Feeling like a mix between Empire and Nashville, Fox's Monarch is a country music drama headlined by Oscar-winner Susan Sarandon. While it aired in the US back in 2022 it is now coming to UK screens and we have a release date.
Created by newcomer Melissa London Hilfers, Monarch featured both Hollywood and country music royalty as Sarandon was joined by Trace Adkins, along with Anna Friel and a host of recognizable guest stars.
Here is everything we know about Monarch...
How to watch Monarch in the UK
After a two-year wait, Monarch is finally coming to the UK. The series will arrive on streaming service Channel 4 (formerly All4) on Friday, March 1, 2024.
How to watch Monarch in the US
Anyone with a traditional TV subscription or who is signed up for live TV streaming services that carry Fox (FuboTV, Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV and YouTube TV) can use their logins to watch Monarch on-demand via Fox.com. All Monarch episodes are also available to stream via Hulu.
Is there going to be a Monarch season 2?
Shortly after Monarch aired its season finale, Fox announced that the show had been cancelled after just one season.
Monarch plot
Monarch tells the story of a family dynasty in the country music scene, though it is all apparently built on secrets. Here is the official synopsis:
"Monarch is an epic, multi-generational musical drama about America’s first family of country music. In Monarch, the Romans are passionate and fiercely talented, but while their name is synonymous with honesty, the very foundation of this family's success is a lie. When dangerous truths bubble to the surface, the Romans’ reign as country royalty is put in jeopardy. Nicky Roman, the brilliant and fierce heir to the crown, already battling an industry and world stacked against her, will stop at nothing to protect her family's legacy. It’s finally her turn. But is it too late?"
Fans were treated to a shocker in the first episode, leaving many to ask if one of the major characters died in the series premiere? It also had some fans wondering is Monarch based on the Judds?
Monarch cast
The cast of Monarch is led by none other than Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon. Sarandon plays Dottie Cantrell Roman, the matriarch of the Roman family and who is widely regarded as the queen of country music. Best known for her movie roles like Thelma & Louise, Bull Durham, Step Mother and her Oscar-winning turn in Dead Man Walking, Sarandon has been making waves in TV as well. She played Bette Davis in the FX series Feud: Bette and Joan, had a run on the Showtime drama Ray Donovan and guest appearances on shows like Friends, Malcolm in the Middle, Rick & Morty and Search Party.
The other Monarch leading lady is Anna Friel, who is playing the role of Nicolette Roman, who attempts takes the reins when the family’s legacy is threatened. Friel is best known for her role on Pushing Daisies, but she has also starred in TV shows The Girlfriend Experience and Broken, as well as movies like Goal! The Dream Begins, Land of the Lost and Limitless.
Monarch also has some country music authenticity to it, as country music star Trace Adkins is on board to play the role of Albie Roman. Adkins is a award-winning country music singer but he has also acted in a number of different projects, including The Lincoln Lawyer and 2021’s Old Henry.
Here are the other main members of the cast and who they are playing:
- Joshua Sasse (Galavant) as Luke Roman
- Beth Ditto (On Becoming a God in Central Florida) as Gigi Tucker-Roman
- Meagan Holder (Pitch) as Kayla Roman-Tucker
- Inigo Pascual as Ace Grayson
- Adam Croasdell (Preacher) as Clive Grayson
- Martha Higareda (Altered Carbon) as Catt Phoenix
- Emma Milani (Solve) as Ana Phoenix
Some real-life country music stars are slated to guest star throughout Monarch season 1, including Shania Twain, Martina McBride, Little Big Town and Tanya Tucker.
Monarch trailer
Looks like Fox has taken down the original trailer for Monarch, but you can check out a behind-the-scenes look at the show directly below:
