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Once again, Alan Partridge faces turmoil! But then, who isn’t these days? During his previous television outing, Alan suffered a public collapse while fronting the entertainment series This Time, concluding the season by being shut out of the BBC. At the start of his new, self-produced project, the informative film How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge), Alan discloses he’s experienced another setback by passing out in front of a guest at an industry gathering for an agricultural firm. Hard moments, but such characters rebound: connect struggles with societal themes and try to develop a program from it.

Exploring the Epidemic of Anxiety

How Are You? then, sees Steve Coogan’s immortal alter ego in roving factual mode, examining a wave of mental health issues that he feels is worsening: “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. The first installment leads to a tense yet relieving meeting with “Sidekick” Simon Denton (Tim Key), an ex-co-worker from broadcasting days, and throughout the series, we’re shown unseen clips from Alan’s stints.

Alongside his co-writers and directors, How Are You? marks a change of pace. While the previous show explored new ground, How Are You? sometimes rehashes past ideas: in addition to resurrecting classic structures, the whole piece resembles the mockumentaries of the last decade. As his life intertwines with the subject matter, viewers will think of his podcast work.

The Two Sides of Alan Partridge

This leads to a minor issue. The character has two facets: Successful Alan (with high-profile jobs) and Outcast Alan (on the sidelines), 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? brings us into his space and includes Kelly in the role of Katrina, his highly inappropriate love interest from the podcast. But that tragic tale – Alan is in denial about Katrina cheating on him 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. When we can’t see him, Wilderness Alan has room to breathe: television nowadays feels more suited to putting Winning Alan under pressure and observing his collapse, as seen before.

The Genius of Sloppy Errors

Still, these are minor points compared to a major truth: in any format, he is the top humorous character in Britain, and temporary versions still offer huge comedy 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 there’s nobody to tell him that he’s accidentally used the word “tastistics” or other mistakes in commentary. The brief pained expression he makes exiting aware that the segment was a failure consistently amuses, and the same goes for his transitional clips, highlighted by his awkward, caring expressions while simultaneously swallowing a mouthful of humble British tea.

Striking Moments and Feelings

Can anything top his skip-side groans? Absolutely not. His appearance is equally entertaining, with a poorly chosen hair shade, and his 2025 wardrobe featuring mustard chinos, contrasting shoes, assorted vests and excited response to fashion trends.

Additionally, the theme offers peeks into his inner world that appeared under new creative guidance. Repeatedly, the show achieves emotional depth, where his ignorance uncovers sorrow that almost has us crying tears of emotion, before the persona snaps back in and we’re crying from laughter again instead. That can happen because we’ve loved him for so long: every appearance is appreciated.