There are many iconic and well loved characters from British comedy throughout the years (Del Boy, Basil Fawlty, Brian Potter etc.) but in my opinion, there is no greater British comedy character than Alan Partridge.
He has appeared in many different formats but he is at his absolute best here in a more traditional sitcom setting as he attempts to rebuild his life and career.
Partridge (Coogan) is brilliantly awkward, embarrassing, offensive, and tragic, all while maintains a lovability that still leaves you rooting for him.
The set up in the ‘travel tavern’ is genius as it allows him to constantly interact with the same set of recurring characters and get up to his classic antics, whilst we also see him at his radio show and many other situations.
The whole cast really nails it but you will struggle to find anyone with the inch perfect comedic timing that Coogan shows throughout the season, and it is an absolute pleasure to watch.
With the likes of Armando Iannucci, Peter Baynham, and Coogan himself behind the scenes, it is destined to go down as one of the best seasons of British comedy this century (but just wait until season 2 challenges it for that very crown).
Rating = 4.5/5
Howe's World of Film and TV 