I'm Alan Partridge - S1E3 'Watership Alan'

Please carry on I'm sure by the end and of the first and into second series you get to love Alan as a quirky comedy character

Its British humour the jokes go over your head michael the geordie is a perfect representation of a bloke from newcastle best character by far

If Mike n Jess are big Chris Morris fans (Denholm Reynholm, IT Crowd), maybe they should just go straight into Episode 1 of Brass Eye

Finally a channel not faking liking this show 🙌 Do Derry girls. Its actually funny, you'll both like the characters and it will get you in the feels.. And it will wind people up you're replacing this overrated dinosaur with 4 funny girls 😂 👀

I think it is a love it or hate it show, I love it, but if it doesn’t hit the spot leave it. I think people who like it, like it because Alan is the example of a total sad case, childishness, there is a paralell with David Brent, its just David is more likeable whereas Alan is quite hateful and in fact its good to see it all go wrong for him.. anyway look forward to something new :)

I'm not disappointed you dropped this show. I never liked it. I remember trying to watch it but it just felt weird to me. Nothing really funny about it. Just my opinion.

its not for everyone , im not sure you guys get the comedy , its ok you dont like it , ignore anyone giving you any sht

You essentially made it as far as I did on both of the shows to be fair! Like you I tried to enjoy it, but lost interest at the same point multiple times, I just don't find it funny at all either. "Cringe" humor doesn't really translate well to many.

Get rid of partridge and start Him & Her I beg you 😅

No spins just disappointment again .i actually came back to the channel on the strength of you starting to watch this oh well you live and learn🤷🏼‍♂️

Fair enough if your not enjoying it. You need to react to what you enjoy watching otherwise the reactions aren't worth watching for us. The only comment I would make about this show is that your not meant to like Alan. I love this show but can't stand him but I think that's what I find funny seeing him be a that and make situations so much worse all the time

Hi M & J, I like your channel which I started watching earlier in the year and have now just subscribed. Although it is a shame, I respect your decision in stopping your reactions to Alan Partridge as it is only common sense to move on from something you aren't liking/not clicking with. Keep up the good work and I'm looking forward to continue watching your reactions now that I can watch them weeks ahead of them dropping on YouTube!

Hi Mike & Jess. I love your channel. If you are not continuing with Alan Partridge then please start either Motherland, Outnumbered, One Foot in the Grave or The Vicar of Dibley. I'm not an AP fan but I would absolutely be here for anyone of those. Please 🙏

Agreed mate, I'm. A bit miffed, same experience.

Skip to the movie (Alpha Papa). It's much more accessible than the series (it was written for international audiences), and you know all the backstory you need to know now. Colm Meaney from Star Trek Deep Space Nine is in it.

Brassic would go down well, or Derry Girls.

Honestly think they chose the wrong show, i think "This Time" would have been a much easier watch for them and as its pretty new they would pick up on most references. Also this is my first time watching this Partridge show and i found the jump to lots of different scenes a bit jarring and couldn't get immersed in a single scene, while "This Time" or "MMM" are pretty much set in the same place so very easy to get on with and enjoy each character more.

US sitcoms don't have dislikeable characters. It's just a different humour Alan and Father Ted aren't really nice guys. Don't think they'd like Blackadder either

I’m sorry for my grumpy observation on last episode, Mike. I assure you it wasn’t a personal attack though, so I hope that was for some other grumpy git! 🍻 PS: it was my first-ever not 100% positive comment on the channel after years of comments full of admiration and love (not one of which got mentioned 😉) ❤️

If you like gavin and stacey you will like benidorm basically the same only they on vancatiom

Thanks for giving it another try 💚💜

A lot of people will have paid to watch this or father Ted, if they've done that, they do have every right to a have a moan.

