Every Alan Partridge Project Ranked From Worst To Best

Not only is this the character’s finest hour, it’s one of the greatest comedies Britain has ever produced. As was the style at the time, the BBC kept it short, with just two seasons and 12 episodes, but they managed to cram in more laughs than the vast majority of comedies produced by the nation put together.

Really, I’m Alan Partridge combines two different shows. There’s the Linton Travel Tavern season, in which a hotel-bound Partridge attempts to rebuild his TV career while hosting the early morning local radio show. Then there’s season two, several years later, in which Partridge lives in a static caravan while his new house is built.

Both have their strengths - the first is gag-heavier, while the second goes to some particularly wild places - but at the centre is Coogan’s masterful performance. This is where Partridge was truly honed, going beyond the obsequious clod of early incarnations to become something truly distinct and recognisable.

There are too many quotable lines to mention, a deep bench of supporting characters, and not one wasted moment across six hours of telly. Back of the net.