It’s All Country: Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning’s Hulu Series
Hulu’s exciting new docuseries It’s All Country invites fans to explore the personal journeys of their favorite country music artists like never before. This captivating series offers a unique glimpse behind the curtain, showcasing the lives and experiences that shape the music we love.
Hosted and co-created by country music sensation Luke Bryan, the series made its debut on Friday (Nov. 15) and features the country superstar engaging deeply with his fellow artists. Throughout the episodes, Bryan uncovers the compelling stories behind their songs, the hidden inspirations that fuel their creativity, and how their personal experiences intricately weave into their musical narratives.
The docuseries, which is executive produced by Peyton Manning through his Omaha production company, showcases a lineup of renowned artists including Kane Brown, Lady A, Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, Wynonna Judd, and Mickey Guyton. Additionally, guest musicians such as Julie Williams, Cash Cortes, Jimbo Mathus, Tenille Arts, Jaimee Harris, Shaboozey, Benjamin Tod, and Sierra Ferrell make special appearances. Alongside Manning, Bryan collaborates with his manager Kerri Edwards and Grant Kahler as fellow executive producers to bring this project to life.
In the trailer, viewers can see Bryan engaging with his guests through music and insightful interviews. He passionately states, “Behind every country song is a human story, an untold story, and I’m here to find those stories.” This sentiment captures the essence of the series, emphasizing the personal connections that enrich the songs we cherish.
The inception of this series was a brainchild of Manning. “When Peyton first approached me with the idea of creating a show centered around our country music community, I was immediately drawn to it,” Bryan shares with Billboard. “Having witnessed Manning’s success in the NFL and his ability to connect with audiences, I knew this concept could resonate deeply with our fans. It transformed into a candid conversation platform, which is something I rarely get to have with my fellow artists.”
For Bryan, the opportunity to spend quality time with his fellow musicians proved to be far more enriching than he initially anticipated. “The experience exceeded my expectations,” he recalls. “Each artist shared unique pieces of their stories that I had never encountered before, and I genuinely believe the audiences will connect with these narratives on a profound level.”
Manning describes himself as a lifelong enthusiast of country music, stating, “My experiences co-hosting the CMA Awards have significantly enhanced my understanding of this vibrant genre,” he explains to Billboard. His passion for music shines through in every aspect of this series.
“A few years back, the team at Omaha asked me about my interests beyond sports,” Manning continues. “I’ve always been a fervent supporter of country music. Hosting the CMA Awards has provided me with invaluable insights, prompting me to expand my involvement in this space and create a show that celebrates country music in the same way we celebrate sports.”
Courtesy of Disney/Hulu
In his capacity as executive producer, Manning shares, “My goal was to provide a platform for artists to express their stories authentically. I take great pleasure in reviewing the rough cuts, offering my insights, and witnessing the episodes evolve into their final form.” Manning was proactive in his approach to securing guests for the series. “When production began, the producers provided a target guest list, and I was able to reach out to artists I admire, saying things like, ‘I can text Luke Combs’ or ‘I’m a fan of Sheryl Crow,’ and that set the tone for our lineup,” Manning reflects. “I take pride in showcasing the diverse talents featured on the show – each has unique stories and has made a significant impact in country music.
Manning confesses that he has a particular fondness for Lady A, the only group featured in the first season. “Having a background in team sports, I found the episode with Lady A particularly meaningful,” he states, drawing parallels between the dynamics of bandmates and teammates. “The audience will witness how they have successfully navigated their journey together, supporting each other akin to teammates in a locker room.”
Bryan remains open to future projects beyond this series. “Oh gosh, you never know what ideas might come to mind,” he muses. “I’m the kind of person who constantly thinks of new concepts. Ultimately, it’s about filtering through the ideas that will best serve our industry and align with my overall brand. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity.”
Bryan and Manning will share the spotlight with Lainey Wilson as co-hosts of the highly anticipated CMA Awards, set to air on Nov. 20 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, with streaming available the following day on Hulu. This event promises to be a significant celebration of country music and its vibrant community.
