Alex Horne Interviews JOHN KEARNS | Series 14 Interviews | Taskmaster

Travel with us into the mind of John Kearns as he talks to Dr Sigmund Horne.
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In this Broadcast Award-winning, BAFTA and Emmy Award-nominated entertainment show, Taskmaster tyrant Greg Davies (Man Down, Cuckoo), with the help of his loyal assistant Alex Horne (The Horne Section and the show’s creator), sets out to test the wiles, wit and wisdom of five hyper-competitive comedians.
Comedians that have risked life, limb, and dignity in the hope of making the Taskmaster proud so far include: Frank Skinner (The Frank Skinner Show), Mel Giedroyc (The Great British Bake Off), Romesh Ranganathan (Asian Provocateur), Hugh Dennis (Outnumbered), Sally Phillips (Bridget Jones’ Diary), Rose Matafeo (Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner 2018), and Russell Howard (The Russell Howard Hour). Unaware of what awaits them in each wax-sealed envelope, only one competitor can become the victorious owner of His Royal Task-ness’ golden head and be crowned the next Taskmaster Champion.

[@jBownz]

Alex's commitment to the "John...........................Kearns" bit is just one of the reasons why I love this man.

[@elvisjames]

Exxxxaaaaaactly lol I came to comment this

[@Raucey]

John..........Kearns also commits to his "when you go low, I go high" glasses bit.

[@jBownz]

@@Raucey I cannot wait for this series.

[@adamhoughton9516]

@@jBownz Wait for? It started this week...

[@elvisjames]

@@Raucey hilarious

[@bradseeker]

john's like when you go to a website and it presents a semi-blank page with no indication that the site's still loading

[@rp7155]

That is an amazing description

[@andrewforbes1433]

I don't think I have ever seen anyone work so hard to lie down on a couch.

[@JadeStone00]

I have severe chronic back pain and am headed for surgery in a few months, and I had the same thought.

[@gryrabild]

What a normal yet baffling man. Quite excited for John this season.

[@panicatthegasstation]

Every season has that one contestant who looks like they've been dragged out of a McDonald's in the middle of their order and forced onto the Taskmaster set. John is this season's.

[@dilara1916]

Who was it in the other episodes?

[@pia91]

@@dilara1916 Alan Davies, Johnny Vegas, Paul Chowdry and David Baddiel/Jo Brand immediately cone to mind 😂 feel free to add

[@dilara1916]

@@pia91 omg you are right 😂😂😂

[@petergilbert7106]

@@pia91 Joe Wilkinson of course.

[@SunshineRiot]

That is the most accurate description of this kind of contestants ever. Well done! Also, these contestants are always the best imo. Kearns is gonna bring it!

[@zaroffhound]

John Kearns, he seems to be getting every word he says in an earpiece, from a martian relay-station and it's an alien voice artiste who is imitating woody allen as a 6 year old.

[@azabeth258]

oh my god, I am just now realising how hilarious this sort of interview would be with Mark Watson! he would have stayed on this couch for half an hour at least!

[@lydiaschultz86]

well so you see uh.... the thing is that.......

[@notrelevant6702]

I mean Mark Watson and Alex have been close friends for over 20 years I think so that might actually just be how they hang out. Who knows 😅😅

[@sophiusdynami3401]

@@notrelevant6702 you might enjoy no more jockey's, it's a show with Tim Key Mark Watson and Alex. It's incredible fun!

[@notrelevant6702]

@@sophiusdynami3401 i didn't know about this thank you 🥰

[@notrelevant6702]

@@sophiusdynami3401 OMG that really is just 3 friend hanging out under the thin facade of a fittingly complicated parlour game. Love it 😄

[@macwholivesonmars4911]

Throughout the whole first episode, John looks like someone who really needs a hug!

[@Serf_King]

I watched this and finished with the thought, "I'm surprised this man didn't ask Alex for a hug."

[@Sam-lr9oi]

if you enjoyed that, check him out on Richard Herring's podcast. he probably could use a hug

[@matthewlloyd3654]

That was amazing and I am now even more excited to watch John Kearns come dead last this series

[@jeremybourne7721]

He's fighting back now. 2 shows in a row. Come on Kearns. Funniest contestant this year definitely

[@Rozza_D]

he'll be a fine addition for when they finally do the loser of losers series

[@SCMabridged]

He wound up not being dead last.

[@matthewlloyd3654]

@@SCMabridged Truly a startling achievement on his part

[@iliketrains3495]

It does kind of make sense he came joint last with Fern given she was generally mediocre while he was really bad at most tasks but did really good in a number of them. Still though, the fact he won more episodes than Noel Fielding, Jessica Knappett, Morgana Robinson and Mike Wozniak is amazing.

