***Speculation Surrounds the Future of Netflix’s ‘Monster’ Anthology Series***
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The acclaimed crime anthology series ‘Monster’, co-created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, has captured the attention of audiences since its debut in 2022. Following the success of its first four seasons, there is increasing discussion about the possibility of a fifth season, yet no official announcement has been made as of September 2026.
The series began with ‘The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’, featuring Evan Peters in a striking portrayal of the infamous serial killer. Subsequent seasons have explored the stories of notorious figures such as the Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, and the infamous Ed Gein. Most recently, Season 4 has showcased the life of Lizzie Borden, known for her controversial acquittal in the murder of her stepmother and father.
Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan are the driving forces behind the series, and they have hinted at various themes for a potential fifth season. Although ‘Monster’ was originally envisioned as a limited series, its popularity prompted its transformation into an anthology format. The two showrunners have prioritised selecting subjects that resonate with larger societal issues, exploring themes of justice, mental health, and gender dynamics.
While no official subject has been confirmed for a future season, both Murphy and Brennan have shared their thoughts on potential figures to spotlight. In a recent conversation with PEOPLE, Brennan cited several infamous criminals as worthy candidates for exploration, including Dennis Rader, the “BTK Killer”, who was responsible for at least ten murders in Kansas. Brennan noted the challenge of portraying someone like Rader, acknowledging that while he is undoubtedly fascinating as a figure of horror, the intricacies around his family life offer a compelling narrative angle.
Other names discussed for possible coverage include the notorious Ted Bundy, who was convicted of murdering numerous women throughout the 1970s, and Gary Ridgway, known as the Green River Killer. Brennan further mused about the potential exploration of characters like Luigi Mangione, who pleaded guilty to stalking charges and was implicated in a high-profile murder case.
Despite the pool of potential subjects, Brennan emphasised the importance of selecting stories that provoke meaningful discussion surrounding societal themes. Murphy previously expressed concerns about being misunderstood regarding the show’s intent. The creative team aims to explore stories that reveal complexity rather than just sensationalism, which has led them to exclude certain infamous killers like John Wayne Gacy.
As speculation continues regarding a fifth season, questions arise about when it might debut if the project is greenlit. Production timelines have varied; for instance, the third season focused on Ed Gein was announced in September 2024 and aired by August 2025, while the fourth season was confirmed a year later. Given these timelines, fans will be hoping for more news soon, although no concrete release date has been offered.
For those wishing to indulge in the series thus far, all four seasons—’Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’, ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’, ‘Monster: The Ed Gein Story’, and ‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story’—are currently available for streaming on Netflix.
In summary, while ‘Monster’ has yet to be officially renewed for another season, Murphy and Brennan’s creative vision continues to invite conversation about true crime and its broader implications. Audiences eagerly await updates on a potential fifth season and the fascinating narratives that may emerge from it.