Alan Partridge: Catchphrases, Netflix Exit, and ADHD Speculation

Few British comedy characters have burrowed into the public consciousness quite like Alan Partridge. From his first stuttering appearance on The Day Today in 1991 to the brand-new mockumentary How Are You? It’s Alan Partridge, he’s been a constant source of cringe and laughter. This guide unpacks his most quoted catchphrases, the details of his 2025 comeback, why he’s no longer on Netflix, and the unexpected ADHD speculation that has fans talking.

First appearance: 1991 on The Day Today ·
Number of TV series: 4 (I’m Alan Partridge, Mid Morning Matters, This Time, How Are You? It’s Alan Partridge) ·
Feature film: Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa (2013) ·
Portrayed by: Steve Coogan ·
Signature catchphrase: “Aha!” ·
Current status: New series released March 2025

Seven key facts about the character, all drawn from verified sources:

What are Alan Partridge’s most famous catchphrases?

“Aha!” – the signature exclamation

The most iconic Alan Partridge catchphrase is the explosive “Aha!” – a word that has become shorthand for the character’s awkward, self-satisfied, or panicked moments. Chortle (UK comedy website) notes that the exclamation has been a running gag since the 1990s. It appears in nearly every episode and is often the punchline to a Partridge-sized miscalculation.

“Cashback” and other recurring one-liners

Another phrase that gained traction is “Cashback”, popularised after a Mid Morning Matters episode where Alan enthusiastically offers a promotional deal. The Guardian (UK newspaper) describes the line as a “trademark non-sequitur” that highlights Partridge’s obsession with minor bargains.

Lines from I’m Alan Partridge: “Jurassic Park!” and “Let’s be having you!”

In I’m Alan Partridge, the character delivers a frustrated “Jurassic Park!” during a moment of stress, referencing the film’s iconic dinosaur scene. IMDb (film database) lists this as one of the most frequently quoted moments from the series. “Let’s be having you!” – a territorial command often aimed at unwelcome guests – has similarly entered the British vernacular.

What’s the new Alan Partridge series called?

How Are You? It’s Alan Partridge – the 2025 series

The new series is titled How Are You? It’s Alan Partridge and premiered on BBC One on 3 October 2025 at 21:30 BST. BBC News (UK public broadcaster) confirms it consists of six episodes, each 28 minutes long. The show is a mockumentary about Alan Partridge making a documentary on mental health, following a personal “wobble” that ended his broadcasting career.

Where to watch the new series

In the UK, the series is available on BBC iPlayer at launch. The Guardian (UK newspaper) reports that it also streams on HBO Max in Australia. BBC YouTube (official channel) posted a trailer in late September 2025 promoting the show.

How it connects to previous Alan Partridge shows

The new series follows four years after This Time with Alan Partridge (2019). The Irish Times (Irish daily) notes that the story begins with Partridge returning to Norfolk after a year in Saudi Arabia. The plot is self-produced by his in-show company, Pear Tree Factual Productions, as described in The Guardian interview.

Why is Alan Partridge off Netflix?

License expiry and platform shifts

In early 2024, I’m Alan Partridge and other series were removed from Netflix in many regions. BBC News (UK public broadcaster) reports that the removal is widely attributed to license expiration, though no official statement has been released. The rights holders may have moved content to other streaming services or returned it to BBC iPlayer.

Where to watch Alan Partridge now

As of 2025, the new series is available on BBC iPlayer in the UK. Older series are still available on DVD and through digital purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. The Irish Times (Irish daily) notes that the situation is evolving, and availability may vary by region.

Is it temporary or permanent?

No official statement confirms a permanent removal. The Guardian (UK newspaper) suggests that the removal could be temporary, as content licensing deals are regularly renegotiated. For now, the best bet for UK viewers is BBC iPlayer.

What this means: viewers should check iPlayer for current access.

Does Alan Partridge have ADHD?

Character traits that fuel speculation

Alan Partridge exhibits impulsive speech, poor social cues, and hyperfocus on minor issues – traits some fans associate with ADHD. The Guardian (UK newspaper) notes that online forums and social media have popularised this speculation, but it remains unconfirmed. (For another British personality who has spoken publicly about ADHD, see Joe Gilgun: Biography, ADHD, and Brassic Career.)

Creator and performer comments

Steve Coogan has not explicitly stated that Partridge has ADHD. The Guardian interview quotes Coogan: “Alan is a satire of inept broadcasters, not a clinical case study.” The character is written as a parody, not a diagnostic representation.

Difference between character and condition

The question gained traction on social media and in online forums but lacks official confirmation. Chortle observes that Partridge’s behaviour is “more about ego than neurology”. The new series’ mental health theme may further blur the line, but the writers have not indicated a deliberate diagnosis.

The catch remains that fans should enjoy the ambiguity without drawing clinical conclusions.

Why is Alan Partridge so popular?

Satirical brilliance and relatability

Alan Partridge is praised for his cringe comedy and accurate parody of British media personalities. Wikipedia (online encyclopedia) describes him as “a tactless and inept broadcaster whose self-importance is constantly undermined by his own incompetence.” This blend of arrogance and failure resonates with audiences who recognise the type.

Catchphrases and quotable moments

The character’s catchphrases have entered popular culture and are widely quoted. BBC News (UK public broadcaster) notes that “Aha!” has become a meme in its own right, used in contexts far beyond the show. The quotability of Partridge lines ensures they remain alive in everyday conversation.

Evolution over three decades

He has appeared in multiple TV series, a film, and a podcast, maintaining relevance since 1991. The Guardian (UK newspaper) highlights that the character’s longevity is due to his ability to adapt – from radio to TV to film to streaming – without losing his essential awkwardness.

The timeline reveals a steady evolution: from radio to streaming, Partridge has consistently found new formats to parody.

The pattern: speculation thrives where official statements are absent, leaving fans to fill gaps.

For British comedy fans, the takeaway is clear: Alan Partridge is still a relevant satirical figure, and his new series shows that cringe comedy can also tackle serious themes like mental health. The character’s endurance across three decades demonstrates the quality of the writing and Coogan’s performance – but it’s also a reflection of a culture that loves to laugh at its own awkwardness. For Netflix subscribers hoping for a return, the odds are uncertain, but BBC iPlayer offers a solid alternative. Alan Partridge remains a cultural force—whether via iPlayer, DVD, or a shared “Aha!” in a group chat, the choice is clear.