It's actually good to know that Mike and Jess have the integrity to say, "nah, not for us". There are so many reaction channels on YouTube and Patreon that force admiration and enjoyment, when they clearly don't get it. Partridge is so, so English and so of it's time, with so many subtle, English references. It's understandable. I'd rather they react to something they truly enjoy, as you can see they do with Gavin & Stacey and Peep Show. Kudos for having the mettle to say, 'we gave it a go but not for us'.

outnumbered

Thanks for trying but these are such British stereotypes and cultural references. I was amazed you didn't see Simon Pegg and go "oh it's Simon Pegg". Spaced is good TV show and Hot Fuzz/Shaun of the Dead etc.. how have you not seen the latter films.

Please react to Garth Marenghi's dark place. Only six episodes

You know, speaking for myself, I have realised that over the many many years I've been tuning in to the Beeb, ITV and Channel 4, it occurs to me that the series I love are the ones I dropped into a few episodes in, or even half way through without even knowing it. It's only then that I would seek the earlier episodes for something of a back story if available, or pre-internet nothing at all. I don't think I've ever seen anything I've ever liked from the very first episode, even the Office was new to me from series two of all places! I think what I'm getting at is that it's quite unusual for all of us to have started a series from day one without knowing anything about it, and loving it immediately. I suggest we all just fell into something a few episodes on, or even a few series on. So, I guess I'm saying it's easy to not get/gravitate/love it from episode one, because it's likely we never even saw it the first time round. No offence , just an opinion. Thank you.

For more of Chris Morris (a.k.a. Denholm Reynholm), check out 'The Day Today' or 'Brass Eye' :)

I reckon if you struggled with this then perhaps give Paul Calf's video diary a go, then Pauline Calf's!!!!

Baffled how, still game, is on here when it's utter dross, like bottom of the barrel stuff, Alan is meant to be likeable that's the point, he's a total shit household, partridge is God tier writing and I think it just goes over your heads, if you are dumping this, please send still game with it.

People who are like “yeah yeah doesn’t agree with you, better change show” - they don’t say that when it’s their show though do they. Soon as their show appears it’s “oh stick with it!!”

Bless the both of you... A P is not for everyone, brilliant though it is. You do your own thing and we'll be happy to join you . I can understand the issue with missed cultural references. Watching it again after many years it's apparent that there are quite a few which are set in the time when it was made. You could always come back to it later. I look forward to joining you for whatever you replace it with (personal wish: 'One Foot In The Grave' - a lot of visual humour in that excellent show.)

I remember them posting that they were struggling with only fools and horses early on now it seems they love it. Alan gets better as it goes on but hey - ho.. people have different tastes and opinions and that can only be a good thing 👍

‘People Just Do Nothing’ - you guys would love this show. It’s done in a “fly on the wall documentary style” like The Office which you really enjoyed. The show is modern and was heavily influenced by the aforementioned The Office and Only Fools and Horses!

No one else is really talking about it, but I've mentioned the show Ghosts before. Its got genuinely funny characters, its wholesome without being bland and has the type of dry but accessible British humour you guys love in other shows.

All the top tier shows have either been done or coming to an end. It’s just going to be you quitting on stuff early doors from now on I’m afraid.

it has not aged well and i agree the laughter tracks are ridiculous . i liked it back in the day but not on this watch through. Plenty more shows in the sea or something like that

“Don’t rub your fanny on me!”

Gimme Gimme Gimme

I remember your man from Lost being on the Jonathan Ross Show and saying when they weren’t filming all the British actors were just doing Alan Partridge impressions at each and the Americans not having a clue what they were on about . This feels quite similar 😊

They should try Life To Short with Warwick Davis - written by Ricky Gervais and Steve Merchant in the mockumentary style - very much an “Extras” vibe to it

On to the next ❤️ Dark Place? 🤞

Just knock it on head. Its a cult fan base and I think their the minority. You're clearly not enjoying and neither are the majority

My favourite reactors and my favourite show. No shame in not liking it guys. The fact you're honest and upfront about it is why you guys are so good and authentic! Looking forward to whatever else comes next!

