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Although the continent-crossing reality competition the travel contest might not have been the seasonal hit the broadcaster had anticipated, it provided host Rob Brydon a lovely glow-up. The convoluted coach trip aimed to project a globetrotting atmosphere, so its master of ceremonies got dressed in deluxe tailoring: boldly coloured three-piece suits, silky cravats and yacht-ready blazers. All of a sudden, he acquired the sophisticated appearance complementing his vintage Roger Moore impression.

Costume Changes with Musical Roots

His latest three-part series, Rob Brydon's Honky Tonk Road Trip, also features themed outfit costume changes. The affable comedian transforms into Yellowstone cowpoke in a parade of flannel shirts, sturdy coats and sometimes a Stetson hat. It's all part of a premise where he driving a massive Ford Ranger pickup truck across thousands of miles of the southern US for a crash course in country music.

Brydon has been tasked celebrating the centenary of the genre – or at least the 100th anniversary of the legendary broadcast that evolved into the Grand Ole Opry, foundation and star-maker of country music for generations – via the time-honoured star-led journey tradition of driving around, gabbing to locals and engaging deeply with traditions. That the centenary aligns with the genre's rise as, he claims, “the fastest-growing genre in the UK” – thanks to global superstars and recent countrified albums from Beyoncé, Post Malone and others – offers another angle to explore.

Travel History With Insecurities

It's established Brydon is up for long drives and conversations because of the various incarnations of The Trip alongside his comedy partner. Initially he seems unsure if he is truly qualified as a presenter. Observing him confide to a dashboard-mounted camera certainly brings back beta male memories of Keith, the melancholy driver from his early career, a beloved series. Traveling toward Music City, he phones his sitcom co-star Ruth Jones for a pep talk. She reminds him his authentic country bona fides: a past charity single of Islands in the Stream topped the charts. (“Dolly and Kenny reached No 7!” she notes.)

Interview Skills and Cultural Immersion

If the “full sensory overload” of a night out in the city is a little too much for the host – trying to dance with the UK actor turned country singer results in him tap out during the opening Shania Twain song – the veteran comedian is much more wobbly legged during conversations. His respectful interview style seem to gel local etiquette, gathering anecdotes about legends and reflections about the essence of the genre from experienced elders like the institution's mainstay Bill Anderson and 92-year-old tailor-to-the-stars a fashion icon. His calm approach also works with newer artists, like the bearded hitmaker Luke Combs and the instrumental virtuoso Tray Wellington.

Although several the stories seem familiar, the first installment does contain a single unexpected moment. Why exactly is the pop star doing hanging out in a cozy recording space? Apparently he has visited to Tennessee to hone his songwriting for decades, and points to a country icon as inspiration on Take That's enduring hit a classic song. Here, at last, we meet a guest Brydon can needle, joke with and playfully provoke without worrying of causing a diplomatic incident. (The good-natured star, is very game.)

Broader Implications With Spontaneous Interactions

With an entire century of the genre to explain and celebrate, it is understandable this regional journey across two states (including visits to other areas upcoming) aims to concentrate on the art and without needing to engage with contemporary issues. But it cannot help but seep in some elements. While guesting on the glossy morning show on the local broadcaster WSM – proud founder of the famous show – the host humorously asks whether the nations are still friends, which throws the polished presenters from their rhythm. We do not get to see chilly response.

A Natural Fit in This Role

Despite his visible insecurity, Brydon is clearly well-suited for this sort of lighthearted series: amiable, engaged, self-effacing and prepared to dress the part, even if he has difficulty to find a fancy cowboy shirt in his size. Might his partner worry that his wingman can do the whole travelogue thing without him? Definitely.