Netflix’s ‘Monster’ Series Expands to Explore Another Infamous Case in American True-Crime History
After tackling high-profile cases such as Jeffrey Dahmer and Ed Gein, creators Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan are now turning their focus to Lizzie Borden. The fourth season of Monster, confirmed by multiple industry sources including Variety and Deadline, will explore the sensational case that has fascinated Americans for more than 130 years.
The Borden case stands apart in U.S. criminal history not just for the violence involved but for its enigmatic outcome. Lizzie Borden was arrested and tried for the axe murders of her father, Andrew Borden, and stepmother, Abby Borden, yet was acquitted in 1893 due to a lack of physical evidence. Despite her acquittal, she remained a figure of suspicion and intrigue until her death in 1927.
Also Read : Netflix’s Running Point Season 2 Targets April 2026 Release as Production Starts This August
From Trial of the Century to Pop Culture Icon: The Enduring Legacy of Lizzie Borden
The story of the Lizzie Borden axe murders has embedded itself into American pop culture through books, plays, and screen adaptations. Most notably, Christina Ricci portrayed Lizzie in Lifetime’s Lizzie Borden Took an Axe (2014) and The Lizzie Borden Chronicles (2015).
What sets Netflix’s upcoming take apart is its unique framing under the Monster banner. The series is known for presenting layered portrayals of individuals caught in sensational crime sagas, blending biographical narrative with critical cultural commentary. With Lizzie, the focus may shift from a simplistic true-crime retelling to an exploration of societal views on women, crime, and media spectacle in the late 19th century.
Production for Season 4 is Reportedly Underway, with Filming Expected to Begin in Late 2025
While Netflix has not issued a formal press release, sources close to the production suggest that the script for Monster Season 4 is currently in development, with filming tentatively scheduled for late 2025. Locations are being scouted, and casting is expected to begin in the coming months.
Given the period setting of the Lizzie Borden axe murders, viewers can anticipate high production values, historically accurate sets, and immersive storytelling that captures the social and legal climate of 1890s New England.
Season 4 Follows Netflix’s Ongoing Commitment to True-Crime Storytelling with a Psychological and Cultural Lens
The Monster anthology has gained critical acclaim not only for its compelling narratives but also for its sociopolitical depth. Season 1, Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, became one of Netflix’s most-watched series, sparking global discussions on systemic failures and victim representation.
The second season, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, premiered in 2024 to strong reviews. Meanwhile, the third season—centered on the life of notorious killer Ed Gein and featuring actors Charlie Hunnam, Laurie Metcalf, and Tom Hollander—is slated to debut by the end of 2025.
By choosing to focus on Lizzie Borden for Season 4, the series takes a more ambiguous and potentially controversial turn, exploring a suspect who was never convicted yet remains infamous.
What Viewers Can Expect from Netflix’s Interpretation of the Lizzie Borden Axe Murders
If previous seasons are any indication, Monster Season 4 will go beyond the courtroom drama to explore the emotional, psychological, and social dimensions of the case. Anticipated themes include:
- The strained family dynamics in the Borden household
- The intense public scrutiny during the trial and its aftermath
- The role of gender and societal norms in shaping public opinion
- The lingering question: Was Lizzie Borden truly guilty?
Netflix may also dramatize the haunting legacy of the case itself. The Borden home at 230 Second Street in Fall River has since been converted into a museum and bed-and-breakfast, further fueling the legend.
Lizzie Borden’s Story Offers a Complex Portrait of Crime, Gender, and Reputation in American History
The enduring fascination with the Lizzie Borden axe murders lies in its complexity. It’s a case without a clear conclusion—a woman both exonerated and condemned in the court of public opinion. This tension aligns perfectly with Monster’s mission to explore the human side of those labeled as “monsters.”
Season 4 will not only revisit the facts but also dissect the social mechanisms that created an enduring myth. In doing so, it promises to challenge viewers’ assumptions and deliver a fresh, thought-provoking narrative.
Netflix’s Monster Season 4 promises to add another compelling chapter to the anthology’s exploration of crime and culture. By turning the spotlight on Lizzie Borden—a woman caught between innocence and infamy—Netflix continues to redefine true-crime storytelling for the streaming era.
