The highly anticipated fourth season of the hit crime anthology series “Monster” is set to delve into new terrifying territory with its first-ever female lead character. Netflix has announced that the upcoming season will focus on Lizzie Borden, a notorious figure who was famously acquitted of murdering her father and stepmother with a hatchet in 1892. This marks a significant shift in the series’ narrative direction, with actress Ella Beatty taking on the challenging role of Lizzie alongside a star-studded cast including Charlie Hunnam, Vicky Krieps, and Billie Lourd.
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Created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, “Monster” has garnered critical acclaim since its debut in 2022 with the chilling story of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. Subsequent seasons have delved into the lives of infamous figures such as the Menendez brothers and Ed Gein, exploring the darker aspects of human nature that inspired horror classics like “Psycho.” Murphy revealed to Variety in September 2025 that the choice of monsters for the series is based not just on their crimes, but also on the broader societal questions they provoke.
The decision to focus on Lizzie Borden for season 4 of “Monster” opens up a new chapter in the series, offering viewers a fresh perspective on the complexities of alleged female killers throughout history. Lizzie’s case, which captured public fascination in the 19th century, continues to mystify and intrigue audiences to this day. The choice to explore her story reflects the show’s commitment to examining the diverse range of narratives surrounding notorious figures and the societal impact of their actions.
The upcoming season of “Monster” will see Ella Beatty step into the role of Lizzie Borden, with Rebecca Hall portraying Lizzie’s stepmother and Charlie Hunnam playing her father. Vicky Krieps, who previously appeared in season 3 of the series, will take on the role of Bridget Sullivan, the Borden family’s maid. Additionally, Billie Lourd is set to join the cast as Lizzie’s older sister, Emma Borden, adding another layer of complexity to the intricate web of relationships within the narrative.
Production for the fourth season of “Monster” is scheduled to begin filming in Los Angeles in the fall, with Max Winkler, son of actor Henry Winkler and a regular collaborator of Ryan Murphy, directing the season’s opening episode. The new season promises to delve deep into the psyche of its female protagonist and explore the broader themes of femininity, power, and perception that are integral to Lizzie Borden’s story. Fans can expect a riveting and thought-provoking exploration of one of history’s most enigmatic figures.
As anticipation builds for the release of season 4 of “Monster,” viewers can catch up on previous instalments of the series, including “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” and “Monster: The Ed Gein Story,” which are all available to stream on Netflix. With a talented ensemble cast and a compelling narrative premise, the upcoming season is poised to continue the series’ tradition of delivering gripping storytelling and exploring the darker aspects of human nature.
