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Although the Euro-hopping competitive reality show Destination X wasn't quite 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 the show's host got dressed with premium suits: boldly coloured matching ensembles, silky cravats and yacht-ready blazers. All of a sudden, Brydon had the sophisticated appearance complementing his classic 007 impersonation.

A Thematic Wardrobe with Musical Roots

The newest trilogy of episodes, Rob Brydon's Honky Tonk Road Trip, includes some Mr Benn-style thematic wardrobe. The genial Welshman transforms into western rancher sporting of flannel shirts, rugged jackets and sometimes a Stetson hat. This complements the concept where he driving a massive American truck across thousands of miles of the southern US for a crash course about the musical genre.

Brydon has been tasked with marking the centenary of the genre – specifically the century mark of the legendary broadcast which became the Grand Ole Opry, foundation and star-maker in the industry over decades – via the time-honoured celebrity travelogue tradition of road tripping, chatting with residents and immersing himself in the culture. This anniversary has coincided with country becoming, he claims, “the fastest-growing music style in Britain” – thanks to global superstars and recent countrified albums from Beyoncé, famous singers and others – provides additional perspective to explore.

Travel History With Insecurities

We know he enjoys long drives and a chinwag because of the various incarnations of his travel series with Steve Coogan. Initially he appears uncertain about his credentials as a presenter. Watching him speak with a dashboard-mounted camera certainly brings back beta male memories of a character, the melancholy driver from Brydon's TV breakthrough, a beloved series. En route to Nashville, he phones his sitcom collaborator Jones for a pep talk. 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 only made it to seventh place!” she notes.)

Conversational Talents and Cultural Immersion

While the overwhelming experience of a night out in Nashville proves challenging for the host – a line-dancing attempt with the UK actor turned country singer results in him giving up early in Shania Twain song – the veteran comedian is far less steady during conversations. His polite interview style seem to gel local etiquette, gathering Johnny Cash stories and reflections on the spirit of the genre from silvery-haired veterans like the institution's mainstay Bill Anderson and 92-year-old celebrity clothier Manuel Cuevas. His calm approach is effective with newer artists, like the scraggly-bearded hitmaker Luke Combs and the bluegrass banjo maestro Tray Wellington.

Although several the anecdotes seem familiar, the opening episode includes at least one genuine curveball. What on earth is the pop star spending time in a cozy east Nashville studio? Apparently he has been coming to Tennessee to refine his compositions since the 1990s, and points to a country icon as an influence for his band's bulletproof ballad Back for Good. Finally, is an interviewee Brydon can needle, mock and playfully provoke without fear of causing a diplomatic incident. (The good-natured star, participates willingly.)

Cultural Context With Spontaneous Interactions

Given a hundred years of country to contextualise and celebrate, it's reasonable that this southern-fried tour through Tennessee and Kentucky (with pit stops in Virginia, Alabama and Mississippi to come) wants to focus on the art and without needing to address contemporary issues. But it cannot help but seep in a little. While guesting on the polished program on the local broadcaster WSM – proud founder of the famous show – Brydon jokingly wonders if the US and Canada are still friends, disrupting the polished presenters from their rhythm. The audience doesn't see to see chilly response.

Ideal Presenter for the Format

Despite his visible insecurity, he is obviously well-suited for this type of lighthearted series: friendly, engaged, modest and always ready for costume changes, although he has difficulty locating a fancy cowboy shirt in his size. Should Coogan be concerned that his wingman is capable of solo hosting without him? Definitely.