[@jessesutton7985]

Love the interviews so much. Alex does a great job letting the guests show off their personalities instead of just asking them straightforward boring questions. The chemistry from these two is particularly great with them trying to out mug eachother. 'Have you ever fallen asleep on your knees?' feels like a weird, almost dirty question despite having indeed fallen asleep on my knees. Got too drunk one night, lay my head and body on the bed with my knees on the floor; passed right out. My legs took a few minutes longer than me to wake-up in the morning.

[@pechaa]

Fern Brady said she fell asleep on her knees in church.

[@ManWalksDogs]

Unless there's a lot of people liking your comment for the first paragraph, I feel comforted that I'm amongst many people that would answer yes to that question. Just too damn tired/drunk to climb onto the sofa/chair/bed that you end up with just your face & torso getting the relatively comfortable end of the deal.

[@krashd]

Everybody has fallen asleep on their knees at some point as a baby, it is one of life's certainties.

[@thewonderfulwizardofozisan7573]

Watching the other countries versions of Taskmaster makes one realize just what a comedic genius Alex is. His of beat timing, and quick wit, and poker face combined into comedy perfection.

[@bluewyrmm]

Paul Williams from New Zealand TM is a strong (Alex Energy) Assistant.

[@gagefulmer6375]

@@bluewyrmm Fr, probably my favorite TM from another country

[@cyprel]

I just want to appreciate how casually John committed to the 'glasses' bit.

[@pia91]

The sass with Alex in these is OFF THE CHARTS!😂

[@tomosborne4702]

John Kearns was so underrated as a contestant. Absolutely hilarious.

[@dylanherman752]

Best interview task ever. It was so sincere while also confused and contemplative. like a train wreck creating a baby chicken.

[@rileylittleraven]

That's a hell of a simile - somehow, it does work as a whole, because from what I've seen of John so far, he's a somewhat baffled, earnest disaster man that tries his best. This interview has done a lot to endear me towards him more.

[@gaijintendo]

I've seen John in Edinburgh and he is funny, but seeing him being interviewed with Richard Herring, and now this, he's a really special comic energy. Delighted he's on Taskmaster, because he's a peach.

[@themuffin8285]

His appearances on Off Menu and the Taskmaster podcast are fantastic.

[@ebfruchu]

What interview? Link please.

[@B0risTheBlade]

Me looking at the videos: "why is johns video 3 minutes longer then the rest?" Also me two minutes into the video: "aaaaaaah... I see..."

[@RobMedellin]

John Kearns

[@grapesofwraith1066]

I thought this series gave Dara a mental breakdown, but it looks like John Kearns is the one I should be looking out for

[@ChiaraLoki]

Nice touch with the spacing :thumbsup:

[@Baboonez]

@@ChiaraLoki In typography, the spacing between letters is "kerning".

[@johnnyjohnson6643]

Alex is damned quick on his mental toes! John had an extremely good "When you go low, I go high" quip, too. These interview series are always brilliant.

[@pooroldnostradamus]

John Kearns

[@geozop]

Why do I even click show more when I know what's there

[@gianabakanos9131]

listening to Kearns on the Taskmaster podcast is so hilarious. I mean, I think this series was one of the best ones but there's something about John. He's so simple and just an everyman character but I just cannot stop laughing every time he opens his mouth. Great lineup this series guys and I would deffo recommend the podcast

[@HamzaDarby]

My only quarms with these Interviews is I wish we got them all before the series started. It's such a great introduction to them! 🤣

[@henrietta9206]

*qualms

[@RFC-3514]

He might mean quantum arms, like in qubits.

[@British_Rogue]

This man is going to be delightful to watch.

[@buggyboogle9]

Yep. That was fantastic.

[@ohemgeeorgia]

‘matey’ has cracked me up. i’ll never recover

[@danielrose8305]

When you put two comedians together who both have the same style and humor. Gotta love to see it. I'm rooting for John but I have little hope.

[@J_PhD]

Looking directly at the length of the video before even watching it now that we all clearly know of the 'hidden task' thinking to myself: "Oh my poor John you've been babbling away like an old woman haven't you?"

[@pechaa]

Shouldn’t it have been “Slowest wins?”

[@subberfischer]

Has he ever interacted with the world, or people, or couches before?

[@ItsBeckyG]

this made me laugh because it could easily replace the do like you the lion King or quesedillas.

[@halfdragoness8767]

@@ItsBeckyG omg both these comments! XD

[@kischtrine]

Did he answer „wank“ to „duck“? Are we not talking about this? 🤔😂😂

[@kiki_0514]

there's usually someone in each series that i end up liking more than i expected and its definitely john for this one! he's just seems so confused and melancholy all the time its hilarious

[@timearly5241]

Love when Alex just ignores nonsense and moves on.

