Netflix's Monster Returns with Lizzie Borden Story, Starring Ella Beatty
Netflix's true-crime anthology Monster has returned for its fourth season, shifting its focus to one of America's most infamous murder cases: Lizzie Borden. Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story premiered on September 17, 2026, with Ella Beatty leading the cast as the Massachusetts woman accused—and later acquitted—of the 1892 axe murders of her father and stepmother.
The new season, created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, marks the first time the franchise has centered on a female subject. Previous installments explored the crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer, the Menéndez brothers, and Ed Gein, turning each into a streaming sensation. This time, the series reframes the Borden case as a story of female rage, repression, and revenge, according to early reviews and cast interviews.
Netflix described the season as an examination of whether "monsters are made or born," a question that has echoed through the franchise since its debut. The streaming giant has not yet released official viewership numbers, but the show's arrival has already generated significant online discussion, particularly around its high-profile cast.
A Cast Packed with Familiar Faces and Newcomers
Ella Beatty, daughter of Warren Beatty and Annette Bening, leads the ensemble as Lizzie Borden. Beatty, who previously appeared in Murphy's Feud: Capote vs. The Swans and the Sundance film If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, told Tudum that investigating Borden's psychology was "a dream come true." She described the character as "an icon who refuses to live imprisoned in a cage, choosing instead to forge her own legend: shocking, monstrous, and gloriously free."
Charlie Hunnam, who starred as Ed Gein in Monster's third season, returns in a different role: Andrew Borden, Lizzie's wealthy and controlling father. The casting choice has drawn attention for its symmetry—Hunnam now plays a victim rather than a killer. Rebecca Hall takes on the role of Abby Borden, Lizzie's stepmother, while Vicky Krieps appears as Bridget "Maggie" Sullivan, the family's maid. Billie Lourd plays Emma Borden, Lizzie's sister, and Jessica Barden portrays Nance O'Neil, a real-life actress who was romantically linked to Lizzie after her acquittal.
Other cast members include Joey Pollari as John Morse, a family friend who was visiting at the time of the murders, and Oliver Spenceman as Stephen. Sarah Paulson, a frequent Murphy collaborator, appears as Aileen Wuornos, the notorious serial killer whose inclusion in the season has sparked curiosity about how the show ties together two different eras of true crime.
The Historical Case Behind the Season
The Borden murders took place on August 4, 1892, in Fall River, Massachusetts. Andrew Borden, a wealthy businessman, and his second wife, Abby, were found dead in their home, both killed by hatchet blows. Andrew was struck 11 times, and Abby more than a dozen. Lizzie, then 32, was the only person besides the maid, Bridget Sullivan, known to be at home at the time. Lizzie's sister, Emma, was away on holiday.
Lizzie was not initially suspected, but evidence soon mounted. A local pharmacist reported that she had tried to buy prussic acid, a poison, the day before the murders. A friend later testified that Lizzie had burned a dress in the stove just days after the killings. She was arrested and tried in June 1893, defended by a top Boston lawyer. The all-male jury acquitted her after just 90 minutes of deliberation.
The case has fascinated the public for more than a century, inspiring countless books, films, and the infamous nursery rhyme that misidentifies both the weapon and the number of blows. Historian Joseph Conforti, in his book Lizzie Borden on Trial: Murder, Ethnicity and Gender, wrote that Lizzie presented herself as "a helpless maiden," a framing that resonated with jurors and continues to shape popular memory.
A Feminist Reframing
Unlike previous tellings that focus on the grisly details or the question of guilt, Monster's fourth season positions Lizzie as a proto-feminist figure trapped by the constraints of Victorian society. The show explores her illicit affair with the maid Maggie, her strained relationship with her father, and the suffocating expectations placed on women of her class. Creator Ian Brennan told Vanity Fair that the season asks whether "monsters are made or born," looking beyond the crime itself to the forces that may have pushed Lizzie toward violence.
This thematic shift aligns with a broader trend in true-crime storytelling, where creators increasingly seek to humanize female perpetrators or examine the societal pressures that lead to violence. It also distinguishes Monster from its previous seasons, which were criticized by some for glamorizing killers.
Why the Cast Matters
The ensemble assembled for Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story represents a mix of established stars and rising talent, a formula Netflix has used successfully in past seasons. Ella Beatty's casting, in particular, has been framed as a breakout moment for the young actress, who only made her screen debut in 2024. Her performance has already drawn comparisons to earlier Monster leads who catapulted to wider fame after appearing in the anthology.
Charlie Hunnam's return is another notable element. Having played Ed Gein in season 3, he now embodies a murder victim—a role reversal that underscores the anthology's repertory-company approach. Rebecca Hall, known for her work in The Night House and Christine, brings critical prestige to the project, while Vicky Krieps (Phantom Thread) adds international appeal.
The inclusion of Sarah Paulson as Aileen Wuornos has raised eyebrows, as Wuornos has no direct connection to the Borden case. However, Ryan Murphy has a history of weaving together disparate true-crime threads, and the role may serve as a framing device or a thematic parallel. Paulson previously played prosecutor Marcia Clark in The People v. O.J. Simpson, another Murphy production, and her presence signals the season's ambition to connect past and present.
Streaming Dominance and the True-Crime Boom
Monster has become one of Netflix's most reliable franchises since its debut in 2022. The first season, Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, became one of the streamer's most-watched series of all time, despite controversy over its depiction of the victims. The second season, focused on the Menéndez brothers, also performed well, and the third, centered on Ed Gein, maintained the franchise's momentum.
The true-crime genre shows no signs of slowing down. Competitors like Hulu, HBO Max, and Peacock have all invested heavily in similar content, and documentaries like Making a Murderer and Tiger King paved the way for scripted adaptations. Netflix's decision to continue Monster with a female subject reflects both the genre's evolution and the company's strategy of leveraging name recognition to drive subscriptions.
What This Means for the Franchise—and for True Crime
The Lizzie Borden season arrives at a moment of heightened scrutiny for true-crime entertainment. Critics have questioned whether such shows exploit victims' suffering for ratings, and some have called for greater sensitivity in how crimes are portrayed. By centering on a woman who was acquitted, Monster sidesteps some of these concerns—though the show's graphic violence and speculative elements may still draw criticism.
From a business perspective, the season's success could determine the future direction of the anthology. If viewership holds steady, Netflix will likely greenlight a fifth season, possibly focusing on another female killer or a case with similar cultural resonance. Ryan Murphy has hinted that he has a list of potential subjects, though he has not disclosed names.
For now, all eyes are on Ella Beatty and her co-stars. The season's reception will not only shape the trajectory of Monster but also influence how Hollywood approaches female-driven true crime. As audiences continue to debate Lizzie Borden's guilt or innocence, the show offers a new lens through which to view a case that has fascinated the public for over a century.
Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story is now streaming on Netflix.
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