The TV comedy landscape began to change with The Day Today back in 1994. For me, the highlight was the Alan Partridge Sports Report - which is still frequently quoted today. Then came the outstanding Knowing Me Knowing You, I remember after watching 5 minutes of the first episode thinking everything had changed and comedy on TV could never go back.
It was when I was in university that the first series of I'm Alan Partridge ran in late 1997. I had a fellow Coogan fan as a house mate and it absolutely blew us away. I've never quite laughed like that at anything on TV before or since. There are the obvious quotes which I wont bore you with now (thankfully Gervais killed off "quote comedy" on the 2nd series of Extras) - but what stands out for me most is Coogan's subtle portrayal as the annoying, rude, hopeless and heartbreaking ex celebrity trying to find his way back. It's comedy perfection, cringworthy at times (but not hide your head Office / Extras) but highly watchable. Superb supporting cast together with Coogan at his height of powers make this the finest comedy series ever made. As a side note, the 2nd series did have it's moments but was over acted and too exaggerated, lacking the subtlety of the 1st.
It was when I was in university that the first series of I'm Alan Partridge ran in late 1997. I had a fellow Coogan fan as a house mate and it absolutely blew us away. I've never quite laughed like that at anything on TV before or since. There are the obvious quotes which I wont bore you with now (thankfully Gervais killed off "quote comedy" on the 2nd series of Extras) - but what stands out for me most is Coogan's subtle portrayal as the annoying, rude, hopeless and heartbreaking ex celebrity trying to find his way back. It's comedy perfection, cringworthy at times (but not hide your head Office / Extras) but highly watchable. Superb supporting cast together with Coogan at his height of powers make this the finest comedy series ever made. As a side note, the 2nd series did have it's moments but was over acted and too exaggerated, lacking the subtlety of the 1st.