Monarch is a story born out of desire and creative aspirations on parts of the Fox Network and Melissa Hilfers. As the New York Times noted, “Fox was looking into doing a dramatic series based in the country music world.” And Hilfers had just the idea. She pitched Monarch a story reflective of the Romanov dynasty with a country twist.

It’s been a decade since the premiere of Nashville, a 2012 ABC tv series that also focused on country music royals. Nashville was an original, and despite its target audience, it was far from niche. Instead, it had broad-based appeal and a mesmeric storyline. However, July 26, 2018, would be as far as viewers would go with Rayna James (Connie Britton). But thanks to Hilfers, fans of the former have something different to sink their teeth into, as Monarch bears many similarities to the hit series Nashville.

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So, the question that now bears consideration is, can Monarch live up to its award-winning predecessor?

Nashville Was More Than Just Music

     ABC

Nashville made quite the splash with its 2014 debut. Callie Khouri, the series creator, showed she had a skillful hand and a killer idea. And one of the most magnetizing components of the series was its music. The music was top-tier and original; the Tennessean noted in 2016," The show’s music was the most universally hailed aspect of the show." But, of course, Nashville was more than its music. The storyline was galvanizing, and the cast was gifted. There was no doubt that Khouri held a royal flush, and there would be no folding or walking away. Nashville was there to stay.

The plot was centered on a reigning country songstress, Rayna James (Connie Britton), who seemed to have seen her last days as queen. The plot’s success rode on the drama underlining Rayna’s struggles within her family circle and the industry. And it surpassed expectations as fans became increasingly engrossed in James’ struggle to hold fast to the throne. But there was a massively big obstacle in Rayna’s way. Rising star Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere), the fresh rose of Nashville and protagonist, held the key to all James’ woes. This young, beautiful, and talented Barnes had a voracious appetite for success. And she was poised to dethrone and out of touch James.

This is the conflict that set the course for Nashville. However, while Nashville was very much about the politics of the music industry, it was likewise about passion, family, legacy, life, and love. Audiences fell in love.

Monarch Makes Its Debut

     Fox

Monarch made its debut on September 11, 2022. And the first episode of the series set the tone for what is shaping up to be a heart-racing season. The show began with Nicolette (Anna Friel), the daughter and presumable heir apparent to Dottie Roman (Susan Sarandon), under the big spotlight. And Nicolette is a standout. Her vocal display is ample proof she shines. And after a few minutes into the episode, there is no doubt that she is her mother’s mirror image and favorite.

Their overtly ambitious natures are like matching scarves; they wear the disposition well. However, Nicolette is not the only one who makes a splash in the initial episode. Gigi Roman (Beth Ditto), Nicolette’s sister, displays her talent as well when she joins her sister on the big stage. However, she outshines her sibling with a voice equally powerful, if not more. And after that one shining moment, the thick tension obviously sets viewers up for some intense drama.

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However, the relational drama between Kayla (Meagan Holder) and Luke Roman (Joshua Sasse) adds kindling to a fire already at scorching levels. So, by the closure of the first episode, one thing is crystal clear: there is much to reveal, including whatever tawdry little secret Dottie has held until her last breath.

Monarch vs. Nashville

While Nashville is the story of James and her children, Monarch, on the other hand, is the story of the Romans. Nevertheless, both are stories about family, legacy, reign, and industry politics. And both spotlight tempestuous family dynamics. Dottie, like Rayna James, is also an accomplished star. She has 40 years in the industry. But unlike Jaymes, she is shrewd and directed. On the other hand, Albie Roman’s (Trace Adkins) passion points to his music and vices.

Surprisingly, fans of Nashville will recognize some of the same characteristics in Rayna’s love interest, Deacon Claiborne (Charles Esten). Now in Monarch, Dottie and Albie make an unrivaled power couple in country music, as did Rayna and Deacon. And similarly, in Monarch, dark secrets poison still waters. But it is Dottie’s illness and pending death which is the straw that tips the balance and sets the stage for, as Hilfers notes to the New York Times.

Honest Comparisons and a Lingering Question

Like Nashville, the music in Monarch is engrossing. And no one will deny the authenticity of Monarch’s aesthetic compared to Nashville’s. In addition, this series involves some incredible names with superb talent. And based on those factors, the show’s potential is evident. But Monarch has a notably sharper edge in its earlier episode; an edginess said to rival that of Fox’s former music drama Empire. If such continues, that could be the factor in pushing it above and beyond Nashville.

However, given Monarch’s parallels to Nashville, the jury lies in wait. And all audiences can do is wait to see if this sordid tale of dirty little secrets, family, pain, and ambition is the next hit drama. But to make that determination, viewers must keep tuning in. Monarch finds its home on Fox and streaming platform Hulu, with weekly episodes on Tuesday nights.