Imagine diving into the chilling tales of real-life monsters that have haunted history—now, Netflix's hit anthology series Monster is gearing up for its fourth season, and it's bound to spark even more debates about justice, fame, and the dark side of human nature. But here's where it gets controversial: as we unpack the latest news, you'll see how this show doesn't just retell stories—it reimagines them in ways that can polarize viewers. Stick around, because the twists in this announcement might just change how you view true crime entertainment forever.
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The ten-part series Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (check out our in-depth review right here: https://www.joblo.com/netflix-dahmer-monster-the-jeffrey-dahmer-story-tv-review/) became a massive hit for Netflix back in 2022, prompting the streaming giant to greenlight two additional seasons from its talented creators, Ian Brennan and Ryan Murphy, the mastermind behind American Horror Story. The second installment, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story, dropped a year ago and stirred up real-world conversations about the lives of its subjects (learn more about their parole eligibility here: https://www.joblo.com/menendez-eligible-for-parole/). Just before that season launched last September, news broke that Sons of Anarchy star Charlie Hunnam had joined the cast to portray the infamous killer and grave robber Ed Gein in Monster season 3, titled The Ed Gein Story. That episode just hit screens recently—and now, according to The Hollywood Reporter (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/monster-season-4-lizzie-borden-charlie-hunnam-ella-beatty-1236396688/), production on season 4 is already underway!
This upcoming chapter will explore the infamous saga of Lizzie Borden. The ensemble cast features rising talent Ella Beatty (Feud: Capote vs. The Swans) stepping into the role of Lizzie Borden herself; Rebecca Hall (Godzilla vs. Kong) as her stepmother, Abby; Vicky Krieps (Phantom Thread) portraying the family's maid, Bridget Sullivan; Charlie Hunnam reprising his role as Lizzie's father, Andrew Borden; Billie Lourd (Scream Queens) as Lizzie's elder sister, Emma Borden; and Jessica Barden (American Horror Stories) depicting Nance O’Neill, a theatrical performer whose deep bond with Lizzie strained her relationship with Emma.
Max Winkler, who shares a marriage with Barden, is helming the inaugural episode, with shooting currently taking place in Los Angeles.
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As Variety recently highlighted, Lizzie Borden resided in Massachusetts during the late 19th century. In 1892, she faced accusations of axing her father and stepmother to death in their family home. Though she was ultimately cleared of the charges, the savage brutality of the killings captivated the entire nation and cemented her spot in cultural lore. For those new to this tale, think of it as a real-life mystery that feels like something out of a gothic novel—where a seemingly ordinary woman becomes the center of a scandal that questions innocence and guilt. Her legacy endures so strongly in pop culture that Christina Ricci took on the lead in a 2014 Lifetime movie titled Lizzie Borden Took an Ax, followed by the 2015 limited series The Lizzie Borden Chronicles, which fictionalized her life after the trial. Then, in 2018, Chloë Sevigny starred in the feature film Lizzie, alongside Kristen Stewart as Bridget Sullivan, Lizzie's supposed romantic partner—a portrayal that adds layers of speculation about her personal life and motivations.
And this is the part most people miss: after witnessing how season 3 handled the Ed Gein narrative with what some saw as creative liberties, I'm not entirely thrilled about the direction the series might take next. While our own Alex Maidy praised it in his review (https://www.joblo.com/monster-the-ed-gein-story-tv-review-charlie-hunnam-channels-pure-evil-in-the-latest-entry-in-ryan-murphys-true-crime-anthology/) as the strongest entry yet, I found it frustrating because I craved a more faithful retelling than what Murphy, Brennan, and their team delivered. For instance, the depiction of Alfred Hitchcock came across as particularly off-base, blending fact with fiction in a way that might confuse newcomers to the story. This raises a bigger question: should true crime shows prioritize historical accuracy, or is artistic interpretation fair game to make the tales more engaging? It's a debate that divides fans—some argue for sticking close to the facts to honor the victims, while others see room for dramatization to explore psychological depths.
Are you eager to see how Monster season 4 reinterprets the Lizzie Borden legend? Do you think the series should lean more toward truth or take bolder creative risks? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own take on balancing reality with entertainment in true crime storytelling.
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Horror News Editor
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