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While the continent-crossing competitive reality show the travel contest wasn't quite the seasonal hit the BBC were hoping for, it did give host Rob Brydon a stylish transformation. The complex bus journey aimed to give off a jet-setting vibe, so its master of ceremonies was outfitted with premium suits: boldly coloured three-piece suits, silky cravats and nautical jackets. All of a sudden, he acquired the debonair look to match his classic Roger Moore impression.

A Thematic Wardrobe and Country Music

His latest trilogy of episodes, Brydon's Country Music Expedition, also features themed outfit thematic wardrobe. The genial Welshman transforms into Yellowstone cowpoke sporting plaid tops, sturdy coats and the occasional Stetson hat. This complements the concept where he piloting an imposing Ford Ranger pickup truck across thousands of miles through southern states to learn quickly in country music.

His mission involves celebrating the centenary of the genre – or at least the century mark of the legendary broadcast which became the iconic venue, foundation and star-maker of country music over decades – via the time-honoured celebrity travelogue tradition of road tripping, chatting with residents and immersing himself in the culture. That the centenary has coincided with country becoming, according to him, “the fastest-growing music style in Britain” – thanks to global superstars and new country-inspired records from multiple artists, Post Malone and various performers – provides additional perspective for examination.

Road Trip Experience With Insecurities

It's established he enjoys a road trip and conversations thanks to multiple seasons of his travel series alongside his comedy partner. Initially he appears uncertain if he is truly qualified to be our guide. Watching him confide to an in-car lens certainly brings back recollections of a character, the sad-sack cabby from his early career, Marion & Geoff. En route to Nashville, he calls his Gavin & Stacey collaborator Jones to boost his confidence. She recalls that he has authentic music credentials: a past charity single of a classic duet topped the charts. (“Dolly and Kenny only made it to seventh place!” she notes.)

Conversational Talents With Local Engagement

If the “full sensory overload” of a night out in the city proves challenging for Brydon – a line-dancing attempt with the UK actor now musician Twinnie sees him giving up early in a popular tune – the veteran comedian is far less steady during conversations. His respectful interview style seem to gel local etiquette, gathering Johnny Cash stories and reflections about the essence of the genre from experienced elders like the Grand Ole Opry fixture a renowned figure and 92-year-old tailor-to-the-stars 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 anecdotes seem familiar, the opening episode does contain a single genuine curveball. Why exactly is the pop star doing hanging out in a cozy east Nashville studio? Reportedly, he's been coming the state to hone his compositions since the 1990s, and points to a country icon as an influence on Take That's bulletproof ballad Back for Good. Finally, we meet a guest Brydon can needle, joke with and wind up without worrying of causing any offense. (Barlow, bless him, participates willingly.)

Cultural Context and Unscripted Moments

Given a hundred years of the genre to contextualise and celebrate, it is understandable that this southern-fried tour across two states (including visits to other areas upcoming) aims to concentrate on the art and without needing to engage with the current political moment. Yet it inevitably but seep in some elements. While guesting on the glossy morning show of the Nashville radio station the established creator of the Grand Ole Opry – Brydon jokingly wonders if the US and Canada maintain good relations, disrupting his slick hosts off their stride. The audience doesn't see to see chilly response.

Ideal Presenter in This Role

Despite his apparent self-doubt, he is obviously a good fit for this type of breezy, bite-size format: amiable, engaged, modest and prepared to dress the part, although he has difficulty locating a fancy cowboy shirt in his size. Might his partner worry that the co-star can do the whole travelogue thing alone? Absolutely.