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Alan Partridge finds himself in a predicament! But then, who isn’t these days? During his previous television outing, Alan had an on-air breakdown while presenting the magazine program This Time, ending the series quite literally locked out of the BBC. As his latest self-made endeavor begins, the informative film How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge), the presenter shares he’s since hit another low by passing out in front of a guest at a corporate event for Norfolk agribusiness stalwarts. Hard moments, but such characters rebound: link personal issues to broader trends and see if you can get a series out of it.

Delving into Stress and Loneliness

How Are You? then, sees Steve Coogan’s immortal alter ego in investigative guise, probing widespread emotional struggles that he believes is intensifying: “To put it simply, it’s become insane!” His path includes dabbling in faith, revive old school ties, and enjoy therapeutic hikes, as well as confronting his recent past. Initial episodes culminate in a fraught but healing gathering with “Sidekick” Simon Denton (Tim Key), Alan’s former colleague on This Time and North Norfolk Digital radio, and as this new series goes on, previously unreleased footage is displayed.

With Coogan and his creative partners, How Are You? marks a change of pace. In contrast to earlier innovations, How Are You? frequently revisits old themes: along with bringing back former styles, the series echoes past satirical documentaries from the 2010s. And, as Alan’s private life bleeds into his investigations, viewers will think of his podcast work.

Contrasting Alans

This leads to a minor issue. The character has two facets: Triumphant Alan (in prime roles) and Outcast Alan (on the sidelines), and although Wilderness Alan was the star of the faultless TV sitcom I’m Alan Partridge back in 1997, a more wistful Wilderness Alan has recently taken flight in books and audio projects. How Are You? situates us in his world and features Kelly as Katrina, a mismatched romantic partner from the podcast. Yet this heartbreaking narrative – he refuses to accept her betrayal with a pal and business owner – feels like one that would have benefited from the slower pace of audio-only Alan, where the listener’s imagination can co-write the comedy. Off-screen, the character feels more expansive: current formats thrive on challenging the triumphant version and observing his collapse, as seen before.

The Genius of Sloppy Errors

Yet, these issues pale beside a key reality: across all platforms, he delivers the most laughs in Britain, and even placeholder Partridge has more laughs-out-loud per half-hour than anything else on telly. How Are You? has Alan in multiple creative roles, which showcases his knack for blunders and misjudgments. Should he believe exploding fruit represents mental health, that’s what we’re getting, and he remains unchecked on misspeaking or other mistakes in commentary. The brief pained expression he makes exiting sensing the scene went poorly consistently amuses, and likewise for his interlude creations, highlighted by his awkward, caring expressions while simultaneously swallowing a mouthful of humble British tea.

Striking Moments and Feelings

Is there anything more joyous than Alan grunting as he squats down next to a skip? Absolutely not. He is also a visual treat, with his new dye job several shades too light to be plausible, and his 2025 wardrobe featuring mustard chinos, contrasting shoes, an arsenal of body warmers and excited response to fashion trends.

Plus, the subject matter here allows for the glimpses into Alan’s soul that appeared under new creative guidance. Repeatedly, the show achieves emotional depth, where his blindness exposes pain that almost has us crying tears of emotion, until humor takes over and giggles follow. It succeeds because of enduring fandom: any version of Alan Partridge is always welcome back.