Shania Twain guest stars on Sept 20th
Arista Records/Monument Records, the official music partner of Fox Entertainment’s highly anticipated new series, Monarch – a new country music drama about America’s leading family of country music – has released the show’s latest EP featuring music from the show’s upcoming second episode. Set to make its time period premiere on Tuesday, September 20th from 9-10 pm ET/PT, the new episode features a special guest-star, 5x GRAMMY Award winning country music superstar Shania Twain.
The second EP for the new hit show includes original track “The Card You Gamble,” performed by Monarch cast members including Golden Globe nominee Anna Friel and Beth Ditto, as well as a cover of Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!” performed by the Monarch cast. Additional covers of country classics featured in the EP include “Ain’t No Sunshine,” performed by Callum Kerr, “Love Can Build A Bridge,” performed by Faith Bridge and “Photograph,” performed by multi-Platinum country music star and 3x Academy of Country Music (ACM) Award winner Trace Adkins (“Old Henry”) alongside Iñigo Pascual.
The songs were produced by three-time GRAMMY Award nominee and series executive music producer Adam Anders and co-produced by Peer Åström.
The new music follows the release of last week’s Episode One EP and a number of tracks from the show, including “American Cowgirl,” performed by Friel, a cover of “A Country Boy Can Survive” by Adkins, as well as the show’s theme song, “The Card You Gamble,” performed by powerhouse vocalist Caitlyn Smith. The series will feature many original songs and covers performed by cast members and upcoming guest stars.
Monarch made its long-awaited debut with a special two-night event that started on September 11th immediately following the Fox NFL doubleheader. It then makes its time period premiere Tuesday, September 20th from 9-10 pm ET/PT, following the season six debut of The Resident.
In the series, the Roman family is headed by the insanely talented, but tough-as-nails Queen of Country Music Dottie Cantrell Roman (Susan Sarandon) and her beloved husband, “Texas Truthteller” Albie Romain (Adkins). Dottie and Albie have 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.
Middle child Luke Roman (Joshua Sasse, Galavant) is the CEO of the family’s business, Monarch Entertainment. Luke is the apple of his mother’s eye, but he has a troubled relationship with his father, whose approval he can never get, no matter how hard he tries. Youngest daughter Gigi Tucker-Roman (Ditto, On Becoming a God in Central Florida) is very close to her older brother and sister, but in a family of superstars, Gigi has always felt like a bit of an outcast, in spite of her incredible singing voice. Gigi is married to Kayla Roman-Tucker (Meagan Holder, Dave, Pitch), a successful music manager who keeps turning down Luke’s offers to join forces with the family company.
Outside business, Kayla’s relationships with the Romans reflect a complicated history, and a secret she is keeping could destroy her marriage to Gigi. Ace Grayson (Hollywood newcomer and Filipino recording artist Inigo Pascual) also is part of the family. He is a talented and sensitive 18-year-old who was adopted from an orphanage by Nicky and her husband, struggling British actor Clive Grayson (guest star Adam Croasdell, Preacher, Reign). Ace is a phenomenal singer with real swagger on stage, and dreams of being a country star like his Grandpa Albie. And just when the Romans’ world couldn’t get more chaotic, enter Catt Phoenix (Martha Higareda, Into The Dark: Culture Shock), the stunning and unpredictable mother of 17-year-old Ana Phoenix (Emma Milani, Solve), a talented, wide-eyed young singer who is trying to get signed to the Roman family’s record label.
The series was originally set to premiere on January 30th, immediately following the NFC Championship, but was pushed back due to rising COVID cases that would’ve likely impact production and its airing of new episodes. The entire first season has been fully produced before going to air. Special guest stars include Shania Twain, Martina McBride, Little Big Town and Tanya Tucker.
Monarch is one hundred percent owned and produced by Fox Entertainment. Screenwriter Melissa London Hilfers serves as creator, writer and executive producer. Jon Harmon Feldman serves as executive producer and showrunner. Gail Berman and Hend Baghdady (The Jackal Group), Michael Rauch and top music manager Jason Owen (Sandbox Entertainment) also serve as executive producers. Jason Ensler directed the series premiere, on which he also serves as an executive producer.
