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Although the continent-crossing reality competition the travel contest wasn't quite the summer smash the broadcaster were hoping for, it did give host Rob Brydon a stylish transformation. The convoluted coach trip aimed to give off a jet-setting vibe, so its master of ceremonies got dressed with premium suits: vibrant matching ensembles, silky cravats and yacht-ready blazers. Unexpectedly, Brydon had the debonair look complementing his vintage Roger Moore impression.

Costume Changes and Country Music

The newest trilogy of episodes, Rob Brydon's Honky Tonk Road Trip, also features some Mr Benn-style thematic wardrobe. The affable comedian transforms into Yellowstone cowpoke in a parade plaid tops, rugged jackets and sometimes a Stetson hat. This complements the concept that sees him driving a massive American truck on a 2,000-mile circuit through southern states to learn quickly in country music.

Brydon has been tasked with marking the hundredth anniversary of country music – specifically the 100th anniversary of the Nashville radio show which became the Grand Ole Opry, cornerstone and kingmaker of country music over decades – through the classic celebrity travelogue approach involving road tripping, gabbing to locals and engaging deeply in the culture. That the centenary aligns with country becoming, according to him, “the most rapidly expanding genre in the UK” – thanks to global superstars and recent countrified albums from Beyoncé, Post Malone and others – provides additional perspective to explore.

Road Trip Experience and Personal Doubts

It's established Brydon is up for a road trip and conversations thanks to the various incarnations of his travel series with Steve Coogan. But at first he appears uncertain about his credentials to be our guide. Observing him speak with an in-car lens evokes recollections of a character, the sad-sack cabby from his early career, a beloved series. Traveling toward Music City, he phones his Gavin & Stacey collaborator Jones for a pep talk. She reminds him that he has authentic music credentials: their 2009 charity single of a classic duet topped the charts. (“Dolly and Kenny only made it to No 7!” she points out.)

Conversational Talents and Cultural Immersion

While the overwhelming experience of a night out in the city proves challenging for Brydon – trying to dance with the UK actor turned country singer results in him tap out early in a popular tune – the veteran comedian is much more steady in the interview segments. His polite lines of questioning blends well local etiquette, gathering anecdotes about legends and general musings about the essence of the genre from silvery-haired veterans like the Grand Ole Opry fixture a renowned figure and 92-year-old tailor-to-the-stars a fashion icon. His gentle manner also works with younger guns, like the bearded hitmaker Luke Combs and the instrumental virtuoso Tray Wellington.

While some of the anecdotes feel well worn, the opening episode does contain a single unexpected moment. What on earth is the pop star doing hanging out in a cozy recording space? Apparently he has been coming to Tennessee to hone his songwriting for decades, and cites a country icon as an influence for his band's bulletproof ballad Back for Good. Finally, we meet a guest he can tease, joke with and wind up without fear about creating a diplomatic incident. (The good-natured star, participates willingly.)

Broader Implications and Unscripted Moments

Given a hundred years of the genre to explain and honor, it's reasonable that this southern-fried tour across two states (with pit stops to other areas upcoming) aims to concentrate on the art and not necessarily address the current political moment. But it cannot help but seep in a little. While guesting on the polished program of the Nashville radio station WSM – proud founder of the Grand Ole Opry – Brydon jokingly wonders whether the nations are still friends, which throws the polished presenters from their rhythm. We do not get the likely presumably icy aftermath.

Ideal Presenter for the Format

But for all his apparent self-doubt, he is obviously a good fit for this sort of breezy, bite-size format: friendly, interested, modest and always ready to dress the part, even if he struggles locating a fancy cowboy shirt that comes in a medium. Might his partner worry that the co-star can do the whole travelogue thing alone? Definitely.