[@LincolnWorld]

I had no idea that the "C" word would crack up Alex so much.

[@biologicalhunter520]

I thought he said awful... Cones like waffle cones at first and then I watched it again 😂

[@philippawallace-dunlop5582]

It was the word it was associated with that was so funny I’d assume, not the word itself in isolation....

[@rubenmontoya4147]

@@philippawallace-dunlop5582 you need to hear the three or word before that, too. The were all related to the last one.

[@jomeyer9892]

excited to see how john…………………………kearns fares this season

[@DannyInCanada]

I really liked how his answer to the last question was dead serious.

[@CC-zf4yv]

Now we need this with Bob Mortimer!

[@krashd]

Oh dear, every answer would be an adventure of nonsense and blatant lies, but by god would it be worth it!

[@elaexplorer]

OMG I've loved the episodes of Would I Like to You? that Bob has been on.

[@odepoikanen]

I just love this series. And I keep being amazed how they never ever resort being cruel. Its really hearth warming :)

[@sixbrigands]

John… Kearns

[@collardgreen]

John...

[@thomasm123]

.... Kearns

[@tylerlewis6813]

I watched the other interviews, and this one had me in stitches the most. My family thought I was losing my mind.

[@davideaston8314]

"And do you like things like The Lion King.. or Quesadillas?" 😂💀

[@DevilboyScooby]

"Do you like bubble bath" "Matey" "Do you like bubble bath, matey?" 🤣

[@maxheadroom5532]

This has some serious Between Two Ferns vibes, in the best way possible.

[@beansontoast9000]

Well he’s between a fern and a Munya if that counts

[@MontyMonferno]

genuinely looking forward to seeing John this season, I feel like he’s going to be the next David Baddiel XD

[@cwildeman]

Definitely a whiff of the Kumar.

[@genghiscan2918]

Maybe some sparks of brilliance amidst the madness like Bridget Christie

[@TheOriginalElkstone]

Jesus he wishes. Baddiel is actually intelligent

[@GolfhausYT]

His word association answers were sooooo vanilla right up until those last couple.

[@Paigeofmaces]

I didn't know you like Taskmaster too! Hi!

[@daylightrambler]

Phew, I thought we were about to witness John have a major breakthrough this session.

[@alexharrison2743]

It's rare that you get to watch a mental breakdown in only 11 minutes

[@Jesse-lv2yo]

Cool to see one of the "hidden" rooms in the taskmaster house! Believe this is the dressing room, typically.

[@wrenchpainter]

At this angle, John's face and expressions look more like a real-life claymation character like Wallace and Gromit than anyone I've ever seen before.

[@franziskafinefein]

this is my new favorite thing I have watched in weeks

[@anjalo]

"With music?" XD hahaha, got me laughing, love Alex

[@Necron00b]

To me, John looks and sounds like Tim Key trying to pretend he's someone else. haha

[@inkstained8165]

i can't unhear it now

[@buggyboogle9]

You’re right. Same energy as Tim Key

[@carlalopes8060]

It's the sweet voice...

[@andracatheduckking257]

John and Tim are really close friends so they probably rub off on each other quite a bit

[@krashd]

@@andracatheduckking257 The dirty sods.

[@VonBlade]

He gets on the sofa with the same grace and ease that I do.

[@kimfalleiro]

him and Munya were the only ones i didnt know, havent seen the first episode yet will do tomorrow but already like John just from this interview , hope Munya is good too

[@richardbradley7306]

Would strongly suggest checking out Munyas episode of the Off Menu podcast. It'll set you up nicely for how utterly fantastically mental he is.

[@ldiajvclxizo]

I love the season 14 cast. Every cast is special, but they were a beautiful mix

[@justjoshingf1]

Kearns gives me some Key vibes. Excited for his reindeer skull

[@leona6455]

Kearns and Key are very good friends so it's unsurprising really.

[@Sabrina-jl4sp]

He's giving Key mixed with Wilkinson for me.

[@elaexplorer]

In 2 words or fewer. No words is an acceptable answer.

[@culloden1745]

Has John ever seen or tried to sit on a couch before?

[@JetPuff96]

I thought he was doing quite well but I watched this at 2X speed

[@timeless4369]

Easily the best interview so far imo. Both Alex and John were hilarious.

[@joenelson4776]

John has such a unique sense of humour he's brilliant

[@CaveSpiderRider]

Does the watercolour clown behind Alex remind anyone else of Paul Chowdhry? Or is it just me?

[@nvrmnde]

omg I knew there was something familiar about it, thanks! 😂

[@homagetogorto]

Epic glasses battle!

