Monarch: Susan Sarandon and Anna Friel to star in country music drama

Howdy, y’all! Soon it might be time to dig your cowboy boots out of the closet in anticipation of Monarch, a country music dynasty drama from Fox. The studio recently gave Monarch a straight-to-series order, with Susan Sarandon (Bill Durham, Thelma & Louise) and Anna Friel (Pushing Daisies, The Box) set to star.

Created by Melissa London Hilfers, Monarch is described as a Texas-sized, multigenerational musical drama about America’s first family of country music, the Romans. The Romans are headed by the insanely talented, but tough-as-nails Queen of Country Music Dottie Cantrell Roman (Sarandon). Along with her beloved husband, Albie, Dottie has 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. (via Deadline)

Plans are for the series to mosey into its debut with a special two-night event beginning Sunday, Jan. 30, promptly after the NFC Championship. The show will then continue on Tuesday, February 1st.

Sarandon recently completed her role as Catherine for the TV movie Red Bird Lane. Directed by David Slade, the story finds Eight strangers arriving at an isolated house, all for different reasons. Upon their mysterious and coincidental arrival, the strangers realize that something sinister and terrifying awaits them. Red Bird Lane also stars Crispin Glover, Jamie Clayton, Fiona Dourif, Danny Huston, Kiersey Clemons, Isidora Goreshter, Rya Kihlstedt, James Urbaniak, Damon Dayoub, Tara Lynne Barr, Ash Santos, and more.

As for Friel, she’s known for playing Charlotte ‘Chuck’ Charles in Bryan Fuller’s fantasy comedy series Pushing Daisies. She recently wrapped her part as Detective Sharon Pici for a new TV series called The Box. The upcoming show follows her character, a Kansas police officer, who experiences a supernatural nightmare after getting obsessed with an investigation. Created by Adi Hasak, The Box also stars Olivia Grant, Shaq B. Grant, Letitia Hector, Alexander Karim, Peter Stormare, and Nina Yndis.