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Alan Partridge finds himself in a predicament! But then, who isn’t these days? In his last TV appearance, Alan had an on-air breakdown while hosting the light magazine show 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 broadcaster reveals he’s experienced another setback by collapsing onto a woman during an interview 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.

Exploring the Epidemic of Anxiety

How Are You? features Coogan’s timeless character in documentary style, looking into an epidemic of anxiety, stress and loneliness that he believes is intensifying: “To put it simply, it’s become insane!” The journey will see him experiment with religion, revive old school ties, and embark on calming rural strolls, alongside facing his history. The first installment leads to a tense yet relieving meeting with “Sidekick” Simon Denton (Tim Key), Alan’s former colleague on This Time and North Norfolk Digital radio, and throughout the series, previously unreleased footage is displayed.

Alongside his co-writers and directors, How Are You? represents a shift in direction. Whereas This Time pushed Partridge into new territory, How Are You? frequently revisits old themes: along with bringing back former styles, it mirrors earlier faux-documentaries of the last decade. And, as Alan’s private life bleeds into his investigations, we’re most strongly reminded of the podcast series.

Contrasting Alans

That presents a small problem. The character has two facets: Triumphant Alan (in prime roles) and Struggling Alan (without work), and even though the underdog Alan shone in the classic series I’m Alan Partridge back in 1997, a more wistful Wilderness Alan has recently taken flight in books and audio projects. How Are You? places us inside the oasthouse and casts Katherine Kelly as Katrina, Alan’s wildly unsuitable paramour from the podcast. Yet this heartbreaking narrative – he ignores her infidelity with his friend and local tanning-centre mogul – seems better suited to podcast pacing, allowing audience creativity to enhance humor. Off-screen, the character feels more expansive: television nowadays feels more suited to putting Winning Alan under pressure and watching him implode, as happened on previous shows.

The Genius of Sloppy Errors

These, however, are quibbles in the face of one large, undeniable fact: across all platforms, he delivers the most laughs in Britain, and temporary versions still offer huge comedy than competing shows. How Are You? has Alan in multiple creative roles, which highlights his talent for mistakes and bad choices. Should he believe exploding fruit represents mental health, it will be included, and there’s nobody to tell him that he’s accidentally used the word “tastistics” or the phrase “mental bealth henefits” in his voiceover. The brief pained expression he makes exiting sensing the scene went poorly never stops being funny, and likewise for his interlude creations, the best of which sees him attempt to fix us with a sympathetic smile while simultaneously swallowing a mouthful of humble British tea.

Striking Moments and Feelings

What could be funnier than his dumpster antics? Definitely not. He is also a visual treat, with a poorly chosen hair shade, and his 2025 wardrobe featuring mustard chinos, contrasting shoes, multiple gilets and an enthusiastic overreaction to the news that rugby shirts are back in fashion.

Plus, the subject matter here allows for the glimpses into Alan’s soul that appeared under new creative guidance. More than once the series pulls off flashes of pathos, where his blindness exposes pain that almost has us crying tears of emotion, then the comedy returns and laughter resumes. This works due to long-term affection: every appearance is appreciated.