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‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story’ Release Date Set — Chilling First Look
Netflix Announces "Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story" – Coming September 17
What’s the Big News?
Netflix just gave us our first look and a release date for the next chapter in Ryan Murphy’s hit Monster anthology series. Mark your calendars: Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story premieres September 17 on Netflix.
This season tells the infamous true story of Lizzie Borden – the young woman who allegedly took an axe to her father and stepmother in 1892, shocking America and creating a legend that still fascinates us today.
Meet the Cast
The series features an all-star lineup bringing this historical mystery to life:
| Actor | Role | Who They Play |
|---|---|---|
| Ella Beatty | Lizzie Borden | The "repressed daughter" at the center of the mystery |
| Vicky Krieps | Bridget Sullivan | The family’s maid – Lizzie’s rebellious confidante |
| Rebecca Hall | Abby Borden | Lizzie’s stepmother |
| Charlie Hunnam | Andrew Borden | Lizzie’s wealthy, strict father |
Additional cast members include:
- Billie Lourd
- Joey Pollari
- Sarah Paulson
- Jessica Barden
Fun Fact: This is the first female "monster" in the anthology series. Previous seasons focused on Jeffrey Dahmer and the Menendez brothers.
What’s the Story About?
Per the official logline, here’s the setup:
When the repressed daughter of a wealthy New England family and her rebellious maid find themselves trapped in a house built on humiliation and cruelty, they escape into a fantasy of sex, power, and revenge. The gruesome unsolved murders that follow don’t just shock the world—they give birth to an icon who refuses to live imprisoned in a cage, choosing instead to forge her own legend: shocking, monstrous, and gloriously free.
In plain English: Think Thelma & Louise meets American Horror Story in 1890s Massachusetts. Two women – one rich, one a servant – bond over their miserable lives in a toxic household. Then… the axes come out.
First Look Photos
Netflix released several first-look images showing:
- Ella Beatty as Lizzie – covered in blood, looking equal parts terrified and fierce
- Rebecca Hall as Abby Borden – the stepmother in period-perfect Victorian attire
- Charlie Hunnam as Andrew Borden – the stern patriarch
- Vicky Krieps as Bridget Sullivan – the maid who becomes Lizzie’s partner in crime (maybe literally)
- Oliver Spenceman as Stephen – another household member
Want to see more? Check out the full character gallery comparing actors to their real-life counterparts here.
The Real History Behind the Show
Who was the real Lizzie Borden?
- The Crime: On August 4, 1892, in Fall River, Massachusetts, Andrew and Abby Borden were brutally hacked to death with an axe
- The Suspect: Their 32-year-old daughter Lizzie was the prime suspect
- The Trial: A media sensation – one of America’s first "trials of the century"
- The Verdict: Lizzie was acquitted – but the public never stopped debating her guilt
- The Legacy: The rhyme "Lizzie Borden took an axe / And gave her mother forty whacks…" became playground folklore
Previous adaptations:
- The Lizzie Borden Chronicles (Lifetime) – starring Christina Ricci
- Lizzie (2018 film) – starring Chloë Sevigny as Lizzie, Kristen Stewart as the maid
Who’s Making This?
Creators & Writers:
- Ryan Murphy – Mastermind behind American Horror Story, Glee, Pose, Dahmer
- Ian Brennan – Murphy’s longtime collaborator (Glee, The Politician)
Executive Producers:
Murphy, Brennan, Max Winkler, Eric Kovtun, Scott Robertson, Louise Shore, Nissa Diederich, Todd Kubrak, Carl Franklin, Tanase Popa
Directors:
- Max Winkler
- Sarah Adina Smith
Important Points to Remember
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Premiere Date: September 17, 2025 (mark it!)
- Platform: Netflix exclusive
- Format: Anthology – each season is a standalone story
- Tone: Psychological horror meets historical drama
- Unique Angle: Focuses on the relationship between Lizzie and her maid, not just the murders
Summary
Netflix’s Monster anthology returns for its third chapter with Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, premiering September 17. Starring Ella Beatty as the infamous axe murder suspect, alongside Vicky Krieps, Rebecca Hall, and Charlie Hunnam, this season reimagines the 1892 Fall River murders through a modern psychological lens – exploring how two women trapped in a cruel household might have forged a deadly bond. Created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, the series promises the same lush production values and twisted storytelling that made Dahmer a global phenomenon.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to watch the previous Monster seasons first?
A: Nope! Each season is a completely standalone story with new characters and actors. You can jump right in.
Q: Is this based on a true story?
A: Yes – the 1892 Borden murders are real historical events. But like previous Monster seasons, expect dramatic interpretation and creative liberties.
Q: Why is it called "Monster" if she was acquitted?
A: The anthology explores how society creates monsters through media frenzy, prejudice, and storytelling. Lizzie became a "monster" in the public imagination regardless of the verdict.
Q: Will there be more seasons after this?
A: Netflix hasn’t officially announced Season 4, but given the franchise’s success, it’s very likely. There’s already a related Monster: The Ed Gein Story gallery up on Deadline.
Q: Where can I watch the trailer?
A: As of this announcement, only first-look photos have been released. Keep an eye on Netflix’s social channels for a trailer drop closer to September!
Ready for a bloody good time this fall? The countdown to September 17 starts now.
