Introduction
The 'monsters-netflix' True Crime Phenomenon: Production Begins on Lizzie Borden Season After Latest Ratings Success By [Fictional BBC Reporter Name], Media Correspondent Netflix has begun production on the highly anticipated fourth season of its hit true-crime anthology series, Monster, announcing that the new instalment will focus on the infamous, century-old case of Lizzie Borden. The decision to dramatise the life of the Massachusetts woman accused—and acquitted—of the 1892 axe murders of her father and stepmother signals a continuation of the streamer's strategy to anchor its platform with high-performing, high-controversy biographical dramas. The news comes just weeks after the successful launch of the third season, Monster: The Ed Gein Story, which swiftly topped global viewing charts. The announcement positions the Monster franchise, created by television impresarios Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, as arguably the most important engine for global subscriber engagement in the non-fiction drama genre. The fourth season, which casts rising star Ella Beatty as Lizzie Borden, marks a significant departure in two key ways: by focusing on the series' first alleged female killer, and by tackling a crime that exists more in the realm of American folklore than recent history. The Myth and the Metrics The Monster series debuted in 2022 with Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, which became one of the most-watched English-language series in Netflix history, logging over a billion hours viewed in its first two months. Subsequent seasons, including Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story and the recent Ed Gein Story, have maintained this phenomenal commercial trajectory, consistently debuting at number one globally and drawing robust critical attention, including multiple Emmy nominations. Industry analysts suggest that the renewal and fast-tracked production of the Borden story underline the stability this highly polarising format offers Netflix in a highly competitive market.
Main Content
"The Monster franchise is a cornerstone of Netflix's engagement strategy," said Eleanor Vance, a London-based Media Metrics Consultant. "Despite the debates, the staggering view counts—especially for the latest Ed Gein instalment—demonstrate a consistent, high-value audience craving sophisticated true crime. Bringing in a figure like Lizzie Borden, who is more of a historical myth than a modern serial killer, adds a new, intriguing dimension to the brand's longevity, shifting the focus from recent memory to historical, cultural mythology. " The Ethical Balance and Creative Vision While commercially triumphant, the anthology has been the subject of considerable ethical scrutiny. Critics and family members of victims have repeatedly raised concerns about the practice of dramatising real-life trauma for entertainment, arguing that the pursuit of high ratings exploits suffering. Series co-creator Ryan Murphy has repeatedly defended the artistic aims of the series, stating that the focus is on exploring "the bigger questions [the crimes] raise about society" rather than merely sensationalising violence. The Borden case offers a unique opportunity for this approach. Tried and acquitted in 1893 for the brutal hatchet murders, Borden was forever etched into the public consciousness by the famous rhyme, but her story is also a complex lens through which to examine gender roles, class structure, and the American judicial system in the late 19th century.
Dr. Alistair Finch, a Cultural Critic at the University of London, noted the potential ethical shift in the new selection. "The central tension of the Monster series lies in its attempt to balance sensationalism with social commentary. While creator Ryan Murphy speaks of exploring 'societal questions,' the format inherently risks glamorising or, at the very least, excessively dwelling on trauma. The shift to Lizzie Borden, an acquitted, 19th-century figure, allows for a greater focus on historical context and less immediate harm to living victims' families, which is a necessary ethical evolution for the true-crime genre. " High-Profile Cast and Production Production on Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story has begun in Los Angeles, with a confirmed release expected in the autumn of 2026. The series is set to feature a significant ensemble cast alongside Ella Beatty. Notable returnee Charlie Hunnam, who led the recent Ed Gein Story, will feature as Lizzie’s father, Andrew Borden.
They are joined by Rebecca Hall as Lizzie’s stepmother, Abby Borden, and Vicky Krieps as Bridget Sullivan, the family’s live-in maid who was present during the killings. The casting decisions reflect the franchise’s commitment to high-calibre acting talent, a factor often cited in the series’ multiple award nominations. The show is expected to meticulously recreate the Fall River, Massachusetts setting, leveraging the period detail to further the creators’ goal of providing social commentary alongside the drama. In its continued bid to dominate the true-crime landscape, Netflix is betting on the Monster franchise to maintain its high viewing figures while navigating the fine line between biographical storytelling and cultural exploitation. With the subject of Lizzie Borden offering a chance to delve into historical myth rather than raw, contemporary scandal, the fourth season is poised to test whether the series can evolve its narrative focus while retaining its undeniable mass appeal. For the streamer, the sheer volume of views has proven that, for now, the audience’s fascination with the ‘monstrous figures’ of history remains undiminished. This trailer provides a look at the previous instalment in the anthology series, Monster: The Ed Gein Story Monarch: Legacy of Monsters — Official Trailer | Apple TV+.
Conclusion
This comprehensive guide about monsters netflix provides valuable insights and information. Stay tuned for more updates and related content.
