Today, Paramount+ released the highly-anticipated musical drama Monarch.
Monarch tells the story of the Romans, a family of country singers from Texas, comprising of Albie (Trace Adkins) and Dottie Roman (Susan Sarandon), who are the reigning king and queen of country. Dottie is preparing to pass her crown onto eldest daughter Nicky (Anna Friel), but second daughter Gigi (Beth Ditto) isn’t going to back down without a fight. Meanwhile their son Luke (Joshua Sasse), who is the CEO of the family’s music label Monarch, has a few secrets he must protect or else everything could implode.
The series begins with a flash-forward that involves a dead body, and a flashback showing an arson fire which will be resolved throughout the first season.
While Sarandon might be the draw card as series lead, the show’s ensemble more than hold their own as the first season progresses.
Showrunner Melissa London Hilfers has wrapped a mystery in a family drama full of secrets and intrigue. Monarch doesn’t exactly reinvent the wheel with its soapy storylines, but there’s enough compelling hints of potential.
Dust off the cowboy boots and buckle up for a fun, drama-filled series.
3 Stars
Monarch is now available on Paramount+ with new episodes weekly on Thursdays
