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Although the Euro-hopping reality competition the travel contest might not have been the seasonal hit the BBC had anticipated, it did give host Rob Brydon a stylish transformation. The complex bus journey aimed to project a jet-setting vibe, so its master of ceremonies got dressed in deluxe tailoring: boldly coloured three-piece suits, silky cravats and yacht-ready blazers. All of a sudden, he acquired the sophisticated appearance complementing his classic 007 impersonation.

Costume Changes and Country Music

His latest trilogy of episodes, Brydon's Country Music Expedition, includes some Mr Benn-style thematic wardrobe. The affable comedian transforms into western rancher sporting plaid tops, sturdy coats and the occasional cowboy hat. It's all part of a premise where he piloting an imposing American truck on a 2,000-mile circuit through southern states to learn quickly in country music.

Brydon has been tasked celebrating the centenary of the genre – or at least the century mark of the legendary broadcast which became the Grand Ole Opry, foundation and star-maker of country music over decades – via the time-honoured star-led journey tradition of driving around, gabbing to locals and immersing himself with traditions. This anniversary has coincided with country becoming, he claims, “the fastest-growing music style in Britain” – due to Taylor Swift and new country-inspired records from multiple artists, 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 the various incarnations of his travel series alongside his comedy partner. But at first he seems unsure about his credentials as a presenter. Observing him confide to a dashboard-mounted camera certainly brings back recollections of Keith, the melancholy driver from Brydon's TV breakthrough, Marion & Geoff. Traveling toward Music City, he phones his Gavin & Stacey collaborator Jones for a pep talk. She reminds him that he has some genuine country bona fides: a past charity single of a classic duet topped the charts. (“Dolly and Kenny only made it to No 7!” she notes.)

Interview Skills With Local Engagement

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 now musician Twinnie sees him giving up early in a popular tune – the veteran comedian is far less steady in the interview segments. His polite lines of questioning seem to gel local etiquette, gathering 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 nonagenarian tailor-to-the-stars a fashion icon. His calm approach also works with newer artists, like the scraggly-bearded chart-topping singer and the instrumental virtuoso a talented musician.

Although several the anecdotes feel well worn, the first installment does contain a single genuine curveball. What on earth is the pop star doing hanging out in a homely east Nashville studio? Reportedly, he's visited to Tennessee to refine his compositions for decades, and cites a country icon as an influence for his band's bulletproof ballad Back for Good. Here, at last, is an interviewee he can tease, mock and playfully provoke without fear of causing any offense. (The good-natured star, participates willingly.)

Cultural Context With Spontaneous Interactions

Given a hundred years of country to explain and honor, it is understandable this regional journey across two states (with pit stops to other areas upcoming) wants to focus on music and not necessarily address contemporary issues. But it cannot help but seep in a little. While guesting on the polished program of the Nashville radio station the established creator of the famous show – Brydon jokingly wonders if the US and Canada are still friends, which throws the polished presenters off their stride. We do not get the likely chilly response.

Ideal Presenter for the Format

Despite his apparent self-doubt, he is obviously well-suited for this sort of lighthearted series: friendly, interested, self-effacing and prepared for costume changes, although he has difficulty to find a fancy cowboy shirt in his size. Should Coogan be concerned that his wingman can do the whole travelogue thing alone? Absolutely.