The next chapter of Netflix‘s true-crime anthology Monster is almost here. This time, the series turns its focus to one of America’s most infamous unsolved mysteries. Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story brings the story of the Fall River axe murders to the screen, with a fresh cast and a fresh perspective. The series marks a first for the franchise: its first female central figure. Here is everything you need to know before the show arrives on Netflix.
Netflix Sets September Premiere for the Fourth Installment
Netflix has officially confirmed the release date for Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story. The eight-episode season will launch on the streaming platform on September 17, 2026. This date applies to viewers worldwide, with all episodes dropping at once.
The series serves as the fourth installment in Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s Monster anthology. Previous seasons covered Jeffrey Dahmer, the Menendez brothers, and Ed Gein. This new season shifts the focus to Lizzie Borden, a woman whose name became synonymous with one of the most sensational crimes of the 19th century.
First Look Images and Official Synopsis
Netflix released first-look photos on August 4, 2026. The images show Ella Beatty as Lizzie Borden, often covered in blood, alongside other key cast members. The official logline describes the series as follows:
“When the repressed daughter of a wealthy New England family and her rebellious maid find themselves trapped in a house built on humiliation and cruelty, they escape into a fantasy of sex, power and revenge. The gruesome unsolved murders that follow don’t just shock the world — they give birth to an icon who refuses to live imprisoned in a cage, choosing instead to forge her own legend: shocking, monstrous and gloriously free.”
The show explores the events leading up to the murders and the mythology that turned Lizzie from an accused killer into an American legend.
The Cast of Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story
Ella Beatty takes on the lead role of Lizzie Borden. Beatty, the daughter of Hollywood icons Warren Beatty and Annette Bening, previously appeared in Feud: Capote vs. The Swans. She described the role as an opportunity to explore a complicated person’s psychology.
The supporting cast includes several well-known names:
- Charlie Hunnam as Andrew Borden, Lizzie’s father. Hunnam previously starred in the Monster anthology as Ed Gein.
- Rebecca Hall as Abby Borden, Lizzie’s stepmother.
- Vicky Krieps as Bridget Sullivan, the Bordens’ live-in maid.
- Billie Lourd as Emma Borden, Lizzie’s older sister.
- Jessica Barden as Nance O’Neil, Lizzie’s actress friend.
- Sarah Paulson appears in a guest role as serial killer Aileen Wuornos.
The Real-Life Timeline: What Happened in Fall River?
The series is based on actual events that took place in Fall River, Massachusetts, in 1892. Here is a timeline of the key moments in the Lizzie Borden case.
1860: Lizzie Borden Is Born
Lizzie Andrew Borden was born on July 19, 1860. She grew up with her older sister Emma in a wealthy but reportedly unhappy household. Her mother died when Lizzie was about two years old. Her father, Andrew Borden, remarried to Abby Gray in 1865.
Tensions grew within the family over the years. Lizzie and Emma were reportedly upset when Andrew gave the family home to Abby’s sister.
1891: Growing Family Tension
A burglary at the Borden home in 1891 led to increased suspicion. Andrew Borden became suspicious of Lizzie and locked the master bedroom. He also killed a flock of pigeons that Lizzie had been caring for.
In August 1892, both Andrew and Abby Borden experienced stomach pain. Doctors blamed spoiled food. Around the same time, a drug store clerk claimed that Lizzie tried to buy prussic acid, also known as hydrogen cyanide. Lizzie rejected this claim.
August 4, 1892: The Murders
The events of August 4, 1892, remain the focus of the case. Abby Borden was killed first, between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.. Andrew Borden returned home around 11 a.m. and was also attacked and killed.
Lizzie told investigators that she was outside in the barn when the attacks happened. She called for the maid, Bridget Sullivan, and neighbors were informed.
The medical examination revealed the brutality of the attacks. Abby Borden had been struck 18 to 19 times, while Andrew Borden had been struck 10 to 11 times. Police searched the house and found multiple hatchets.
August 11, 1892: Lizzie Borden Is Arrested
A few days after the funeral, Lizzie’s sister Emma reportedly saw Lizzie burning a blue dress. An inquest was held behind closed doors, leading to Lizzie’s arrest on August 11, 1892. She pleaded not guilty and was moved to a jail in Taunton.
June 20, 1893: The Acquittal
Lizzie Borden’s trial began almost ten months after the murders. The jury found her not guilty on June 20, 1893. Despite the acquittal, public opinion remained divided, and the case has never been officially solved.
A New Take on an Old Story
The Monster series is known for taking creative liberties with real-life cases. This season is no exception. The show reportedly explores a romantic relationship between Lizzie and her maid Bridget Sullivan. This idea has appeared in previous adaptations, including the 1984 novel Lizzie by Evan Hunter.
Rebecca Hall described the story to Vanity Fair as a Ryan Murphy-style twist on “Cinderella,” with herself playing the wicked stepmother. The series also features modern music choices, including songs from Kate Bush and indie rockers Wet Leg.
The Monster Anthology So Far
The Monster franchise has become one of Netflix’s most talked-about true-crime series. It began with DAHMER – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, starring Evan Peters. The second season, Monsters: The Erik and Lyle Menendez Story, focused on the brothers who killed their parents. The third season, Monster: The Ed Gein Story, centered on the killer who inspired Psycho and The Silence of the Lambs.
Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story continues the tradition of exploring infamous criminals while raising questions about how society views them.
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What to Expect from the Series
The show will consist of eight episodes, all available on Netflix from September 17. It explores the events surrounding the axe murders that shocked America. The official synopsis follows Lizzie, the repressed daughter of a wealthy New England family, and her rebellious maid as they become trapped in a home marked by cruelty.
Ella Beatty shared her excitement about the project:
“I am so excited for viewers to experience our exploration of Lizzie Borden’s story and the questions that her life animates to this day. It has been a dream come true to investigate this complicated person’s psychology and to examine an American crime that feels almost mythic in proportion.”
She added that the season “delves into female rage and repression” and that she cannot wait to share it with the world.
The series is created and written by Ian Brennan. Executive producers include Ryan Murphy, Brennan, Max Winkler, and others. Max Winkler and Sarah Adina Smith serve as directors.
With its release just weeks away, Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story is set to become one of the most discussed shows of the fall. Whether viewers are familiar with the case or learning about it for the first time, the series promises to offer a new perspective on a story that has fascinated people for more than a century.
Also Read: Monster Season 4 Gets September Release Date and First Look Images
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