Lizzie Borden's secrets go live—Ryan Murphy's 'Monster' hits Netflix

Ryan Murphy’s true‑crime anthology *Monster* has added a fourth season, launching on Netflix on September 17. The new series—titled *Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story*—explores the life of the woman accused of murdering her father and stepmother with a hatchet in 1892.

Viewers can expect eight new episodes that dive into her story, a first for the show’s focus on a female perpetrator.

, Ella Beatty said, “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,” adding, “This season gives us our first female ‘Monster’ and delves into female rage and repression which I’ve found to feel strikingly relevant.

I cannot wait to share it with the world.” Netflix’s official synopsis notes that the repressed daughter of a wealthy New England family and her rebellious maid find themselves trapped in a house built on humiliation and cruelty, escaping into a fantasy of sex, power, and revenge.

It further explains that the unsolved murders give birth to an icon who refuses to live imprisoned in a cage, forging her own legend: shocking, monstrous, and gloriously free.

The season stars Ella Beatty as Lizzie Borden alongside Vicky Krieps in a dual role as housemaid Bridget Sullivan and Elizabeth Báthory; Charlie Hunnam plays Andrew Borden, while Rebecca Hall portrays Abby Borden.

## Background & Context

The *Monster* anthology began with the 2019 true‑crime drama *Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,* followed by installments on the Menendez brothers and Ed Gein. Each season takes a close look at infamous killers, blending historical detail with dramatized scenes.

The new season turns to the 1892 murders in Fall River, Massachusetts, where Lizzie Borden was accused of slaying her father and stepmother with a hatchet. Though the case remains unsolved, she became an enduring symbol of domestic violence and female rage.

Charlie Hunnam, who portrayed Gein in season three, appears again in a new role as Andrew Borden, Lizzie’s father. The cast also includes Rebecca Hall as Abby Borden, Sarah Paulson as Aileen Wuornos, and Billie Lourd as older sister Emma Borden.

## What People Are Saying

Ella Beatty said she is excited to explore Lizzie Borden’s story and the questions her life raises, noting that the season gives the franchise its first female “Monster” and delves into female rage and repression.

Vicky Krieps plays both housemaid Bridget Sullivan and the historical figure Elizabeth Báthory, while Sarah Paulson portrays serial killer Aileen Wuornos. Jessica Barden, Joey Pollari, and Oliver Spenceman round out the ensemble.

Netflix remains exclusive to the platform, but a new DIRECTV promotion lets subscribers stream the entire series for free for one year.

The deal requires signing up for any of DIRECTV’s Genre Packs—MyEntertainment, MySports, or MyNews—and adding a Gemini Device; a five‑day free trial precedes the yearly Netflix access as long as the subscription continues.

## What Happens Next

The fourth season drops on Netflix on September 17, with all eight episodes released simultaneously for binge‑watching. Fans who want to skip the regular subscription can take advantage of the DIRECTV offer and watch without paying for Netflix for a full year.

The season’s premiere will coincide with the release of its first episode on Thursday, providing viewers a complete narrative in one go.

With its fresh focus on a female criminal legend and an all‑star cast, *Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story* promises a gripping look at one of America’s most infamous mysteries.

Whether you’re a long‑time fan of Ryan Murphy’s work or new to the series, the premiere offers an intimate portrait of a woman whose name still echoes in true‑crime lore.