BBC One Sets Premiere Date For This Time With Alan Partridge
BBC One has officially announced the premiere date for This Time with Alan Partridge, marking the much-anticipated return of Steve Coogan’s iconic comic creation to prime-time television. The satirical series, which lampoons the world of magazine-style broadcasting, is set to bring Partridge’s trademark mix of awkwardness and misguided confidence back to screens in a big way. Fans of the character can expect another dose of cringe inducing comedy, as Alan navigates the delicate world of live television with predictably disastrous results.
This Time with Alan Partridge first debuted in 2019, quickly winning acclaim for updating the character’s story while maintaining the humour that made him a British comedy institution. The series is structured as a parody of The One Show, with Alan thrust into the role of co-presenter alongside the effortlessly professional Jennie Gresham, played by Susannah Fielding. The contrast between Jennie’s competence and Alan’s clumsy attempts at broadcasting has proven to be a winning comedic formula.
Steve Coogan’s portrayal of Alan Partridge remains one of the most celebrated creations in modern British comedy. From his early appearances on Knowing Me, Knowing You to I’m Alan Partridge and Mid Morning Matters, the character has evolved over decades, always managing to stay relevant while skewering different aspects of media culture. This Time represents Partridge’s most mainstream platform yet, and his return to BBC One feels both ironic and fitting.
The new season promises to continue mining comedy gold from Alan’s desperation to be taken seriously as a broadcaster. Viewers can expect his misguided monologues, hilariously inappropriate questions, and frequent missteps in handling sensitive topics. At the same time, the show cleverly critiques the shallow, fast-paced nature of modern TV, making it both a character study and a sharp piece of media satire.
The supporting cast plays a vital role in grounding the chaos of Alan’s antics. Susannah Fielding’s Jennie provides the perfect foil, while Tim Key’s Simon Denton adds an extra layer of offbeat humour. Their interactions with Coogan create the ensemble chemistry that keeps This Time fresh and unpredictable. Behind the camera, the series benefits from the involvement of long-time collaborators Neil and Rob Gibbons, who co-wrote and directed alongside Coogan.
BBC One’s decision to continue This Time reflects the enduring popularity of Partridge and the show’s ability to capture a wide audience. It not only appeals to long-time fans who have followed the character’s evolution but also attracts new viewers discovering him for the first time. The format’s accessibility and topicality ensure that Partridge’s return feels current, despite his retro sensibilities.
Industry commentators have noted that the series has struck a rare balance: simultaneously nostalgic and modern, both affectionate and critical of its central character. This duality has helped This Time stand out in a crowded comedy landscape, where few characters have the cultural longevity of Alan Partridge. Its return is expected to draw strong ratings and generate plenty of online discussion.
As the premiere date approaches, excitement is building for another run of This Time with Alan Partridge. Whether delivering tone-deaf tributes, bungling live interviews, or simply trying too hard to be relevant, Alan remains as cringeworthy and compelling as ever. For fans and newcomers alike, the series promises to be a hilarious and all too-relatable look at ambition, failure, and the eternal struggle for validation on live television.