🔗 Share this article

While the continent-crossing competitive reality show Destination X wasn't quite the seasonal hit the BBC were hoping for, it provided presenter Brydon a stylish transformation. The complex bus journey aimed to give off a jet-setting vibe, so its master of ceremonies got dressed in deluxe tailoring: vibrant three-piece suits, smooth neckwear and nautical jackets. All of a sudden, Brydon had the debonair look to match his classic Roger Moore impression.

Costume Changes with Musical Roots

The newest three-part series, Brydon's Country Music Expedition, also features some Mr Benn-style costume changes. The affable comedian goes full Yellowstone cowpoke in a parade of flannel shirts, rugged jackets and the occasional Stetson hat. This complements the concept that sees him driving a massive American truck on a 2,000-mile circuit of the southern US for a crash course about the musical genre.

His mission involves with marking the hundredth anniversary of the genre – or at least the century mark of the legendary broadcast that evolved into the iconic venue, foundation and star-maker in the industry for generations – through the classic star-led journey tradition of road tripping, chatting with residents and engaging deeply with traditions. That the centenary aligns with country becoming, he claims, “the fastest-growing genre in the UK” – thanks to global superstars and new country-inspired records from multiple artists, Post Malone and various performers – provides additional perspective to explore.

Travel History With Insecurities

We know Brydon is up for a road trip and conversations thanks to the various incarnations of The Trip alongside his comedy partner. But at first he seems unsure about his credentials to be our guide. Watching him confide to an in-car lens certainly brings back recollections of Keith, the sad-sack cabby from his early career, a beloved series. Traveling toward Nashville, he phones his sitcom collaborator Jones for a pep talk. She reminds him his some genuine country bona fides: their 2009 Comic Relief cover of Islands in the Stream was a UK No 1. (“The original artists only made it to No 7!” she notes.)

Conversational Talents and Cultural Immersion

If the “full sensory overload” of a night out in the city proves challenging for Brydon – trying to dance alongside a performer turned country singer results in him giving up early in a popular tune – the 60-year-old is much more wobbly legged during conversations. His polite lines of questioning seem to gel with southern manners, gathering Johnny Cash stories and general musings on the spirit of country music from experienced elders like the institution's mainstay Bill Anderson and 92-year-old celebrity clothier a fashion icon. His gentle manner also works with newer artists, like the bearded chart-topping singer and the instrumental virtuoso a talented musician.

Although several the anecdotes seem familiar, the opening episode includes a single unexpected moment. Why exactly is the pop star spending time in a cozy recording space? Apparently he has visited to Tennessee to refine his compositions for decades, and points to Glen Campbell as inspiration on Take That's bulletproof ballad a classic song. Finally, we meet a guest Brydon can needle, mock and wind up without fear of causing a diplomatic incident. (Barlow, bless him, participates willingly.)

Broader Implications and Unscripted Moments

Given a hundred years of country to explain and honor, it is understandable this regional journey through Tennessee and Kentucky (including visits to other areas upcoming) wants to focus on the art and without needing to engage with the current political moment. Yet it inevitably but seep in some elements. While guesting on the polished program on the local broadcaster WSM – proud founder of the Grand Ole Opry – Brydon jokingly wonders if the US and Canada maintain good relations, which throws the polished presenters off their stride. We do not get the likely presumably icy aftermath.

A Natural Fit for the Format

But for all his apparent self-doubt, Brydon is clearly a good fit for this type of breezy, bite-size format: amiable, interested, self-effacing and prepared to dress the part, even if he has difficulty locating a fancy cowboy shirt that comes in a medium. Should Coogan be concerned that his wingman is capable of the whole travelogue thing alone? Absolutely.