Rob Brydon's Honky Tonk Road Trip Review: Proof He Doesn't Need a Fun Travelogue

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 convoluted coach trip aimed to project a jet-setting vibe, so the show's host got dressed with premium suits: vibrant three-piece suits, silky cravats and nautical jackets. All of a sudden, he acquired the sophisticated appearance complementing his classic 007 impersonation.

A Thematic Wardrobe with Musical Roots

The newest three-part series, Rob Brydon's Honky Tonk Road Trip, includes themed outfit costume changes. The affable comedian goes full western rancher in a parade of flannel shirts, rugged jackets and the occasional Stetson hat. This complements the concept where he piloting an imposing American truck on a 2,000-mile circuit through southern states for a crash course about the musical genre.

Brydon has been tasked celebrating the hundredth anniversary of the genre – specifically the century mark of the Nashville radio show that evolved into the iconic venue, foundation and star-maker in the industry over decades – 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 fastest-growing music style in Britain” – due to global superstars and recent countrified albums from Beyoncé, Post Malone and others – offers another angle to explore.

Road Trip Experience and Personal Doubts

It's established Brydon is up for a road trip and a chinwag thanks to the various incarnations of The Trip with Steve Coogan. But at first he appears uncertain about his credentials to be our guide. Watching him speak with a dashboard-mounted camera evokes recollections of Keith, the sad-sack cabby from Brydon's TV breakthrough, a beloved series. Traveling toward Nashville, he phones his sitcom co-star Ruth Jones for a pep talk. She reminds him his authentic music credentials: their 2009 charity single of Islands in the Stream was a UK No 1. (“The original artists only made it to No 7!” she points out.)

Conversational Talents With Local Engagement

If the “full sensory overload” during an evening in the city is a little too much for Brydon – a line-dancing attempt with the UK actor turned country singer results in him tap out during the opening a popular tune – the 60-year-old is much more wobbly legged during conversations. His respectful lines of questioning seem to gel local etiquette, gathering anecdotes about legends and reflections about the essence of country music from experienced elders like the Grand Ole Opry fixture a renowned figure and 92-year-old celebrity clothier Manuel Cuevas. His gentle manner also works with newer artists, like the scraggly-bearded chart-topping singer and the instrumental virtuoso a talented musician.

Although several the anecdotes seem familiar, the opening episode includes at least one unexpected moment. What on earth is the pop star spending time in a cozy recording space? Reportedly, he's been coming the state to refine his compositions for decades, and cites a country icon as an influence for his band's bulletproof ballad Back for Good. Finally, is an interviewee he can tease, mock and wind up without worrying about creating any offense. (Barlow, bless him, participates willingly.)

Broader Implications With Spontaneous Interactions

Given a hundred years of the genre to explain and honor, it is understandable this regional journey across two states (including visits to other areas upcoming) aims to concentrate on music and not necessarily engage with the current political moment. Yet it inevitably includes a little. While guesting on the polished program on the local broadcaster the established creator of the famous show – the host humorously asks whether the nations maintain good relations, disrupting the polished presenters from their rhythm. We do not get the likely chilly response.

A Natural Fit in This Role

But for all his visible insecurity, Brydon is clearly a good fit for this sort of breezy, bite-size format: amiable, engaged, modest and always ready to dress the part, although he has difficulty locating an elaborate western top that comes in a medium. Should Coogan be concerned that his wingman can do solo hosting without him? Definitely.