Shake and bake! I mean make or break!

Derry girls is fantastic

I take it the show is being pulped? Inside Number 9 next. That's one you can't fail to like as every episode is a new story.

This reminds me a lot of the Mickey Flanagan skit about Americans positivity. I think Mike and Jess get it, they just don't understand why we find it funny. For me what I find hilarious is the fact that Alan doesn't know he's horrible. It's not deliberate or intentional, it's just a consequence of his character. He didn't set out to make the interview with the farmer go badly, he just can't help putting his foot in his mouth. The look on his face when the farmer says "you could dig your way out of this hole". No, no he can't. The one thing he can never do is make a situation better. But watching him make it worse is comedy gold. "20 foot chickens, and they're scared. They don't know why they're so big"!

You dirty smelly poopy heads not giving this show a chance, Mike needs public scrotum whipping like on TV show Norsemen that they should watch next.

I have to admit I haven't watched the start of these reactions for the series yet but judging from the comments I think(as everyone else has said) they'd enjoy the next series more and also the more recent This Time with Alan Partridge. The History of Curse Words reaction from a year ago is one I always go back to. It's so good.

Thanks for giving this a try, appreciate your honesty at the end

Definitely Blackadder next if possible please guys. 😁 But start at Series 2...series 1 is for people who loved the chars from 2 onwards and want to see how they've grown.

I’m glad it’s an acquired taste tbh. Too many lowest common denominator/slapstick shows out there. It’s a testament to Coogans subtle genius that it sails over the head of most. Especially those not acquainted with slightly right wing middle-aged uk presenters.

I think you guys are doing it well - everyone on here knows very well, that saying it’s not for you is 1000x better than pretending to like something… You’re still behind the best reactions going around - you’re open, transparent and funny, keep fighting the good fight, 🕺… Looking forward to what’s next, 👍… Live the dream…!

I like it but you do you, no point watching something you're not enjoying for engagement, glad you got into Gavin and Stacy, The Thick of It is another all time british comedy imo (although I think it really flies from series 2, and series 1 is 3 episodes long so may not make the cut, although series 1 is still very solid).

💙🇬🇧🇺🇸🩵🇺🇸🇬🇧🤍 For what it’s worth M&J, I’d love to see you branch beyond comedy into our many great UK dramas (Time), thrillers (Broadchurch & Happy Valley) and crime/mystery. You’re always at your best when a show genuinely pulls at your heartstrings and brings out real emotion, and British TV has so many great series that could do that. I think seeing you experience the humour, heartbreak, suspense and mystery of different genres would make the weekly reactions even more engaging and show a completely different side of you both, in unison with comedy reactions 💙🇬🇧🇺🇸🩵🇺🇸🇬🇧🤍

Fair point with your decision. I loved the show back when it was released but I've found it a hard watch to be honest.

95% of us are here for Jess's laugh - if you are not enjoying it and laughing there's no point......

Bin this one and watch Derry Girls!

I appreciate you.

I love Alan Partridge but I can see it lacks heart which appeals to many people and there’s a lack of loveable characters in a way. Glad they gave it a decent try! Thank you M and J for trying!

To all who skipped this one, i think mike actually seemed to enjoy this episode. Maybe you should watch it

When does the comedy parts start? Awful show.

A really easy to get into and well written comedy is “Detectorists” with Mackenzie Crooke, also “Outlaws” written by Stephen Merchant

Sigh, pressed the wrong button, anyway the premise of the song was that we would put everyone in the world into the melting pot and we would all come out looking the same, thereby ending any racism. 'What we need is a great big melting pot, big enough to take the world and all it's got, keep it turning for a hundred years or more and turn out coffee coloured people by the score,' was the chorus. This was when we were still allowed to speak.

