Alan Partridge return in new BBC series branded “excruciating” but full of “laugh-out-loud moments”

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As a huge fan, I’m so glad to hear that Steve Coogan’s new series How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge) is going down well with the critics! Everyone seems really happy to have the iconic Alan Partridge back on our screens, and honestly, I’m thrilled too. It’s great to see such a positive response.

The new six-episode mockumentary series premiered on BBC One tonight (October 3rd) and centers around a clumsy broadcaster (played by Coogan) who delves into the topics of anxiety, stress, and feelings of isolation.

The show follows Partridge as he reflects on a difficult moment he had on television. This experience leads him to create what he believes is the UK’s very first documentary focusing on mental wellbeing.

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How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge) once again features Alan Partridge’s familiar faces, including his patient assistant Lynn Benfield (played by Felicity Montagu), his demanding girlfriend Katrina (Katherine Kelly), and his past coworker Simon Denton (Tim Key).

Calling the show “the best Partridge-related project in years”, The Independent observed: “Alan Partridge seems to have an extreme confidence – quite the opposite of imposter syndrome.”

Could this be considered a mental health issue? When it causes him to think he’s capable of performing stand-up comedy – and, as we see in this series, it’s painfully clear he isn’t – the answer is likely yes, the publication added.

The Guardian called it “unmatched in its ability to generate genuine laughter” in a four-star review. They described the show’s main character – a fictional broadcaster – as Britain’s funniest comedic creation, returning with a hilariously unpolished and honest take on mental health.

The series occasionally delivers genuinely moving moments, where Alan’s inability to understand himself exposes a deep sadness that nearly brings us to tears. But just as quickly, his character reverts to his usual self, and we find ourselves laughing instead,” the review stated.


The Irish Times also praised the show, saying: “Instead of being overly complicated or lecturing, this is Steve Partridge at his most genuine and energetic – like a classic Jaguar smoothly driving through the older parts of Norwich. It’s fantastic to have him return.”

Similarly, The Financial Times gave the show a four-star rating, stating: “It’s as wonderfully silly as the initial idea, and using a fake documentary style is a smart way to keep Alan Partridge interesting.”

How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge) is a show you can watch on BBC iPlayer after it originally aired on BBC One. You can watch the entire series there.

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2025-10-04 01:49