Fox cancels ‘Monarch’

Show starred Trace Adkins

Fox has canceled Monarch after one season, according to Deadline. The country music drama series, which starred Trace Adkins, Anna Friel, Joshua Sasse and Beth Ditto with Susan Sarandon, wrapped its 11 episode run earlier this week.

Monarch made its long-awaited debut with a special two-night event that started on September 11th immediately following the Fox NFL doubleheader with decent numbers before slipping throughout the season. Deadline reports that Monarch averaged a 0.3/3 L7 throughout the season, up 50% from live to same day, and 4.1 million multi-platform viewers, up +149% from live to same day.

Monarch is one hundred percent owned and produced by Fox Entertainment and was ordered to series in May 2021. Arista Records/Monument Records released a series of songs and EPs from the show, including original track, “The Card You Gamble,” performed by Monarch cast members including Golden Globe nominee Anna Friel and Beth Ditto, along with a version by writer Caitlyn Smith. The series also featured “American Cowgirl,” performed by Friel, and a cover of “A Country Boy Can Survive” by Adkins, among others.

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 was fully produced before going to air. Special guest stars include Shania Twain, Martina McBride, Little Big Town and Tanya Tucker.

Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn

Buddy Iahn founded The Music Universe when he decided to juxtapose his love of web design and music. As a lifelong drummer, he decided to take a hiatus from playing music to report it. The website began as a fun project in 2013 to one of the top independent news sites. Email: info@themusicuniverse.com