The song that alan is singing in his room, 'Take a pinch of white man, wrap him up in black skin, add a bit of blue blood,' etc was a massive hit, I think in the 60's when I was growing up , called I believe something like 'Melting Pot.' The s

you guys are so funny. make me laugh. cheers friends

I'm a bit sad, as this is one of my favourites :( But I'd recommended One foot in the Grave instead. Victor Meldrew (the main character) is a mixture of gloriously grumpy, goofy and sympathetic at times. As the situations he has to deal with are comedy gold 😂 I've seen after work reactions do a run of reactions to the show and he loved it, and I've seen others react positively to various clips from it. It might be a good idea to watch one or two clips and see if you'd like to try it.

If it means anything Mike - I don't get it either! He influenced so many amazing people, that I feel they surpassed him.

God love you Mike, you’ve given that your best shot. Get Spaced on fella, let’s get back on track ;)

Why would anyone suggest This Country and The Royle Family when it's very clear they don't get this very specific UK humour?

I had a feeling that Mike wasn't getting this; So I checked the comments first.. and based on the comments I can't watch this... Needles to say, I took drugs

Appreciate you guys sticking with it while you did, Alan is definitely 'an aquired taste', let's say. Here's hoping it gets replaced with Coupling, a solid sitcom with great characters overlooked by almost all. But I know it won't. It didn't even make the poll, let alone the final shortlist, but hey, I can dream.

That was a negative and right now I need two positives. You know, one to cancel out the negative and another one just so I can have a positive.

You gave it a go so fair enough, i think its time you are introduced to Rik Mayall! Bottom

We need to see The Royle Family soon

I don't want to watch Mike and Jess reacting shows they don't enjoy. And why would you espect someone from a differnent country to get "every" British show!? If its not your bag move on theres plenty more shows out there!!

Not for me either I'm afraid. He really is an aquired taste, BUT Steve Coogan is a fabulous actor - his recent film The Penguin Lessons was great; it's just this character I have problems with.

I understand why you're saying goodbye to Alan here, I would have loved to see you enjoy it but I totally get you want to be positive about what you watch, that's why I would love to see you watch The Detectorists, a show that is brilliant and absolutely screams positivity, would be really hard to not fall in love with that programme

When "Doctor No... vocal chords" didn't even raise a smile, I knew it was over for AP reactions. At least you gave it a go. I think Alan Partridge is just too intrinsically British for the majority of American audiences.

I’ve no idea why this was recommended to you guys. It’s about as British as comedy gets. Half the humour relies on knowing British TV, places, celebrities and just how painfully British Alan is. You’re basically watching it on hard mode 🤣🤣

Thanks so much for giving it a real crack, it’s one you had to try due to the niche popularity, but you’re a right to finish if you don’t like it. I adore I’m AP (most other Partridge stuff is lame) but I can definitely see how it has aged and does not appeal today, especially as Americans, with all the UK minor-celeb and small-town references which is so central to it. It was novel at the time but has been surpassed by so much other stuff after 29 years. Would loved to have re-watched with you reactions if you enjoyed it, but would rather re-watch something else with your genuine joy and laughter coz you two are a breath of fresh air and great at what you do. (PS: I was in Jacksonville last week, fun….great small airport, love Whataburger.)

Thank you for trying! Looking forward to the next series selection. Gervais/Merchant's Life's Too Short is A+++ tier. Ultra-cringe, sidesplitting comedy gold.

How did you not realise that was Simon Pegg 😭😭 atleast you realised he was in MI 😂🔥 hope to see you react to spaced one day!

Mike seemingly being involved with the building trade at some point in his life, I’d recommend the German and Spanish series’ of Auf Wiedersehen, Pet from the 80s.

Alan is very British, loads of references you wouldn't get , even Steve Coogan said Alan would nt work anywhere else , Have you guy reacted to cornetto trilogy, ? £33 for 3 lady boys that's cheap af Ahh it's 1997 that's why

Give plebs a go it's brilliant

Well at least we now know we need to take you on a Simon Pegg journey, starting with Shaun of the Dead. You will know a few people in it. Would be good to see you do a few cult British Films such as this.

