Ryan Murphy, the mastermind behind hit television series like American Horror Story and American Crime Story, is set to delve into another chilling chapter of true crime with the fourth season of his Netflix anthology series, Monster. According to recent reports, this upcoming installment will center on the infamous Lizzie Borden, a figure who has captivated public imagination since she was accused of the brutal axe murders of her father and stepmother in 1892. With a potential fall shoot on the horizon, the project is already generating buzz among fans eager to see how Murphy will reinterpret this enduring mystery. This article explores the historical context of the Lizzie Borden case, the evolution of Monster as a series, and what audiences might expect from this new season.
The Lizzie Borden Case: A Historical Enigma
The story of Lizzie Borden begins on August 4, 1892, in Fall River, Massachusetts, where a gruesome double murder shocked the nation. Andrew Borden, a wealthy property owner, and his second wife, Abby Borden, were found brutally hacked to death in their home. Andrew suffered approximately 10 to 11 blows to the head, while Abby endured around 19, suggesting a frenzied attack with a hatchet or similar weapon. Lizzie Borden, Andrew’s 32-year-old daughter from his first marriage, quickly became the prime suspect. Living in the same household, she was at home during the time of the murders, and her behavior in the aftermath—calmly reporting the crime and later burning a dress—raised eyebrows among investigators and the public alike.
The trial that followed was a media sensation, drawing national and international attention. Lizzie’s defense argued that she was incapable of such violence, leveraging societal perceptions of women as inherently non-aggressive. Despite circumstantial evidence, including her alleged attempt to purchase poison the day before the murders, no murder weapon was definitively linked to her, and no blood was found on her person. In June 1893, after a highly publicized trial, a jury acquitted Lizzie, leaving the case unsolved to this day. The lack of a conviction, however, did little to quell public suspicion, and Lizzie lived out her days in Fall River, ostracized by much of the community until her death in 1927 at age 66.
The Borden case has since become a cornerstone of American true crime lore, inspiring countless adaptations across film, television, and literature. Early portrayals, such as the 1975 TV movie The Legend of Lizzie Borden starring Elizabeth Montgomery, painted her as a complex figure—part victim, part villain. More recent works, like the 2014 Lifetime movie Lizzie Borden Took an Ax with Christina Ricci and the 2018 feature Lizzie featuring Chloë Sevigny and Kristen Stewart, have explored various theories, including the possibility of a lesbian relationship with the family maid, Bridget Sullivan. These retellings have kept the story alive, making Lizzie Borden a fitting subject for Ryan Murphy’s Monster franchise.
The Rise of Monster on Netflix
Since its debut in 2022 with Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, Ryan Murphy’s Monster has established itself as a powerhouse in the true crime genre on Netflix. The first season, starring Evan Peters as the notorious serial killer and Niecy Nash as his neighbor Glenda Cleveland, garnered widespread acclaim and shattered viewing records, amassing over 1 billion hours watched within 60 days. Its success lay in its unflinching portrayal of Dahmer’s crimes, blending graphic detail with humanizing elements that sparked both fascination and controversy.
The second season, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, released in 2024, shifted focus to the brothers convicted of murdering their parents in 1989. Featuring a strong cast including Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny, the season reignited debates about the Menendez case, particularly as it coincided with real-world efforts to revisit their sentencing. The series’ ability to intertwine historical events with contemporary discourse has been a hallmark of its appeal, setting the stage for the third season, Monster: The Original Monster, which will explore the life of Ed Gein, portrayed by Charlie Hunnam. Gein, a 1950s killer and grave robber whose crimes inspired figures like Norman Bates and Leatherface, promises another dark chapter when it airs, likely in late 2025.
With three seasons already in the pipeline, the announcement of a fourth season focusing on Lizzie Borden signals Netflix’s confidence in the franchise. Unlike previous subjects, Borden’s acquittal adds a unique layer to the narrative, challenging the series’ title and inviting speculation about Murphy’s approach. Will he portray her as a misunderstood innocent or a cunning murderer who evaded justice? The potential fall shoot, reportedly set to begin in September 2025, suggests production is moving swiftly, though Netflix has yet to officially confirm the renewal.
What to Expect from Monster Season 4
Ryan Murphy’s signature style—lavish production values, complex character studies, and a penchant for provocation—will likely shape the portrayal of Lizzie Borden. The Monster series has consistently balanced historical accuracy with dramatic license, and Borden’s story offers ample room for both. The 1892 setting will transport viewers to a Victorian-era America, with its rigid social norms and emerging media frenzy, providing a rich backdrop for Murphy’s visual storytelling. Expect opulent costumes and sets that contrast with the brutality of the crime, a technique he mastered in American Horror Story.
Casting will be a critical element. Past seasons have featured high-profile actors—Evan Peters, Niecy Nash, and Charlie Hunnam among them—and Season 4 is likely to follow suit. Given Lizzie’s iconic status, a name actress could be in line for the role, with speculation already pointing to talents like Christina Ricci, who has prior experience with the character, or a fresh face to bring a new perspective. Supporting roles, including Bridget Sullivan and other household members, could also feature notable performers, adding depth to the ensemble.
The narrative will likely explore multiple theories surrounding the murders. While Lizzie remains the prime suspect, alternative culprits—such as her uncle John Morse or an intruder—have been proposed over the years. Murphy may use this ambiguity to create a psychological thriller, weaving together courtroom drama and domestic tension. The series could also delve into Lizzie’s post-acquittal life, where she and her sister Emma lived in relative isolation, offering a study of societal judgment and personal resilience.
Controversy is almost certain to follow. Monster has faced criticism for romanticizing its subjects, particularly with Dahmer and the Menendez brothers, where living victims and families have voiced objections. With Borden, the ethical debate may center on rehashing an unsolved case without definitive proof, potentially reigniting old wounds in Fall River. Murphy’s tendency to sensationalize could either alienate purists or draw a wider audience, depending on how he navigates the balance between entertainment and respect.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The Lizzie Borden story’s enduring popularity is partly due to its cultural footprint, including the infamous rhyme: “Lizzie Borden took an axe, and gave her mother forty whacks. When she saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one.” Though exaggerated—Abby received 19 blows, Andrew 10 or 11—this jingle has cemented her image in the public psyche. Monster Season 4 has the potential to refresh this legacy, much like previous seasons revitalized interest in Dahmer and the Menendez brothers.
The timing of the fall shoot aligns with a busy period for Ryan Murphy, who has recently shifted his overall deal back to Disney while maintaining a strong Netflix presence. This dual-platform strategy suggests Monster will remain a key project, possibly influencing future anthology series. For Fall River, the renewed focus could boost tourism at the Lizzie Borden House, now a museum and bed-and-breakfast, where visitors can explore the crime scene.
As production gears up, fans and critics alike will watch closely. Will Monster Season 4 solve the mystery that has eluded historians for over a century, or will it add another layer to the mythos? With Ryan Murphy at the helm, the answer promises to be as compelling as the crime itself. The fall of 2025 may mark not just the start of filming, but a new chapter in the saga of Lizzie Borden, bringing her story to a global audience through the lens of one of television’s most provocative storytellers.
