Monster Returns With Lizzie Borden as Its First Female Subject

Lizzie Borden is the first woman to lead Netflix's Monster.

The fourth season, titled Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, is now streaming on Netflix following its 17 September premiere. Monster is an anthology series, meaning each season dramatises a different real-life figure, from creators Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan. Borden is its first female subject, according to Netflix Tudum.

The season revisits a case from 1892. At age 32, Lizzie Borden was tried and acquitted over the axe murders of her father and stepmother in Massachusetts. The killings remain officially unsolved.

Ella Beatty plays Lizzie Borden. She leads an ensemble that centres on the Borden household and the people around it.

Charlie Hunnam plays Andrew Borden, Lizzie's father. Rebecca Hall plays Abby Borden, her stepmother. Billie Lourd portrays Emma, Lizzie's sister, while Vicky Krieps portrays Bridget, the family maid. Joey Pollari plays John Morse, Lizzie's uncle, with Jessica Barden also joining the season 4 cast, according to The Hollywood Reporter and local reporting.

Murphy serves as executive producer. Brennan serves as showrunner, meaning he oversees the day-to-day creative decisions and writing.

This season leans on the long-discussed theory that the never-married Borden was a lesbian. It portrays a relationship between Lizzie and Bridget. Brennan said he believes that theory was true.

For viewers new to the franchise, no prior watching is required. Each Monster season stands alone with its own cast and story. The Borden season was dated for 17 September by Deadline.