You will love blackadder guys

Really hope you stick with this, I honestly think you both know enough british comedy that you will get it. And o hate to say this as it’s said about every show haha. But it gets better 🤣

Alan is not for everyone. You gave him a go and if you're not feeling it then that's ok. Definitely check out more of Steve Coogans work though. He's a phenomenal character actor, both serious and comedic roles. You might like the Trip which is Rob Brydon and Steve playing exaggerated versions of themselves going around fancy restaurants doing impressions and critiquing food. Blackadder came 2nd in the polls and while it does have a laughter track (what 80s sitcom doesn't) I think it would be right up your street. Skip the first season though You can always watch it later on for completeness but it is a completely different show and no one bothers with it. Seasons 2 - 4 are incredible.

How about Early Doors? A very subtle 2 series show that went under the radar.

Some people forget it’s your channel to do what you like 😂 if folk want to watch these series, or see reactions to them, then there are other options. Why does it HAVE to be you that does them? My wife often moans about shows, so I just watch a different one with her and watch the other on my own. It isn’t hard

Lovely bit of squirrel

Stop watching this guys. Too many uk references, never mind the off beat comedy. It’s only fun if you both are obviously loving a show.

Maybe try Diane Morgan's "Ann Droid" or "Mandy"?

Hadn't seen I'm Alan Partridge before, it was fine, had me chuckling at times. Excited to see what you try in this slot next week.

Oooh it's Sargent Angel. Take a look at his aarrssee

Do you slow down for car crashes.

Glad I waited for the comments before watching. Not gunna watch this one as seeing Mike and Jess's blank/confused faces in reaction to one of my favourite all time shows is just depressing. I'm guessing from the comments that they have decided to let this one go?

I think Alan is such a parody of the kind of middle aged celebrity that we had on British TV in the 80s and 90s that it would be hard to understand and find it amusing without knowing what he's parodying. I don't blame you for finding it tricky to connect with and I think it's okay if you want to move onto something else. Love you guys x

Mike and Jess, I watch your channel because I like you guys, I have tried shows I would not necessarily watch myself because you make it fun, but I really would like to say that I think it might be detrimental to keep feeling like you have to watch the shows that are suggested and voted on on your patreon only, I think it may keep leading to this type of situation. I would like to make a suggestion, your channel your choice obvs, but I think that is what you should do for choosing what to watch, I wish that you would look around for what shows appeal to you, that you think you would enjoy, (bearing in mind that first episodes are not always the best thing to judge by necessarily, a lot of shows find their feet a little later on, so maybe try short clips instead, just to get a feel) and then choose 5 or 6 shows that you are interested in and let people vote on that instead. I also would have no problem if you opened up the vote to your you tube community as well, you have a bigger audience there, so you'd get a better idea of things, as patreon is a limited pool, if you get me. I say this because The Vicar of Dibley only won 7% on the poll, but was voted the 3rd best British comedy on a tv poll over here, so I think it would be a shame to miss out on some absolutely great shows that I can really see you enjoying (Not Going Out, Miranda, vicar of Dibley etc) just because they are not popular amongst the smaller group on patreon. Lets be real, it is your channel and you should be having a good time, that is why we do too. And maybe even consider some different kind of shows like Doc Martin and Downton Abbey, or even Midsommer murders we have a lot of great shows that I would love to see you enjoy, much love xx

Tbf, I don’t enjoy any of his old stuff, I MUCH prefer his newer stuff with no laugh track etc, the comedy works better imo

I think we need to stop recommending these sorts of shows, if it didn’t click with the others it won’t click with this. I do get i though people want to see Mike and Jess react to their favourite shows. But it just puts them in a tricky position of not wanting to disappoint us, vs not wanting to fake a reaction. I think as an audience it’s our responsibility to recommend things we genuinely think they’ll enjoy instead of just things we enjoy.

