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While the continent-crossing competitive reality show the travel contest wasn't quite the summer smash the broadcaster were hoping for, it did give host Rob Brydon a stylish transformation. The complex bus journey aimed to give off a globetrotting atmosphere, so the show's host got dressed in deluxe tailoring: boldly coloured three-piece suits, smooth neckwear and nautical jackets. All of a sudden, he acquired the debonair look complementing his classic Roger Moore impression.

Costume Changes with Musical Roots

The newest three-part series, Brydon's Country Music Expedition, includes some Mr Benn-style thematic wardrobe. The affable comedian goes full western rancher in a parade of flannel shirts, sturdy coats and sometimes a cowboy hat. It's all part of a premise where he driving a massive Ford Ranger pickup truck on a 2,000-mile circuit of the southern US for a crash course about the musical genre.

Brydon has been tasked celebrating the hundredth anniversary of country music – or at least the century mark of the Nashville radio show that evolved into the iconic venue, cornerstone and kingmaker of country music over decades – through the classic star-led journey tradition of road tripping, chatting with residents and engaging deeply in the culture. That the centenary aligns with the genre's rise as, according to him, “the fastest-growing genre in the UK” – thanks to Taylor Swift and new country-inspired records from multiple artists, Post Malone and various performers – offers another angle to explore.

Travel History With Insecurities

We know he enjoys a road trip and a chinwag because of the various incarnations of The Trip with Steve Coogan. Initially he seems unsure if he is truly qualified to be our guide. Observing him confide to an in-car lens certainly brings back recollections of Keith, the sad-sack cabby from his early career, Marion & Geoff. Traveling toward Music City, he phones his sitcom co-star Ruth Jones to boost his confidence. She reminds him his some genuine country bona fides: a past charity single of a classic duet topped the charts. (“The original artists reached No 7!” she points out.)

Interview Skills and Cultural Immersion

If the “full sensory overload” during an evening in the city proves challenging for Brydon – a line-dancing attempt with the UK actor turned country singer results in him giving up early in a popular tune – the 60-year-old is much more steady during conversations. His respectful interview style seem to gel with southern manners, gathering anecdotes about legends and general musings about the essence of the genre from experienced elders like the institution's mainstay Bill Anderson and 92-year-old celebrity clothier a fashion icon. His gentle manner is effective with newer artists, like the bearded chart-topping singer and the instrumental virtuoso Tray Wellington.

While some of the stories seem familiar, the opening episode does contain at least one unexpected moment. What on earth is Gary Barlow doing hanging out in a homely recording space? Apparently he has been coming to Tennessee to hone his songwriting since the 1990s, and cites Glen Campbell as an influence on Take That's enduring hit Back for Good. Here, at last, is an interviewee he can tease, joke with and wind up without worrying about creating a diplomatic incident. (The good-natured star, is very game.)

Broader Implications and Unscripted Moments

With an entire century of country to contextualise and celebrate, it's reasonable this regional journey across two states (including visits in Virginia, Alabama and Mississippi to come) wants to focus on the art and not necessarily address contemporary issues. 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 whether the nations are still friends, which throws the polished presenters from their rhythm. We do not get to see chilly response.

Ideal Presenter in This Role

But for all his visible insecurity, he is obviously a good fit for this type of breezy, bite-size format: friendly, interested, modest and always ready for costume changes, even if he struggles locating an elaborate western top in his size. Might his partner worry that his wingman is capable of solo hosting without him? Absolutely.