Did you find yourself utterly captivated by Monster: The Ed Gein Story? If so, you're not alone—Netflix's latest true-crime sensation has already skyrocketed to the top spot in 62 countries, leaving viewers both horrified and hooked. But here's where it gets even more intriguing: the streaming giant is already gearing up for its next chilling installment, and this time, it’s putting a woman in the spotlight. That’s right—the fourth season is expected to be titled Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, and it promises to be just as gripping, if not more so. If you’re itching to know what’s next after binging Ed Gein’s tale, here’s everything we know so far.
Following the bone-chilling narratives of Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story and Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, Monster: The Ed Gein Story pushed the boundaries of what true-crime drama can be. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s impossible to look away—even if you’re peeking through your fingers. Now, creators Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan are turning their attention to Lizzie Borden, a figure whose story is as fascinating as it is controversial. And this is the part most people miss: despite being acquitted of the 1892 axe murders of her father and stepmother, Borden lived the rest of her life as a social outcast, shunned by her community until her death in 1927. Her case remains one of history’s most enduring mysteries, inspiring everything from nursery rhymes to films like The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975) and Lizzie (2018), starring Chloë Sevigny and Kristen Stewart.
So, what can we expect from Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story? The series will delve into the infamous trial and the aftermath that turned Borden into a pariah. But here’s the controversial part: while Borden was legally declared not guilty, public opinion has long been divided. Was she a cold-blooded killer who got away with murder, or a victim of circumstance? This season is sure to reignite that debate, and I’m eager to see how Murphy and Brennan handle such a complex narrative.
As for the cast, Ella Beatty is set to take the lead as Lizzie Borden, reuniting with Ryan Murphy after their collaboration on Feud: Capote vs. The Swans. Joining her are Vicky Krieps as Bridget Sullivan, the Borden family’s live-in maid, and Rebecca Hall as Abby Borden, Lizzie’s stepmother. Billie Lourd will play Lizzie’s older sister, Emma, while Jessica Barden takes on the role of Nance O’Neill, Lizzie’s actress friend. With Max Winkler directing the opening episode, production is already underway, though Netflix has yet to announce an official release date.
Here’s where I want to hear from you: Do you think Lizzie Borden was guilty, or was she wrongly vilified? And how do you feel about Netflix’s approach to true-crime stories like these? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments—I’m all ears!
