FOX’s upcoming mid-season musical drama Monarch has just landed two major stars in the form of Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon and Golden Globe winner Anna Fiel.
Monarch, described as a Texas-sized, multi-generational musical drama about America’s first family of country music, follows the Romans — including insanely talented but tough as nails Queen of Country Music Dottie Cantrell Roman (Sarandon).
Along with her beloved husband, Albie, Dottie has created a country music dynasty. But even though the Roman name is synonymous with authenticity, the very foundation of their success is a lie. And when their reign as country royalty is put in jeopardy, heir to the crown Nicolette “Nicky” Roman (Friel) will stop at nothing to protect her family’s legacy, while ensuring her own quest for stardom.
The series is set to debut with a special two-night event beginning Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, and continuing on Tuesday, Feb. 1 and will feature original music and covers.
Sarandon, who has has made a career of choosing diverse and challenging projects, both in film and television, has starred in such classics as Thelma and Louise, Dead Man Walking, and Bull Durham, among many others.
British actress Anna Friel is perhaps best known to American audiences for her starring role in the network drama Pushing Daisies, for which she received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy. She has also won an International Emmy for her starring role in Hans Rosenfeldt’s detective series, Marcella, while other recent TV credits include drama Deep Water, Butterfly, The Girlfriend Experience; and the Jimmy McGovern drama Broken, alongside Sean Bean, for which she was nominated for a BAFTA.
Monarch is produced by FOX Entertainment. Screenwriter Melissa London Hilfers serves as creator, writer and executive producer. Michael Rauch (Instinct, Royal Pains) is an executive producer and showrunner.
Adam Anders will serve as executive music producer.
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