It's more nostalgic comfort watching for me rather than belly laughs... But I can watch Alan Partridge any time. Prefer you guys to enjoy it. Can I make one request though. Can we have a channel on the discord server to just shout Alan Partridge quotes at each other? Emma can you sort? 😆😆😆

I think they would enjoy "The Vicar Of Dibley" because of the characters and the fact that Roger Lloyd Pack is in it.

I think it's right to call time on it. It's not working out for you. Partridge isn't for everyone, even in the UK. But this is also why some British things don't translate to the American market due to cultural difference. I think you'll have seen now across the shows that in British Comedy, the lead roles are quite often flawed anti-heroes and things don't work out for the best in the end. And whilst the leads in American shows have flaws I think they focus on the likeability of the character more. In America the lead is more often a wisecracker surrounded by fools, whereas the british lead is more often a failure who is ultimately the butt of the joke. Stephen Fry describes it here and in a few similar videos. It's from a British perspective but I think it may resonate. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k2AbqTBxao He also say something very similar here in a more recent interview (with a sharper picture) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpdWwubN6-0

"STOP GETTING BOND WRONG!"

I respect the decision to stop this one but it's a shame after having a similar thing happen with father Ted so recently. I was wondering if it might be worth doing something other than comedy for a bit in case that helps give you a break. Just a thought

Really good call! Leave it there, and move on. I'd second that you give This Country a try. Or even People Just Do Nothing.

You didn't like it. No problem at all. We can't all enjoy the same shows. Thanks for giving it a go though, it's much appreciated!

Yea didn't even watch this one as i assume it was a non reaction by the comments, move over to the runner up, I guess.

It's your decision and not all of us like the same things, that makes us human. The other shows you react to bar ofah and peep show, I don't watch. AP is my all time favourite and I hanged around for that tbh. Unless it's replaced with Blackadder I won't be renewing the sub as the shows are too middle of the road for me and probably aimed at more middle class family humour. Thanks for giving it a try though and all the best on your channel. Cheers.

We all like different things. You absolutely lap up stuff I consider awful and aren't feeling this show, something I consider excellent. It is what it is. As I said last week, this is the polar opposite of broad comedy. It's very specific, won't and clearly doesn't appeal to all Ah, well.

It's a shame because there's so much Partridge material to enjoy if you did like it but clearly it's just not for you. Appreciate you sticking with it for three episodes anyway 👍

I love Alan partridge but completely understand you stopping it. If you’re looking for a show with good side characters and a lot of heart I’d suggest the vicar of dibley I think that will be better for you guys. It’s similar to still game with a strong feeling of community throughout that show.

This comment section makes my brain hurt 😭mike and jess, it's always your decision because it's your channel. Don't take influence from comments.

I feel like you like to be able to root for the characters, like you do with OFAH (your joy at Raquel's return for example) and nobody can root for Alan because he has no redeeming features and doesn't deserve nice things. That's fair, and you can only like what you like 🤷‍♀️

That shirt! YES! Jaws is my favourite film.

Surprised you didn't recognise Simon Pegg (apart from Mission Impossibe). You should definitely get round to Shaun of the Dead

Good call, we don't want to watch you fake enjoying something or just mildly enjoy it but it's a struggle. 👍👍

Peter Kay’s Car Share 🚗🐝

It's like Coleman's Mustard, sometimes you just have to punish your mouth.

Happy for them to stop, rewatching it again I can see how this show just doesn’t translate to non uk audiences. Car share though they would love

I was hoping you’d go with Blackadder after the last poll. I’ve seen so many Americans fall in love with it. I do love the Alan Partridge film with Tim Key, which is genius, but the shows aren’t as consistent. Blackadder series 2-4 is up there in UK folklore with Only Fools and Fawlty Towers. But it’s aged so well because of how it deals with history (which you don’t need to know).

