Trace Adkins stars in the series
Fox has announced the new premiere date for Trace Adkins’ starring country music drama Monarch. The show, also starring Susan Saradon and Anna Friel, premieres with a special two-night event, beginning Sunday, September 11th, immediately following the Fox NFL doubleheader from 8-9 pm ET and simultaneously to all time zones. It then makes its time period premiere Tuesday, September 20th from 9-10 pm ET/PT, following the season six premiere of The Resident.
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 likely impact production and its airing of new episodes. The entire first season will have been produced before going to air.
Monarch is a Texas-sized, multi-generational musical drama. Headed by the insanely talented, but tough as nails Queen of Country Music Dottie Cantrell Roman, played by Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon, and her beloved husband, “Texas Truthteller” Albie Roman, who is portrayed by Trace Adkins, the family has become 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, played by Anna Friel, will stop at nothing to protect her family’s legacy, while ensuring her own quest for stardom.
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.
Last month, the network began releasing music from the series in partnership with Arista Records/Monument Records. “A Country Boy Can Survive,” performed by Adkins and released 40 years after Hank Williams Jr released the original, was the first track from the series in mid-December. Last week, the series’ main theme song, “The Card You Gamble,” performed by cross-country singer Caitlyn Smith, was issued to digital outlets. These songs are the first of many originals and covers performed for the series by cast members and upcoming guest stars.
Fox and Zealot Interactive have joined forces to develop interactive guitar lessons, vis-à-vis its streaming video service with instructor-led sessions and patented guitar neck instructional LED device, for original songs and select covers from the series. Throughout the inaugural season, Fret Zealot will unveil lessons of select songs from the show, including those specifically written for Monarch and cover versions of other artists’ work. The official play-along to learn songs from the series is available via the Fret Zealot app for Android, iOS and on Chrome web browsers as part of an all-access subscription for $14.99 per month.
