Ryan Murphy’s true crime anthology series “Monster” has kept audiences on the edge of their seats since it first aired. Each season has showcased some of the eeriest and darkest stories in criminal history.
Following the success of seasons centered around Jeffrey Dahmer featuring Evan Peters and the Menendez brothers featuring Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez, Season 4 is set to tackle one of the most chilling and perplexing murder mysteries in American history. Yes, none other than the infamous case of Lizzie Borden.
The Next Chapter of ‘Monster’: Lizzie Borden
As the rumors swirl, reports suggest that the upcoming fourth season will focus on Borden’s 1892 trial. Borden was accused of the brutal axe murders of her father, Andrew Borden, and her stepmother, Abby Borden. Though Netflix has yet to make an official announcement, sources indicate that “Monster” is already preparing for a possible fall shoot, with a plot centered around the case.
That being said, fans of the series are still waiting for a sneak peek of Season 3! The upcoming season is focused on Ed Gein and will star Charlie Hunnam. It’s also expected to feature Olivia Williams, Tom Hollander, and Laurie Metcalf. That production actually began last year in October of 2024 and is set to be released later this year. So, even though we haven’t seen Season 3 yet, at least we know we’ll have a Season 4 right after.
Sheesh, Murphy is on a roll, huh?
Who Was Lizzie Borden?
In case you don’t know who Borden is, let’s recap a little bit. In the late 19th century, Borden was a 32-year-old woman living in Fall River, Massachusetts, with her wealthy father, Andrew, and her stepmother, Abby. On the morning of August 4, 1892, the Borden family maid, Bridget Sullivan, was awakened by Borden’s frantic call. She frantically claimed that her father had been killed by someone “random.” When authorities arrived, they discovered his lifeless body, brutally attacked with 10 or 11 (!!!) hatchet wounds. Hours later, Abby was also found, similarly slaughtered in her bedroom.
Borden quickly became the prime suspect because, well, there was no one else around. Despite her initial statements and the bizarre circumstances surrounding the crime, she was arrested and tried for the murders. Duh, but hey, who are we to get in the middle of 1800 investigations?
‘Monster’s’ New Take
Murphy and Ian Brennan’s “Monster” series has been known for bringing chilling real-life crimes to the screen. They mix meticulous research and captivating audiences with their unique storytelling. So, it’s safe to say that Season 4 is expected to offer a fresh and nuanced perspective on the crime, diving into the mystery and the public fascination with Borden’s life and trial.
Fans can expect signature dark twists, as the show aims to peel back the layers of this notorious repeated case. But let’s just hope they actually bring something new to the storyline, since this isn’t the first time it’s been told.
Over the years, multiple adaptations have tried to make sense of the Borden mystery. From Lifetime’s “Lizzie Borden Took an Axe,” starring Christina Ricci, to the 2018 film “Lizzie,” with Chloë Sevigny and Kristen Stewart. The latter, in particular, was actually a tad different after it explored theories surrounding Borden’s possible romantic relationship with Sullivan. It went on to suggest that their bond might have been the key to understanding the crime.
While “Monster” is expected to take some creative liberties, it will likely stay true to the shocking twists and emotional beats of Borden’s case. It will also provide a modern lens through which viewers can re-examine her life. All we ask is one thing…can we get Ricci back?
What’s Next for Ryan Murphy?
As with past seasons of “Monster,” Murphy and Brennan are expected to keep the audience guessing with every episode and with the cast. While we await further details, the show’s focus on Borden offers a gripping new chapter in “Monster’s” exploration of true crime.
Will the fourth season provide new answers to the age-old question of Lizzie’s guilt? Or will it leave audiences still wondering if she did commit the crime, or was she the victim of a deeply unfair system?
Who knows, but Murphy is great at continuing to deliver riveting drama and thought-provoking takes on history’s most haunting cases. Fans of true crime, Murphy’s signature storytelling, and, of course, Borden’s grisly saga, will want to stay tuned for what promises to be a season unlike any other.
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Ryan Murphy’s New Thriller Show to Explore the Infamous Lizzie Borden Case