It's fine not enjoying things, no point forcing yourself to watch something you're not enjoying. If this episose doesn't change your mind, it's safe to say it just isn't your sort of humour and move on. 😁

Another one of my favourite shows you're not sticking with. Gutted 😣 it's a shame, but hey ho.

The thing with partridge is that fans find the smaller mundane things he says funnier than the big outlandish comments. That’s why a lot of the smaller jokes get those big audio crowd laughs (it’s a terrible laugh track). Even as a huge a fan of partridge, you’re making the right call if you’re not finding the more mundane parts of partridge that comical.

Every time a celebrity, broadcaster or politician makes a mistake with their PR, it's now considered an "Accidental Partridge".

So frustrating watching them sit through this grimaced awkward smiles when it could be something like Green Wing which they would absolutely love. I love me a bit of Partridge, but people were just voting for their favourite show, and not something for Mike and Jess to actually enjoy. Democracy was a tragic misstep in human evolution smh

It is a very weird show 😄

Gotta give them credit for giving things a try. The hit rate has been pretty high. I would guess Blackadder is next on the list. It’s an old show but I think they will enjoy it. The familiar actors, the period settings, the ridiculous costumes, different story each season. There’s enough to pique the interest.

"There is some actors you don't... there is like a... you don't mesh well with..." I encourage you to watch more of Steve's work then. He is quite a versatile actor. First thing I saw him was as Phileas Fogg in Around the World in 80 Days when I was 10 and I've always really liked him. His dynamic with Jackie Chan's character was quite fun. He's done such a variety of things since then, both comedy and more serious roles. He also did The Trip with Rob Brydon (who you know of course), where they play as an exaggerated versions of themselves travelling around together, eating at restaurants and constantly trying to outdo each other with their celebrity impressions. Their Michael Caine impressions in particular are hilarious. Maybe thats more up your street. Bit bummed you won't be reacting to the stalker episode, but if its not your cup of tea, I understand.

It's one of those shows that relies on you getting all the references to be funny, and I've known fellow Brits even just a few years younger than me to not have the cultural frame of reference to fully get it. This episode, for example, needs a decent understanding of the whole BSE thing with British beef from the mid 90s, and that song Alan was singing at the beginning is a horrendously racist UK pop song from the 60s which brought back into the public eye when it was covered by Boyzone earlier in the same year this series came out. There's just so much in every episode that's very specifically mid-90s Britain, which can definitely make it hard to wade through if you're not familiar. I completely understand if you stop here and pick something that doesn't rely so heavily on references!

I agree with dropping this. Much better to see you watching summat you both enjoy. To be fair you lasted longer than me i cudn't even finish episode 1 before binning it lol

I love partridge but its def off its time. Alan doesnt have any redeeming features or heart which can make it a difficult 1st watch. The joke is that he an arse

Serious suggestion for our hosts: take some of the series that have been recommended and watch one episode from the middle of the run, offline, to see if it works for you. Just pick the episode at random, don't listen to opinionated (r)souls like me telling you S3E4 is the best ever. Now I understand that you're honest reactors and don't want to fake it if and when you get to that episode, but you did it accidentally once (Still Game I think) and it didn't spoil it, not for me anyway.

Who invented the skip?

You should consider The Cornetto Trilogy.

Ahhh, smug mode

I think it's perfectly reasonable to consider something like this a trial run. If you don't like it I think it's fine to move on to something else.

Dan!

I love Alan Partridge but completely understand you not feeling it. I don't get 'still game' or 'taskmaster' but appreciate a lot of people do - that's life. If I had one wish I would have love you to have watched Alpha Papa as it is a lot more recent and Alan at his funniest.

It's difficult because I'm not fussed about early Alan Partridge but as the years go on, he gets better.

If you’re having to “try” to enjoy a show, it may be a sign it isn’t for you. And viewers may pick up on that. And that’s completely fine. It’s not a complaint. Watch something you actually enjoy!

Stop talking about American things!

