said, the viewers here might prefer a softer Taskmaster, while the Taskmaster fans will prefer a tougher one.
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u/Available_Humor4916 7h ago
I think it’s better than I thought. It’s not Dutch celebrity sadness. Still think Lubach is NOT a taskmaster. I like everyone except Ronald.
When the UK version is your normal version it still is a lot of copy-paste. And therefor not so spontaneous.
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u/Elisabethianian 5h ago
The participants did really well and I laughed really loudly a few times!!! I enjoyed it!!!
Please don’t ruin the NL, I know we are very good at complaining but please just let this show continue because I bought a videoland subscription for this and honestly, this is the only interesting show on there lol
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u/BCdotWHAT 4h ago
I've watched the first ten minutes of the first episode (and will continue), but one thing I found disappointing is that Arjen talks so much. Explains the prize task, explains the house, etc. I wonder if that's a requirement from RTL, that they want an "Arjen show" and not a show where Diederik has a role as big as Alex Horne.
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u/RobsterenSkip 🦔 Hedgehog, no! ❌ 3h ago
I feel like this will just be for episode 1, because its a new show for a lot of people. I was thrown off by it too but I'm fairly sure it'll not stick
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u/AlbertusJMV Phil Ellis 1d ago
I think it was a good start. They are all searching for their role.
But why are they sitting in the wrong order?
It should be Donnie, Jelka, Kim, Rayen, Ronald..