The upcoming Fox’s series, Monarch, has decided its leading role. The Academy Award winner, five times Emmy-nominated Susan Sarandon will play the main roles along with the BAFTA-nominated Anna Friel, via Variety. Fox ordered the show in May this year and promised the series a two-night premiere event early next year. 

Monarch features the story of America’s first family of country music. Sarandon will play Dottie Cantrell Roman, the queen of country music who created a dynasty with her husband, Albie. Friel will play Dottie’s daughter, Nicolette “Nicky” Roman. Nicky is loyal to her family and is willing to do everything to maintain her stardom. However, the phenomenal success of the Roman family was built on a lie, and the secret will eventually jeopardize the status of them. To ensure their crown, the Roman family will have to fight together. 

Susan Sarandon, Anna Friel to Star in Fox Country Music Drama Series ‘Monarch’ https://t.co/Xwikv5duQL

— Variety (@Variety) September 7, 2021

The series marks Sarandon’s first regular role on a network’s primetime series. She is known for her appearances on the big screen, bringing impressive actings to films such as Thelma & Louise, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and The Client. She won an Academy Award in 1995 with her incredible Dead Man Walking performance. On television, she has starred in FX’s Feud: Bette and Joan, which earned her an Emmy nomination. 

British actress Friel has previously starred in the series Marcella, The Girlfriend Experience, and American Odyssey. Her performance in Pushing Daisies earned her a Golden Globe nomination. She currently stars in Books of Blood, Charming the Hearts of Men, and Sulphur & White. 

Monarch is set to premiere on January 30, 2022, following the NFC Championship.