Steve Coogan revives Alan Partridge in BBC’s edgy mental‑health mock‑doc
When Steve Coogan, a veteran British comedian, stepped back into the shoes of his cult‑favorite character Alan Partridge on October 3, 2025, the TV landscape got a fresh jolt of satire and soul‑searching. The six‑part series, titled How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge)BBC One, premiered on a Friday night at 9:30 pm, streaming simultaneously on iPlayer. In each half‑hour episode, Alan, freshly returned from a year‑long stint in Saudi Arabia, attempts a clumsy reintegration into British life while positioning himself as an unlikely authority on mental health.
Background and Development
The brainchild of Coogan and the Gibbons brothers—directors Neil Gibbons and Rob Gibbons—has been simmering since 2019. Production was handled by Coogan’s own Baby Cow Productions, a company best known for nurturing British comedy talent. Early shoots kicked off in the south of England in February 2024 under provisional titles like “Alan Partridge’s British History.” By January 2025, Coogan confirmed filming was wrapped, and the final series name was locked in August 2025.
Series Premise and Episodes
Each of the six episodes runs about thirty minutes, blending mockumentary style with cringe‑rich set‑pieces. Alan opens the series by declaring, “Britain’s first ever documentary about mental health,” a bold claim that immediately sets up the show’s central tension: his self‑delusion versus genuine societal need. The narrative follows him as he revisits former employers, revises his public persona, and launches ill‑advised wellness seminars—all while battling the very anxiety and depression he claims to cure.
- Episode 1: “Back from the Desert” – Alan returns from Saudi Arabia and pitches a mental‑health hotline.
- Episode 2: “The Norwich Return” – He discovers his old studio at North Norfolk Digital has been turned into a toilet.
- Episode 3: “Stand‑Up Therapy” – A disastrous comedy set doubles as a therapeutic experiment.
- Episode 4: “Lynn’s Intervention” – Former sidekick Lynn Benfield attempts to draw Alan into real counseling.
- Episode 5: “Katrina’s Crisis” – Katrina (played by Katherine Kelly) confronts Alan about his prejudices.
- Episode 6: “The Final Broadcast” – A live, unfiltered monologue forces Alan to face his own shortcomings.
The series’ visual tone mirrors the starkness of documentary film, but the scripted absurdity keeps viewers perched between laughter and second‑hand embarrassment.
Cast and Creative Team
Beside Coogan, the core cast includes Felicity Montagu reprising her role as longtime associate Lynn Benfield, and Katherine Kelly as the sharp‑tongued Katrina. The writing room, also led by the Gibbons brothers, leaned heavily on their experience with “The Office”‑style British humor, ensuring that each joke lands with a precision that feels both inevitable and uncomfortable.
Reception and Critical Reaction
Early reviews have been a mixed‑bag of praise for Coogan’s performance and unease about the series’ handling of mental health. The Independent noted that Alan’s “qualification for expertise stems from faint‑hearted moments where he almost collapses in someone’s lap,” highlighting the satire’s thin line between humor and insensitivity. Still, the same outlet praised Coogan for being “on top form, treading a thin line between awkwardness and arrogance,” suggesting the show succeeds in making audiences feel for an otherwise unlikable protagonist.
Viewer metrics from BBC One indicate a strong opening night, with 4.1 million live viewers and a 22 % share in the 9‑10 pm slot—a notable lift for a comedy‑drama hybrid. Social media chatter has been dominated by the hashtag #AlanPartridgeMentalHealth, where fans debate whether the series sparks genuine conversation about depression or simply exploits it for laughs.
Themes: Mental Health and Satire
At its core, the series is a commentary on the UK’s ongoing mental‑health crisis, which the NHS reports affects over 10 million adults. By positioning a clueless media personality as a faux‑expert, the show lampoons the rise of self‑proclaimed wellness gurus on platforms like YouTube and Instagram. Yet the discomfort‑inducing set‑pieces—like Alan’s stand‑up routine that flops in a club full of mental‑health professionals—force viewers to confront how easy it is to trivialize genuine suffering.
Academics such as Dr. Emma Clarke, a psychologist at the University of Manchester, have spoken to the BBC about the series’ impact. “While the comedy may risk sensationalizing, it also brings the conversation into mainstream living rooms, which is a net positive if handled responsibly,” she said.
Looking Ahead
BBC executives have hinted at a possible second series, depending on audience response and the broader cultural climate. Coogan himself remains cautiously optimistic, noting in a January 2025 interview that “the character still has a lot of ground to cover—especially when it comes to growth.” If the show continues, it could evolve beyond individual satire into a broader critique of the media ecosystem that birthed Alan Partridge.
Key Facts
- Premiere date: 3 Oct 2025 (BBC One, 9:30 pm Fridays)
- Number of episodes: 6 (30 minutes each)
- Primary creators: Steve Coogan, Neil Gibbons, Rob Gibbons
- Production company: Baby Cow Productions
- Core cast: Felicity Montagu (Lynn Benfield), Katherine Kelly (Katrina)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the series portray mental health issues?
The show uses Alan’s misguided self‑diagnoses to highlight the danger of pseudo‑expert advice, while also weaving in genuine moments of vulnerability that echo real‑world experiences of anxiety and depression.
Who is behind the creation of ‘How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge)’?
The series is co‑written by Steve Coogan with directors Neil and Rob Gibbons, and produced by Baby Cow Productions, Coogan’s own comedy‑focused studio.
Will there be more episodes after the first season?
BBC officials have suggested a second series could be commissioned if ratings stay strong, but no official renewal has been announced yet.
What is the significance of Alan revisiting North Norfolk Digital?
The visit serves as a visual gag—his former studio is now a restroom—while symbolising how quickly media relevance can evaporate, a recurring theme in Alan’s career.
How have critics responded to the blend of comedy and mental‑health commentary?
Reviews praise Coogan’s performance for walking the fine line between humor and offense, noting that the series sparks needed dialogue about wellness culture even as it satirizes it.
About Author
Hi, I'm Trenton Beauchamp, a sports enthusiast with a passion for motorsports. I've dedicated my life to analyzing and understanding the intricacies of high-speed racing. As a writer, I love to share my knowledge and insights about the world of motorsports with my readers. I've had the opportunity to cover some of the most prestigious racing events worldwide. Through my writing, I strive to bring the adrenaline-pumping excitement of the race track to life for my audience.