It’s my favourite comedy of all time but Mike is really ruining it for me. So I do agree they should leave it here.

Please keep going - its funny

Yep do Blackadder but from Season 2

It’s probably just the cultural references that are a bridge too far? No point labouring with it. But it is preferable imho to another current one you react to but it’s all different tastes.

If you don't it thats enjoy it fair enough. atleast you tried. Hopfully more newer shows coming up rather than older stuff I don't think youde enjoy as much.

I wonder if you’d have felt differently about the Office if it had a live audience, I’m glad it didn’t and you were enable to enjoy it. I don’t think you’re going to get past Alan just being infuriating and baffling, which is perfectly fine. It’s a shame it didn’t work as Alan is one of my all time favourites but would rather see you watch something you genuinely enjoy.

Avoiding all the context of today's reaction, the only thing that annoys me in this episode is Peter Baynham using the voicebox to swallow his pint, just why?! :)

You clearly just dont get the humour

I think you’ve given it a fair go! I love this show, but you’ve watched a quarter of it and it’s not hitting. That’s fair! I hope you enjoy the next show you choose a lot more 🙂

You gave it go and if it's not for you, then fair enough. Be curious see to what you choose next.

Replace this with Outnumbered and your lives will be better in every way

I'm off to have a Toblerone

Absolutely the right call. It clearly isn’t hitting for you guys. Onwards

Ohhhh, give him another episode, you swines!

The voicebox guy is also the manager of the theatre in the Work Outing episode of IT Crowd 😊

I'm with Mike about this show. I'm not a big fan of it. But the only reason I've seen it many of time, is because I'm from Norwich. If not I doubt I've would even seen it all. There's any many decent show out there to react to.

I'm here to see you two enjoying the shows I've enjoyed in the past (and even some shows I didn't enjoy at the time I've revisited with you and seen through fresh eyes) I'm NOT here to see you struggle to find a show funny or engaging if it doesn't click with you. Good decision guys.

Maybe do an American show next? Friends?

Love the honesty guys

Thanks for trying it out! If you want more Denholm (Chris Morris), maybe give Brass Eye a go?

Definitely worth checking out an episode from season 2...maybe in your own time to see if its worth going there instead? Its very different and you can watch it without knowledge of the first season. I know what you mean about Alan in this one and agree completely. By season 2 he'd found the niche he was going for.

Blackadder came second in the poll. Can we have that next week, please? Start at season 2.

Don't force yourself to like it. If it's not for you it's not for you

I think you'd both really enjoy THIS COUNTRY, it's funny, just a suggestion, love watching your reactions xxx

What's coming up next Friday, then?

There’s nothing wrong with not enjoying a programme, I’d prefer to see you watching a programme that you enjoyed. I didn’t watch this till king boomer watched it and it’s ok but not fantastic for me personally. Watch what you enjoy

Single character shows like this are tough. The best reactions seem to be to shows that have a proper cast of interesting characters such as Peep Show, OFAH, Phoenix Nights etc. It's the same reason Vicar of Dibley would be so good: amazing actors and proper characters. The Alan Partridge stuff is basically a one man show in which the other 'characters' are one dimensional.

I think it's fair to stop here. The next episode is quite weak anyway, so probably would have turned you off even more. Like people say, the next series is much better, but might be a struggle for you to get to.

Ahh sooo boring for me; no scratch that, im pleasantly surprised

It's Simon Pegg, Mike.

Aahhh lady boys 😂

This is one of my fave episodes. I totally understand that someone who isn’t English, just won’t get it or where it’s coming from.

Good decision as it's not for you. You WILL find PEOPLE JUST DO NOTHING hilarious. Guaranteed :-) As always, trust The Johnson

I think the second series is better, worth sticking with

Is there a version without the laugh track? I don’t remember there being one. Think that’s spoiling it.

Water way to have a good time!

Hahaha, here we go again. Almost tempted to watch just to see Mike's face