Rob Brydon drives across the Southern USA for new series celebrating country music Rob Brydon drives across the Southern USA for new series celebrating country music

With the Grand Ole Opry celebrating its 100th anniversary this November, 2025 is a huge year for country music.

To mark the occasion, Rob Brydon has embarked on a journey around the Southern USA for a new show, Rob Brydon’s Honky Tonk Road Trip.

The three-part series, which is now available on BBC iPlayer, sees the Welsh comedian and actor learn more about the origins of country music and its recent global explosion.

Speaking about the show when it was first announced, Brydon said, “I’ve always loved country music but never really delved too deeply into it. The current resurgence means it’s the perfect time to head over to Nashville and find out more. I can’t wait to immerse myself in this fascinating world of music.”

While he may be best known for his role on Gavin & Stacey, Brydon is no stranger to country music, having recorded his own take on Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton’s Islands in the Stream with his co-star Ruth Jones for Comic Relief in 2009.

Starting his journey in Nashville, Tennessee, Brydon will travel to Kentucky, the home of bluegrass, a country music subgenre, before visiting the Appalachian Mountains to learn about how British settlers influenced the country music sound through their traditional ballads and instruments.

Brydon will also visit Tupelo, where Elvis grew up, and Memphis’ Sun Studios where Elvis jammed with Johnny Cash, as well as Alabama, where viewers will learn more about Hank Williams, the biggest country star of the 1940s who is known for his honky tonk style.

Rachel Davies, Commissioning Editor at BBC Popular Music TV, added, “We’ve seen an explosion of interest in country in the past few years, so it’s a great moment to explore the history, evolution and rising significance of this genre. We’ll be bringing audiences extended coverage of the biggest moments in the country music calendar and we’re delighted that Rob Brydon will be sharing his love of the music and putting his own unique spin on a tour around the US southern states.”

More information: bbc.co.uk

Read next: Grand Ole Opry at 100: A local’s guide to Nashville, Tennessee