🔗 Share this article

Although the continent-crossing competitive reality show the travel contest might not have been the seasonal hit the broadcaster were hoping for, 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 three-piece suits, smooth neckwear and nautical jackets. Unexpectedly, he acquired the sophisticated appearance complementing his vintage 007 impersonation.

A Thematic Wardrobe with Musical Roots

The newest trilogy of episodes, Brydon's Country Music Expedition, also features themed outfit costume changes. The genial Welshman transforms into Yellowstone cowpoke sporting of flannel shirts, rugged jackets and the occasional cowboy hat. It's all part of a premise that sees him piloting an imposing American truck across thousands of miles through southern states for a crash course about the musical genre.

His mission involves with marking the hundredth anniversary of country music – or at least the 100th anniversary of the legendary broadcast that evolved into the iconic venue, cornerstone and kingmaker in the industry for generations – via the time-honoured star-led journey tradition of driving around, gabbing to locals and engaging deeply with traditions. That the centenary aligns with country becoming, according to him, “the fastest-growing genre in the UK” – due to Taylor Swift and recent countrified albums from multiple artists, famous singers and others – offers another angle for examination.

Travel History With Insecurities

We know he enjoys a road trip and conversations thanks to multiple seasons of The Trip with Steve Coogan. But at first he seems unsure if he is truly qualified to be our guide. Watching him speak with an in-car lens certainly brings back recollections of a character, the melancholy driver from his early career, a beloved series. Traveling toward Music City, he calls his sitcom co-star Ruth Jones for a pep talk. She recalls that he has authentic country bona fides: a past charity single of Islands in the Stream was a UK No 1. (“Dolly and Kenny only made it to No 7!” she notes.)

Interview Skills and Cultural Immersion

If the “full sensory overload” during an evening in Nashville is a little too much for Brydon – trying to dance alongside a performer turned country singer Twinnie sees him tap out early in a popular tune – the 60-year-old is much more steady during conversations. His polite lines of questioning seem to gel with southern manners, efficiently extracting anecdotes about legends and general musings about the essence of country music from silvery-haired veterans like the institution's mainstay a renowned figure and 92-year-old celebrity clothier Manuel Cuevas. His calm approach is effective with younger guns, like the scraggly-bearded chart-topping singer and the instrumental virtuoso a talented musician.

While some of the stories feel well worn, the first installment does contain a single unexpected moment. Why exactly is Gary Barlow spending time in a cozy recording space? Apparently he has been coming the state to hone his compositions for decades, and cites a country icon as inspiration for his band's bulletproof ballad a classic song. Finally, is an interviewee he can tease, mock and wind up without fear of causing any offense. (The good-natured star, participates willingly.)

Broader Implications and Unscripted Moments

With an entire century of the genre to explain and honor, it is understandable this regional journey across two states (including visits to other areas upcoming) wants to focus on music and without needing to address the current political moment. But it cannot help but seep in a little. During an appearance on the glossy morning show on the local broadcaster WSM – proud founder of the famous show – the host humorously asks if the US and Canada are still friends, disrupting the polished presenters off their stride. We do not get to see presumably icy aftermath.

Ideal Presenter for the Format

Despite his apparent self-doubt, Brydon is clearly a good fit for this type of lighthearted series: amiable, interested, modest and always ready for costume changes, although he struggles locating an elaborate western top in his size. Might his partner worry that his wingman is capable of solo hosting without him? Definitely.