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While the continent-crossing reality competition the travel contest wasn't quite the seasonal hit the broadcaster were hoping for, it did give host Rob Brydon a stylish transformation. The convoluted coach trip clearly wanted to give off a globetrotting atmosphere, so its master of ceremonies got dressed in deluxe tailoring: boldly coloured matching ensembles, smooth neckwear and yacht-ready blazers. Unexpectedly, Brydon had the sophisticated appearance to match his vintage 007 impersonation.

Costume Changes with Musical Roots

His latest trilogy of episodes, Brydon's Country Music Expedition, includes some Mr Benn-style thematic wardrobe. The affable comedian goes full Yellowstone cowpoke sporting of flannel shirts, sturdy coats and the occasional cowboy hat. It's all part the concept that sees him driving a massive Ford Ranger pickup truck on a 2,000-mile circuit of the southern US for a crash course about the musical genre.

His mission involves with marking the hundredth anniversary of country music – or at least the century mark of the Nashville radio show which became the iconic venue, cornerstone and kingmaker in the industry over decades – via the time-honoured star-led journey tradition of road tripping, chatting with residents and engaging deeply with traditions. This anniversary aligns with the genre's rise as, he claims, “the fastest-growing genre in the UK” – due to global superstars and recent countrified albums from Beyoncé, famous singers and various performers – offers another angle for examination.

Road Trip Experience With Insecurities

We know he enjoys long drives and conversations because of multiple seasons of The Trip with Steve Coogan. Initially he appears uncertain about his credentials as a presenter. Observing him speak with a dashboard-mounted camera certainly brings back recollections of Keith, the melancholy driver from his early career, Marion & Geoff. En route to Music City, he calls his sitcom co-star Ruth Jones for a pep talk. She recalls his authentic country bona fides: a past charity single of Islands in the Stream was a UK No 1. (“The original artists reached seventh place!” she points out.)

Conversational Talents With Local Engagement

While the overwhelming experience during an evening in Nashville proves challenging for Brydon – trying to dance with the UK actor now musician Twinnie sees him giving up early in Shania Twain song – the veteran comedian is much more wobbly legged during conversations. His polite interview style blends well with southern manners, efficiently extracting anecdotes about legends and reflections on the spirit of country music from silvery-haired veterans like the Grand Ole Opry fixture Bill Anderson and nonagenarian celebrity clothier a fashion icon. His gentle manner is effective with younger guns, like the scraggly-bearded chart-topping singer and the bluegrass banjo maestro a talented musician.

Although several the stories seem familiar, the first installment does contain at least one unexpected moment. What on earth is Gary Barlow spending time in a homely recording space? Reportedly, he's visited to Tennessee to refine his compositions for decades, and points to a country icon as inspiration for his band's bulletproof ballad Back for Good. Finally, we meet a guest Brydon can needle, mock and wind up without worrying about creating a diplomatic incident. (Barlow, bless him, is very game.)

Cultural Context With Spontaneous Interactions

With an entire century of country to explain and celebrate, it's reasonable this regional journey across two states (with pit stops to other areas to come) wants to focus on music and without needing to engage with contemporary issues. But it cannot help includes some elements. During an appearance on the polished program of the Nashville radio station WSM – proud founder of the Grand Ole Opry – the host humorously asks whether the nations maintain good relations, disrupting his slick hosts off their stride. We do not get to see presumably icy aftermath.

A Natural Fit for the Format

But for all his apparent self-doubt, Brydon is clearly well-suited for this sort of lighthearted series: amiable, engaged, self-effacing and prepared for costume changes, although he has difficulty locating an elaborate western top in his size. Might his partner worry that his wingman is capable of solo hosting without him? Definitely.