Shania Twain, Martina McBride, Little Big Town, Tanya Tucker guest star on ‘Monarch’

Trace Adkins stars in the upcoming Fox series

Shania Twain, Martina McBride, Little Big Town and Tanya Tucker are all set to guest star in the upcoming first season of the Fox country music drama, Monarch. It appears the superstars’ appearances revolve around a CMA Awards in the show. The series stars Trace Adkins, Susan Sarandon, Anna Friel, Joshua Sasse and Beth Ditto.

Fox previously announced the series will premiere with a two-night event, beginning Sunday, September 11th, immediately following the Fox NFL doubleheader, and simultaneously to all time zones. It then makes its time period premiere Tuesday, September 20th from 9-10 pm ET/PT.

In the series, the Roman family is headed by the insanely talented, but tough-as-nails Queen of Country Music Dottie Cantrell Roman (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.

The series will feature many original songs and covers performed by cast members and upcoming stars. Three tracks have been released ahead of the premiere: Caitlyn Smith performs the series theme song, The Card You Gamble,” Trace Adkins has released a cover of Hank Williams, Jr.’s “A Country Boy Can Survive,” and “American Girl” featuring the Monarch Cast.

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.

Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn