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Although the continent-crossing reality competition the travel contest wasn't quite the seasonal hit the BBC were hoping for, it provided presenter Brydon a stylish transformation. The complex bus journey clearly wanted to give off a jet-setting vibe, so its master of ceremonies was outfitted in deluxe tailoring: boldly coloured three-piece suits, smooth neckwear and yacht-ready blazers. All of a sudden, he acquired the sophisticated appearance to match his vintage Roger Moore impression.

A Thematic Wardrobe and Country Music

The newest three-part series, Rob Brydon's Honky Tonk Road Trip, also features themed outfit thematic wardrobe. The genial Welshman goes full Yellowstone cowpoke sporting plaid tops, rugged jackets and the occasional Stetson hat. It's all part the concept that sees him driving a massive Ford Ranger pickup truck on a 2,000-mile circuit through southern states to learn quickly in country music.

His mission involves with marking 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 in the industry over decades – through the classic celebrity travelogue approach involving road tripping, chatting with residents and immersing himself with traditions. This anniversary aligns with the genre's rise as, according to him, “the fastest-growing genre in the UK” – due to global superstars and new country-inspired records from multiple artists, Post Malone and various performers – offers another angle for examination.

Travel History With Insecurities

We know he enjoys a road trip and a chinwag because of multiple seasons of The Trip alongside his comedy partner. Initially he appears uncertain about his credentials as a presenter. Observing him confide to an in-car lens certainly brings back beta male memories of Keith, the sad-sack cabby from Brydon's TV breakthrough, a beloved series. En route to Nashville, he calls his sitcom collaborator Jones for a pep talk. She reminds him that he has authentic music credentials: their 2009 Comic Relief cover of a classic duet was a UK No 1. (“The original artists only made it to seventh place!” she points out.)

Interview Skills With Local Engagement

If the “full sensory overload” during an evening in Nashville proves challenging for the host – trying to dance alongside a performer turned country singer Twinnie sees him tap out early in a popular tune – the 60-year-old is far less wobbly legged in the interview segments. His respectful interview style blends well with southern manners, gathering anecdotes about legends and reflections about the essence of the genre from silvery-haired veterans like the Grand Ole Opry fixture Bill Anderson and nonagenarian celebrity clothier Manuel Cuevas. His gentle manner is effective with newer artists, like the bearded chart-topping singer and the bluegrass banjo maestro Tray Wellington.

While some of the anecdotes feel well worn, the first installment does contain at least one genuine curveball. What on earth is the pop star doing hanging out in a cozy east Nashville studio? Apparently he has been coming to Tennessee to hone his compositions for decades, and points to a country icon as an influence on Take That's bulletproof ballad Back for Good. Finally, is an interviewee he can tease, joke with and playfully provoke without fear about creating a diplomatic incident. (The good-natured star, participates willingly.)

Cultural Context and Unscripted Moments

Given a hundred years of the genre to explain and celebrate, it's reasonable this regional journey through Tennessee and Kentucky (with pit stops in Virginia, Alabama and Mississippi to come) wants to focus on the art and not necessarily address contemporary issues. Yet it inevitably includes a little. While guesting on the polished program of the Nashville radio station WSM – proud founder of the famous show – Brydon jokingly wonders whether the nations are still friends, disrupting the polished presenters off their stride. We do not get the likely chilly response.

A Natural Fit in This Role

But for all his apparent self-doubt, Brydon is clearly a good fit for this type of breezy, bite-size format: amiable, engaged, self-effacing and always ready to dress the part, although he struggles to find a fancy cowboy shirt in his size. Might his partner worry that his wingman is capable of the whole travelogue thing alone? Definitely.