[@callmechristian3900]

This one is my favorite so far

[@mickharrison90]

I've just burst out laughing when he said "wank" 🤣🤣🤣

[@PhilLewis-xg7iv]

these are fkn brilliant, i never knew john until this series, what a man, what a guy and alex is hilarious

[@cinemacodey]

I feel him. That’s how I walk around and sit my backs so jacked up.

[@KT926]

This is the calmest I've ever seen John. I've only seen him on 8 out of 10 cats does Countdown in dictionary corner, he was so hilarious that I was losing it laughing

[@Brickhouse6160]

John literally might have just said one of the most profound thoughts I have ever heard. "Everyone we walk past in a dream, is a real person" literally mind blown

[@ebfruchu]

I think he was trying to say that we don’t make up any of the faces of the people in our dreams. They’re all faces of actual people we’ve encountered in real life.

[@waltascher]

@@ebfruchuWhich doesn’t actually make any sense and isn’t provable in any way. If I can dream of a place that doesn’t exist, I can dream of a person that doesn’t exist.

[@R__A]

@@waltascheryep 100%, your subconscious may even blend multiple faces of people you have briefly seen too which is always fun working out who tf you’re looking at😅

[@toeguides]

Please amend the video title to JOHN…… KEARNS

[@spaceo8568]

My God i love Alex Horne. Lol. I love it when he genuinely laughs and how weird he is.

[@claudiamueller5475]

This made my cry, these interviews are so personal, almost too real for me.

[@skipsullivan225]

This really feels like a Tim & Eric sketch.

[@inprogress7635]

John and I are scarily alike 😂 , that faces in dream fact is my favourite fun fact, I’ve used it for years 😂

[@Tyke63360]

2.00 to 2.20 - Just too funny! John is epic!!

[@skyinsession]

i think NMJ has sharpened alex's banter

[@krashd]

New Michael Jackson?

[@musical3lottie]

​@@krashd In case you've not come across the answer in the year since posting that comment, NMJ is No More Jockeys, a game Alex Horne, Mark Watson and Tim Key all play together. There are about 5 sets up on KZbin now.

[@Cory_Springer]

I found No More Jockeys a while back and it was the first time I laughed until it hurt so bad I cried.

[@gracebevill]

I love his shoes!!

[@z.m.stewart1996]

this is like a short film. it’s brought to my attention that the word for Alex, and i think i mean this rightly, is ‘kafkaesque’

[@---l---]

Fantastic.

[@hareecionelson5875]

John Kearns is from another planet

[@FilbieTron]

John showed more personality here than I think each episode I’ve watched so far 😬😬

[@xXscreamingkoalaXx]

John seems great

[@GrandHighGamer]

"Duck." "Wank?"

[@benzaiten933]

somehow I have the urge to protect this precious cinnamon roll!

[@RainbowSunshineRain]

My favourite interview!

[@ruaoneill9050]

This guy is gonna be hilarious!

[@jws1983]

John................Kearns.

[@annsmith9196]

They should have a back doctor on High Street! haha

[@cookie4049]

missed opportunity there, I thought the same thing

[@henrietta9206]

most awkward people ...in the world. Please Brits....PLEASE, please procreate in the tens of millions. we need more of you, *I* need more of you!

[@British_Rogue]

I mean, I'll try. But the awkwardness doesn't lend itself well to social interactions.

[@BOABModels]

If they had cut out all pauses, this video would be less than a minute!

[@flannerymonaghan-morris4825]

John is so sweet!

[@octopusdreams7305]

He went low and Alex went high. LOL

[@StevenBanks123]

Kearns recognizes with his wheezing laughter that Horne the straight man is really a funnyman PLAYING a straight man.

[@Joe-nb3fs]

"What do you not know what it is???"

[@TheDarkNeko27]

lol he certainly looks different without the wig and false teeth (tried to figure out where I recognized him from and it was Cats Countdown)

[@bujuminodstrom2076]

impeccable

[@kassistwisted]

Dara and Fern's silhouettes were both in the Rorschach blots behind them. I cannot find John's. All I see are blobs. But then again, I suppose that IS John's silhouette. LOL

[@nvrmnde]

it's there, but more on the upper half, so it gets cut out of view more.

[@nvrmnde]

actually, he is on the lower half too. Just rewatched. :D I think it's the glasses that make the features more vague.

[@kathymartin6594]

This is excellent.

[@harrisonbrown7267]

I have never related more to a man than John Kearns.

[@Fithrealmhuntsman]

Was on such a good pace until he started talking about his neighbor listening to news radio and dog noses

[@GoodKingMort]

I’m convinced that clown painting is part of some task… it’s arm is a ‘U’.

[@krashd]

I'm sure another commentator pointed out that it was from a task with Paul Chowdhry.

[@Dextrovix-42]

John..... Kearns!

[@4321chanson]

I think this broke my brain, honestly