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Romesh and Tom Take Takeshi's Castle

Romesh and Tom in a studio, while recording their voice-over for Takeshi's Castle

In 2023, Takeshi's Castle returned to our screens with 'Romesh and Tom Take Takeshi's Castle'. After Takeshi's Castle was revived by Amazon in 2022, it made its way around the world. Comedians Romesh Ranganathan and Tom Davis lend their voices to the latest English version. But what exactly does this duo bring to the table, and how does this new iteration compare to the Takeshi's Castle we know and love?

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Romesh and Tom Take Takeshi's Castle – an Amazon Exclusive

This revival, available on Amazon Prime Video, keeps the essence of the original show alive — contestants taking on hilariously tough challenges, all in the hope of reaching and storming the infamous castle.

What's different this time around is the comedic narration by Romesh Ranganathan and Tom Davis. These two bring their unique styles of humor to the game, making it a blend of classic Japanese humor with a dash of British comedy. And let's be honest, the challenges — like Skipping Stones and Bridge Ball — never get old. So, what do Romesh and Tom bring to this iteration that sets it apart?

A contestant holds onto the stalk of a giant flying mushroom - Romesh and Tom Take Takeshi's Castle

Romesh and Tom's Dynamic: A New Take

For those unfamiliar with Romesh Ranganathan and Tom Davis, they are both well-known figures in British comedy, each bringing their own brand of humor. Romesh is known for his deadpan delivery and often sarcastic takes, while Tom's style leans more into larger-than-life storytelling and character comedy. Their commentary doesn't just guide you through the madness — it adds a layer of fun that feels like you're watching with your friends, making jokes along the way. It's like listening to their podcast Wolf and Owl, except with mud and giant "sausages"!

How Does It Compare to the Classic UK Version?

For many fans of the UK version of Takeshi's Castle, Craig Charles' iconic commentary in the early 2000s became the stuff of legend. Craig made the show his own, giving it a personality that still resonates with Keshi-heads today. So, naturally, Romesh and Tom have big shoes to fill.

However, they're not trying to recreate Craig's magic. Instead, Romesh and Tom keep to their own identity, allowing their unique styles to shine through. If Craig Charles' era was about energetic enthusiasm, Romesh and Tom's version brings a laid-back, more conversational tone. Rather than competing with nostalgia, they've added a new flavor that caters to both long-time fans and new viewers alike.

A contestant landing back on his hovering surfboard after jumping a giant inflatable orange 'sausage' - Romesh and Tom Take Takeshi's Castle

The Revival's Modern Touches

While Romesh and Tom Take Takeshi's Castle does justice to the spirit of the original, the Takeshi's Castle revival has been "powered up" to feature more intense challenges and modern production values. The challenges are modified, the designs are cleaner and brighter, and the castle itself has had a redesign. In this revival, produced in collaboration with Tokyo Broadcasting System and filmed at Midoriyama Studios (the birthplace of the original), you might question whether these modern touches detract from the charm of the original series.

The LED screens and giant mechanical obstacles of the new games make it feel very 2020s, which some may find at odds with the more rough and unpolished aesthetic of the classic 1980s version. Nonetheless, the heart of the show remains — the great challenges, the ridiculous falls, and, of course, the "gambaremasu" spirit of every contestant!

Is It Worth Watching?

So, should you check out Romesh and Tom Take Takeshi's Castle? Absolutely! The blend of Romesh and Tom's humor with the classic Takeshi's Castle format offers plenty to enjoy, whether you're a long-time fan or just looking for some light-hearted fun. The show manages to feel new while still honoring what made Takeshi's Castle great in the first place.
You can stream the whole series on Prime Video, or for a taster check out our exclusive Best Of Takeshi's Castle 2023 here!

The new Takeshi's Castle, with LED screens and an inflatible sword-holding arm - Romesh and Tom Take Takeshi's Castle

Join the Discussion

Whether you're a die-hard fan of Craig Charles' era or loving the new spin with Romesh and Tom (or both!), we'd love to hear your thoughts. Does Romesh and Tom Take Takeshi's Castle hit the mark for you, or do you miss the days of Craig's energetic commentary? Head over to Keshi Heads Forum to join the conversation and share your thoughts with other Keshi-heads!


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