FOX has set the lead roles for its country music drama “Monarch.” Susan Sarandon and Anna Friel will star in the series, which is set for a January premiere on the broadcast network. They’ll play the founder and heir to a music dynasty that’s threatening to crumble around them. Oscar winner Sarandon will play Dottie Cantrell Roman, an extremely talented and tough-as-nails queen of country music who built a dynasty with her beloved husband, Albie. Even though the Roman name is built on authenticity, the foundation of their success is a lie. The role marks Sarandon’s first regular role in a network primetime series. Friel plays Dottie’s daughter Nicky, who will stop at nothing to protect her family’s legacy and ensure her own quest for stardom. Since Fox picked up a script in 2019, “Monarch” scored a straight-to-series order earlier this year. It’s produced by Fox Entertainment and is the network’s first fully owned scripted series since it separated from 20th Century Fox. Melissa London Hilfers created the series and Jason Ensler will direct the series premiere. “Monarch” is slated to premiere Jan. 30, 2022 following Fox’s telecast of the NFL NFC championship game.(SD-Agencies) | 