Rob Brydon's Country Music Journey Analysis: Evidence He Doesn't Need an Entertaining Travel Series

While the continent-crossing reality competition the travel contest might not have been the summer smash the BBC had anticipated, it provided presenter Brydon a lovely glow-up. The complex bus journey aimed to project a globetrotting atmosphere, so its master of ceremonies got dressed in deluxe tailoring: vibrant three-piece suits, silky cravats and yacht-ready blazers. Unexpectedly, Brydon had the debonair look complementing his classic 007 impersonation.

A Thematic Wardrobe and Country Music

The newest three-part series, Brydon's Country Music Expedition, includes some Mr Benn-style costume changes. The genial Welshman transforms into Yellowstone cowpoke sporting of flannel shirts, rugged jackets and sometimes a cowboy hat. It's all part the concept where he driving a massive American truck on a 2,000-mile circuit of the southern US for a crash course in country music.

His mission involves celebrating the hundredth anniversary of country music – specifically the 100th anniversary of the Nashville radio show that evolved into the iconic venue, foundation and star-maker in the industry for generations – via the time-honoured star-led journey approach involving driving around, chatting with residents and engaging deeply in the culture. This anniversary aligns with the genre's rise as, according to him, “the fastest-growing music style in Britain” – due to Taylor Swift and new country-inspired records from Beyoncé, Post Malone and various performers – provides additional perspective to explore.

Road Trip Experience With Insecurities

It's established he enjoys a road trip and conversations thanks to multiple seasons of The Trip alongside his comedy partner. Initially he appears uncertain about his credentials as a presenter. Watching him confide to a dashboard-mounted camera certainly brings back beta male memories of Keith, the melancholy driver from Brydon's TV breakthrough, a beloved series. Traveling toward Music City, he phones his sitcom collaborator Jones for a pep talk. She reminds him that he has authentic music credentials: a past charity single of Islands in the Stream was a UK No 1. (“Dolly and Kenny reached No 7!” she points out.)

Interview Skills and Cultural Immersion

If the “full sensory overload” during an evening in Nashville proves challenging for Brydon – a line-dancing attempt with the UK actor now musician results in him giving up early in a popular tune – the veteran comedian is much more wobbly legged in the interview segments. His polite interview style seem to gel local etiquette, gathering Johnny Cash stories and reflections about the essence of country music from silvery-haired veterans like the Grand Ole Opry fixture Bill Anderson and 92-year-old celebrity clothier a fashion icon. His calm approach also works with newer artists, like the bearded hitmaker Luke Combs and the bluegrass banjo maestro a talented musician.

Although several the stories feel well worn, the opening episode does contain a single genuine curveball. Why exactly is Gary Barlow doing hanging out in a homely recording space? Reportedly, he's been coming the state to refine his songwriting since the 1990s, and points to a country icon as an influence for his band's enduring hit a classic song. Here, at last, we meet a guest he can tease, joke with and wind up without fear of causing a diplomatic incident. (The good-natured star, is very game.)

Cultural Context and Unscripted Moments

With an entire century of country to explain and honor, it is understandable this regional journey across two states (including visits to other areas to come) wants to focus on the art and without needing to engage with contemporary issues. But it cannot help includes a little. While guesting on the polished program on the local broadcaster WSM – proud founder of the famous show – the host humorously asks if the US and Canada are still friends, which throws his slick hosts off their stride. The audience doesn't see the likely chilly response.

Ideal Presenter for the Format

But for all his visible insecurity, he is obviously well-suited for this type of breezy, bite-size format: amiable, engaged, self-effacing and prepared for costume changes, even if he has difficulty to find an elaborate western top in his size. Should Coogan be concerned that the co-star can do the whole travelogue thing alone? Definitely.