Alan Partridge's Enduring Appeal: Steve Coogan on the Return of a Comedy Icon

Alan Partridge, the tactless and self-absorbed creation of Steve Coogan, is set to return to screens in a new BBC series, "How Are You? It's Alan (Partridge)," premiering on October 3rd. This time, Partridge attempts to navigate the complex landscape of mental health, leading to potentially hilarious, and possibly awkward, encounters.

Partridge Tackles Mental Health: Comedy with a Conscience?

The new series sees Partridge, recently returned from a stint in Saudi Arabia, "bravely" investigating his own mental health and that of the nation. Coogan emphasizes the delicate balance required when addressing serious topics through comedy. He and his co-writers aim to "laugh around mental health, not at it," acknowledging the potential pitfalls of humor that could be perceived as insensitive.

“Sometimes if people are worried about attaching comedy to something which is about people's vulnerabilities then they tend to avoid it because they don't want to upset people," Coogan explains. "Whereas we will gravitate towards that, even though it gives people anxiety or could be potentially problematic. But we know that the same things that make something problematic also give it a lot of potential in terms of comedy."

A Comedic Trojan Horse: Mocking Received Wisdom

Coogan views Partridge as a comedic "Trojan horse," allowing him to explore taboo subjects and challenge conventional thinking. The character is portrayed as equally likely to satirize right-wing and left-wing perspectives, creating a unifying figure that can be enjoyed by people with differing viewpoints. "People who don't agree on everything might all laugh at Alan Partridge at the same time," Coogan says, highlighting the character's unique ability to bridge divides through humor.

Dr. Sharon Lockyer, Director of the Centre for Comedy Studies Research at Brunel University London, notes that Partridge's enduring appeal lies in his relatability, despite his exaggerated flaws. "Partridge embodies a certain type of British male, often struggling with relevance and grappling with a rapidly changing world," says Dr. Lockyer. "His attempts to stay 'current,' however misguided, resonate with audiences who see reflections of themselves, or people they know, in his cringeworthy behaviour."

From Radio Parody to Cultural Phenomenon

Alan Partridge first emerged in 1991 as a sports reporter on the BBC Radio 4 parody news show "On the Hour." The character quickly gained popularity, leading to his own TV shows, including "Knowing Me, Knowing You" and "I'm Alan Partridge," as well as a film, "Alpha Papa," and a podcast, "From the Oasthouse."

His evolution over the years has been crucial to his continued success. Initially surrounded by more reasonable characters who highlighted his buffoonery, the writing team, now including brothers Neil and Rob Gibbons, have shifted the dynamic. By placing Partridge among equally flawed individuals, they have added new layers to the comedy and allowed for more nuanced social commentary.

The Evolution of Partridge: Pathos and Relatability

Coogan credits the Gibbons brothers with breathing new life into the character after a period of stagnation. He describes Partridge as having evolved into a more "three-dimensional" figure, capable of evoking "pathos." Neil Gibbons explains that their approach involves surrounding Partridge with even more extreme characters, allowing him to occasionally voice opinions that resonate with the audience, albeit in a clumsy and misguided way.

According to media commentator Mark Lawson, the character’s longevity also rests on Coogan’s willingness to allow Partridge to reflect contemporary anxieties. "Partridge has always been a barometer of British cultural anxieties," Lawson observes. "Whether it's navigating the changing media landscape or grappling with political correctness, Partridge's struggles often mirror the broader societal conversations taking place."

Partridge's Future: A Continuing Legacy

Despite once viewing Partridge as an "albatross," Coogan now returns to the character willingly. He acknowledges that he has even caught himself adopting some of Partridge's traits as he has grown older. With no plans to retire the character anytime soon, Coogan aims to maintain the high standard of Partridge's comedy, ensuring that it continues to resonate with audiences for years to come.

"I don't want to live with Alan but I do like to visit him," Coogan concludes, hinting at the complex relationship he has with his most famous creation. As long as he can balance Partridge with other projects, Coogan sees no reason to stop performing comedy and bringing laughter to audiences worldwide.

"How Are You? It's Alan (Partridge)" premieres on BBC One on October 3rd. All six episodes will be available on iPlayer after the initial broadcast.