The Horne Section TV Show

I have to admit, I was a bit nervous about what this show would be like but I was so incredibly pleasantly surprised. Alex Horne's character (or "character") is funny, relatable and immensely likeable (even at his most infuriating); the guest stars like Greg Davies, Desiree Burch and Tim Key feel like gifts to Taskmaster fans worldwide; and I was delighted by all the little references and surreal moments (Biff Chippington in the credits of the show within the show spun off from the other show?? Amazing).

Every Taskmaster fan absolutely owes it to themselves to learn more about the genius that is Alex Horne by giving this show a watch. And people who've never watched Taskmaster absolutely owe it to themselves to watch both!!

It has to be said: this is not a regular sitcom. Do not expect a regular sitcom. Just go in with an open mind and see what you find. It's a bit difficult to describe this, it's a sitcom with elements of reality (albeit exaggerated) and ties to a game show. The first episode mostly sets the scene but after that the whole thing takes off and becomes a somewhat surrealistic rollercoaster and I just can't take my eyes off it. Many funny little easter eggs to spot for the Taskmaster/Horne Section/Alex fan. Sometimes there's a music video that's not necessarily connected to the plot but that's just how it is!

This is all quirky and weird and I like it.

One of few sitcoms that's as good on second and third viewings, because there are so many jokes and references that you won't get them all on the first viewing. It's very Alex Horne, in the best possible way - clever, funny, silly, and quite insightful about power and what it does to people.

If you're familiar with Alex Horne's work, there are a lot of familiar faces and themes. The "Alex Horne" of the show is like a satire version of actual Alex Horne, and he sends himself up brilliantly. All in all, a sweet, delightful show that leaves you feeling happy and will brighten your day. Considering this is a first attempt at acting and scriptwriting, it is impressive. I hope we get more!

It is a bit odd, but I really enjoyed watching it. In some ways it reminds me of the radio 4 comedies I've always loved - quirky, wordplay with double entendre and meaning, sometimes a bit awkward. It's like comfort food or spending time with a good friend - easy to watch, friendly, enjoyable.

Some of the plot is perhaps a little rough around the edges, but that is more than compensated for by the fun music videos of Horne Section songs and interactions between the characters. I love that it is set in the taskmaster universe, definitely helps set the scene. It's also fun to try and spot Easter eggs that link to taskmaster and other things Alex had done (such as no more jockeys).

I enjoyed it so much that I'm on my second watch through, still trying to find those ducks that Alex hinted were hidden in every episode!

What if a guy, bullied at work and belittled at home, wanted to feel some pride in himself for once. What if he didn't realise the wonderful things he already had, and needed a cast of mad characters and friends to show him the light.

What if Little Alex Horne wanted his own show, and despite EVERYTHING going wrong all the time, his irrepressible optimism and the forgiveness of his friends somehow make it work.

This is mad, musical, weirdly real-adjacent comedy.

It's an expanded universe. It's almost real life.

It's sad and about loneliness. It's stupid and laugh out loud witty.

It's got dumb jokes, and it's got metaphors for days.

Alex is a weird joy to watch - his genuine love for the band - his friends - comes through, even if he had to be taught how to act sad. Watch for the music videos. Watch for the freewheeling chaos. Watch for unexpected special guests that once again, bully Alex to within an inch of his life and remember that HE WROTE THE SCRIPT!

Lastly, if it doesn't click on the first episode - I was the same. But by the end of ep 3, I was hooked and couldn't stop watching.