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While I'm Alan Partridge may be considered a "classic", I could only manage to watch the first episode. "I'm Alan Partridge", despite running for just two series after its 1997 premiere, is seen as a British classic and has spawned multiple spin-off shows and two films. The comedy won numerous awards when it first aired, including Best TV Sitcom, with its star Steve Coogan winning Best TV Comedy Actor at the British Comedy Awards. However, the prospect of watching more than one episode of this so-called sitcom was somewhat uncomfortable.

We are introduced to failed television presenter Alan Partridge living in a hotel after his wife leaves him for a fitness instructor, as he desperately tries to resurrect his broadcasting career. While attempting to persuade BBC bosses to grant him another series, Partridge works as a local radio DJ and voiceover artist, sharing random facts with his Norwich-based listeners at every opportunity. While sitcoms like Friends and The Big Bang Theory seamlessly incorporate laugh tracks, it feels awkwardly forced into I'm Alan Partridge, emphasising the lack of humour in many supposed comedic moments.

As soon as Alan opens his mouth, laughter ensues, leaving me scanning my living room for clarity and the punchline. Maybe I needed to watch it with someone other than my English Springer Spaniel for an explanation. Smack The Pony star Sally Phillips made a surprise appearance as a new receptionist, and her scene actually elicited a genuine laugh. Unable to suppress her laughter as Alan relayed the obscene message graffitied on his car, she quickly excused herself, leaving the front desk for a second time when she noticed he was still there.

Aside from her, however, the rest of the cast largely falls flat, with little more to do or say than wait for Alan to arrive and insult them. The dream sequence, in particular, has been imprinted in my mind for all the wrong reasons. While waiting for his personal assistant Lynn Benfield (Felicity Montagu) to arrive, Alan drifts off and dreams of being in a strip club, donning a jumper on top and tight leather pants. He steps down from the pole-dancing podium with BBC boss Tony Hayers (David Schneider) ready to hand him a wad of cash. Alan eerily wags his finger and says: 'Uh-ah, I want a second series", before being interrupted by Lynn knocking at the door.

With his uncomfortable manner, embarrassing jokes and lack of self-awareness, it's clear that Alan Partridge could have been the inspiration for Ricky Gervais' character David Brent in The Office, which was released four years later. In 2005, the American version of The Office began airing, featuring Steve Carrell as boss Michael Scott, with noticeable similarities between the three characters. However, there's no denying that Alan Partridge is a less successful version of Michael Scott, the "before" to Carrell's "after" take on an awkward yet endearing character.

Coogan's work has since diversified, with films and shows like Philomena, The Trip with Rob Brydon, Brian and Maggie and The Penguin Lessons, all of which I have watched and enjoyed. He will be bringing back the Alan Partridge franchise with the upcoming BBC series And Did Those Feet...With Alan Partridge currently in production. After enduring that painful 29-minute watch, it's safe to say I'll be rewatching The Office for the fifth time instead.

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What a pile of barmy old cak. And I do mean "old".

Sounds like a dosser and a dwad.