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Although the Euro-hopping competitive reality show Destination X wasn't quite the summer smash the broadcaster had anticipated, it did give host Rob Brydon a lovely glow-up. The complex bus journey clearly wanted to project a jet-setting vibe, so its master of ceremonies got dressed with premium suits: boldly coloured three-piece suits, silky cravats and yacht-ready blazers. All of a sudden, Brydon had the sophisticated appearance to match his vintage 007 impersonation.

A Thematic Wardrobe and Country Music

The newest trilogy of episodes, Rob Brydon's Honky Tonk Road Trip, also features some Mr Benn-style costume changes. The genial Welshman transforms into western rancher sporting of flannel shirts, rugged jackets and sometimes a cowboy hat. It's all part of a premise that sees him piloting an imposing Ford Ranger pickup truck across thousands of miles through southern states to learn quickly in country music.

Brydon has been tasked with marking the hundredth anniversary of country music – specifically the 100th anniversary of the Nashville radio show that evolved into the Grand Ole Opry, cornerstone and kingmaker of country music for generations – via the time-honoured celebrity travelogue tradition of road tripping, chatting with residents and engaging deeply with traditions. That the centenary has coincided with country becoming, he claims, “the most rapidly expanding music style in Britain” – thanks to Taylor Swift and new country-inspired records from Beyoncé, famous singers and various performers – provides additional perspective to explore.

Road Trip Experience and Personal Doubts

We know Brydon is up for a road trip and conversations because of multiple seasons of his travel series with Steve Coogan. Initially he seems unsure about his credentials as a presenter. Observing him confide to a dashboard-mounted camera certainly brings back recollections of Keith, the sad-sack cabby from Brydon's TV breakthrough, Marion & Geoff. Traveling toward Music City, he phones his sitcom co-star Ruth Jones to boost his confidence. She recalls that he has authentic country bona fides: a past Comic Relief cover of a classic duet topped the charts. (“Dolly and Kenny reached seventh place!” she points out.)

Conversational Talents and Cultural Immersion

If the “full sensory overload” during an evening in Nashville is a little too much for the host – trying to dance with the UK actor turned country singer Twinnie sees him giving up during the opening Shania Twain song – the 60-year-old is much more steady during conversations. His polite lines of questioning seem to gel local etiquette, efficiently extracting Johnny Cash stories and general musings about the essence of country music from experienced elders like the institution's mainstay a renowned figure and nonagenarian tailor-to-the-stars Manuel Cuevas. His gentle manner is effective with newer artists, like the scraggly-bearded hitmaker Luke Combs and the bluegrass banjo maestro a talented musician.

Although several the anecdotes feel well worn, the first installment does contain at least one unexpected moment. Why exactly is the pop star spending time in a cozy recording space? Reportedly, he's been coming the state to hone his songwriting for decades, and cites a country icon as inspiration for his band's bulletproof ballad Back for Good. Finally, is an interviewee he can tease, joke with and playfully provoke without fear of causing a diplomatic incident. (Barlow, bless him, is very game.)

Broader Implications and Unscripted Moments

With an entire century of the genre to contextualise and celebrate, it's reasonable this regional journey across two states (including visits in Virginia, Alabama and Mississippi upcoming) aims to concentrate on music and not necessarily engage with the current political moment. Yet it inevitably includes a little. During an appearance on the polished program of the Nashville radio station WSM – proud founder of the Grand Ole Opry – Brydon jokingly wonders whether the nations are still friends, which throws his slick hosts off their stride. We do not get to see chilly response.

Ideal Presenter for the Format

Despite his apparent self-doubt, Brydon is clearly a good fit for this sort of breezy, bite-size format: amiable, engaged, modest and always ready to dress the part, even if he has difficulty to find a fancy cowboy shirt in his size. Should Coogan be concerned that the co-star can do solo hosting without him? Definitely.