2. Knowing Me Knowing You With Alan Partridge/I'm Alan Partridge
Alan Partridge was a genuine treat for anyone who likes comedy to make their toes curl: there was just no level on which he couldn't insult his guests. It was the TV equivalent of waiting at the corner of a busy junction to watch a car crash. Again, and again, and again, and again. Knowledgeable about next to nothing, Partridge's unintentional slights were by far the best and they were also what made his spoof chat show essential viewing. Even though you knew the guests were fake, their reactions to the hideous interviews they were subjected to were surprisingly convincing (another thumbs-up for The Day Today supporting cast). The success of both Partridge shows (the latter based on his stint at Radio Norwich) was down to Steve Coogan's delivery. If he had simply been nasty the act would have become dull; there was much more mileage in a buffoon committing career suicide in a state of genuine bewilderment and indignance. Classic moment: Partridge meets his biggest fan, only to discover he's a "mentalist".