Rob Brydon's Honky Tonk Road Trip Review: Evidence That Steve Coogan Isn't Necessary for a Fun Travel Series

While the continent-crossing reality competition the travel contest wasn't quite the summer smash the BBC were hoping for, it provided presenter Brydon a lovely glow-up. The convoluted coach trip aimed to give off a jet-setting vibe, so the show's host was outfitted with premium suits: boldly coloured three-piece suits, smooth neckwear and nautical jackets. All of a sudden, Brydon had the sophisticated appearance complementing his classic Roger Moore impression.

A Thematic Wardrobe and Country Music

His latest three-part series, Rob Brydon's Honky Tonk Road Trip, also features themed outfit costume changes. The affable comedian goes full Yellowstone cowpoke in a parade of flannel shirts, rugged jackets and sometimes a Stetson hat. This complements of a premise that sees him driving a massive American truck across thousands of miles through southern states to learn quickly in country music.

His mission involves celebrating the centenary of the genre – or at least the century mark of the legendary broadcast that evolved into the Grand Ole Opry, cornerstone and kingmaker of country music over decades – via the time-honoured celebrity travelogue approach involving road tripping, chatting with residents and immersing himself with traditions. That the centenary has coincided with country becoming, he claims, “the fastest-growing genre in the UK” – thanks to Taylor Swift and new country-inspired records from Beyoncé, Post Malone and others – provides additional perspective for examination.

Road Trip Experience With Insecurities

We know he enjoys long drives and a chinwag because of the various incarnations of his travel series alongside his comedy partner. But at first he appears uncertain if he is truly qualified to be our guide. Observing him confide to an in-car lens evokes recollections of a character, the sad-sack cabby from Brydon's TV breakthrough, a beloved series. Traveling toward Music City, he phones his Gavin & Stacey collaborator Jones for a pep talk. She recalls his authentic music credentials: their 2009 charity single of Islands in the Stream was a UK No 1. (“Dolly and Kenny reached seventh place!” she points out.)

Interview Skills and Cultural Immersion

While the overwhelming experience of a night out in the city proves challenging for the host – trying to dance alongside a performer turned country singer Twinnie sees him giving up during the opening a popular tune – the veteran comedian is much more wobbly legged in the interview segments. His respectful lines of questioning blends well with southern manners, gathering anecdotes about legends and reflections on the spirit of the genre from silvery-haired veterans like the institution's mainstay Bill Anderson and nonagenarian celebrity clothier a fashion icon. His gentle manner is effective with younger guns, like the scraggly-bearded chart-topping singer and the instrumental virtuoso Tray Wellington.

While some of the stories feel well worn, the opening episode does contain a single genuine curveball. Why exactly is the pop star spending time in a cozy recording space? Reportedly, he's visited the state to hone his compositions since the 1990s, and points to Glen Campbell as inspiration for his band's enduring hit a classic song. Finally, we meet a guest he can tease, mock and wind up without worrying of causing a diplomatic incident. (Barlow, bless him, is very game.)

Cultural Context With Spontaneous Interactions

Given a hundred years of country to contextualise and celebrate, it's reasonable that this southern-fried tour through Tennessee and Kentucky (including visits to other areas to come) aims to concentrate on music and without needing to engage with contemporary issues. Yet it inevitably but seep in a little. During an appearance on the glossy morning show of the Nashville radio station WSM – proud founder of the famous show – the host humorously asks if the US and Canada are still friends, which throws his slick hosts from their rhythm. We do not get to see chilly response.

A Natural Fit in This Role

But for all his apparent self-doubt, he is obviously a good fit for this sort of breezy, bite-size format: friendly, engaged, modest and always ready to dress the part, even if he struggles to find a fancy cowboy shirt that comes in a medium. Should Coogan be concerned that the co-star is capable of the whole travelogue thing without him? Absolutely.