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Although the continent-crossing competitive reality show Destination X wasn't quite the summer smash the broadcaster were hoping for, it did give presenter Brydon a stylish transformation. The convoluted coach trip clearly wanted to project a jet-setting vibe, so the show's host got dressed with premium suits: boldly coloured matching ensembles, silky cravats and yacht-ready blazers. All of a sudden, he acquired the debonair look complementing his vintage Roger Moore impression.

Costume Changes with Musical Roots

His latest trilogy of episodes, Rob Brydon's Honky Tonk Road Trip, also features themed outfit costume changes. The affable comedian goes full Yellowstone cowpoke sporting plaid tops, sturdy coats and sometimes a cowboy hat. This complements the concept that sees him piloting an imposing Ford Ranger pickup truck on a 2,000-mile circuit through southern states to learn quickly in country music.

His mission involves celebrating the centenary of country music – specifically the 100th anniversary of the legendary broadcast that evolved into the iconic venue, cornerstone and kingmaker of country music for generations – through the classic celebrity travelogue tradition of driving around, gabbing to locals and engaging deeply in the culture. This anniversary has coincided with country becoming, he claims, “the most rapidly expanding music style in Britain” – thanks to global superstars and new country-inspired records from Beyoncé, Post Malone and various performers – offers another angle for examination.

Road Trip Experience With Insecurities

We know he enjoys a road trip and a chinwag thanks to multiple seasons of his travel series with Steve Coogan. But at first he seems unsure about his credentials to be our guide. Watching him speak with an in-car lens certainly brings back recollections of a character, the melancholy driver from his early career, Marion & Geoff. Traveling toward Nashville, he phones his Gavin & Stacey collaborator Jones to boost his confidence. She recalls that he has authentic country bona fides: their 2009 charity single of Islands in the Stream was a UK No 1. (“The original artists reached seventh place!” she notes.)

Conversational Talents With Local Engagement

While the overwhelming experience during an evening in the city is a little too much for the host – a line-dancing attempt with the UK actor turned country singer results in him giving up during the opening Shania Twain song – the veteran comedian is far less steady during conversations. His polite interview style blends well local etiquette, gathering Johnny Cash stories and general musings on the spirit of country music from experienced elders like the Grand Ole Opry fixture a renowned figure and 92-year-old celebrity clothier Manuel Cuevas. His gentle manner is effective with newer artists, like the scraggly-bearded chart-topping singer and the bluegrass banjo maestro a talented musician.

Although several the anecdotes seem familiar, the opening episode does contain a single genuine curveball. Why exactly is the pop star doing hanging out in a homely east Nashville studio? Reportedly, he's visited the state to refine his compositions for decades, and cites a country icon as an influence for his band's enduring hit Back for Good. Finally, we meet a guest he can tease, mock and wind up without fear of causing any offense. (Barlow, bless him, participates willingly.)

Cultural Context and Unscripted Moments

Given a hundred years of the genre to explain and celebrate, it's reasonable that this southern-fried tour across two states (with pit stops in Virginia, Alabama and Mississippi upcoming) aims to concentrate on music and not necessarily address contemporary issues. Yet it inevitably but seep in some elements. During an appearance on the glossy morning show on the local broadcaster WSM – proud founder of the famous show – Brydon jokingly wonders whether the nations maintain good relations, disrupting the polished presenters from their rhythm. We do not get the likely presumably icy aftermath.

A Natural Fit in This Role

But for all his visible insecurity, Brydon is clearly a good fit for this type of breezy, bite-size format: amiable, engaged, modest and always ready for costume changes, even if he has difficulty locating a fancy cowboy shirt in his size. Might his partner worry that the co-star is capable of solo hosting without him? Definitely.