- Ella Beatty stars as Lizzie Borden in “Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story.”
- The series is the fourth season of the Netflix anthology, Monster.
- All eight episodes will release globally on Netflix on September 17, 2026.
- Beatty’s recent credits include FX’s Feud: Capote vs. The Swans and Broadway’s Appropriate.
- The season re-examines the 1892 Fall River ax murders and Borden’s subsequent trial.
The 1892 Fall River ax murders, a case that has permeated American folklore, will be revisited in a new Netflix series. Ella Beatty portrays Lizzie Borden, the central figure accused of the brutal killings. This adaptation, titled “Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story,” marks the fourth installment in the critically acclaimed Monster anthology.
The series promises to explore the historical nuances and psychological depths of the events. It aims to shed new light on the enduring questions surrounding the murders of Andrew and Abby Borden. The narrative will unfold across eight episodes.
What looks like a modern true-crime sensation actually started over a century ago. The Borden case remains a touchstone for discussions on justice, societal pressures, and the reliability of evidence.
The Enduring Mystery of Fall River
The murders occurred on August 4, 1892, in Fall River, Massachusetts. Andrew Borden, a wealthy businessman, and his wife, Abby Borden, were found dead in their home. Both had been killed with an ax.
Lizzie Borden, Andrew’s younger daughter from his first marriage, quickly became the primary suspect. Her calm demeanor and the lack of other viable suspects fueled public suspicion. The case generated intense media scrutiny.
The trial that followed was a national spectacle. Despite strong circumstantial evidence, Lizzie Borden was acquitted in 1893. The verdict left many unconvinced of her innocence, and the case officially remains unsolved.
Ella Beatty’s Rising Profile
Ella Beatty, an American actress, takes on the challenging role of Lizzie Borden. Her casting brings a contemporary talent to a historical character shrouded in infamy. Beatty’s recent work demonstrates her range and commitment to complex roles.
In 2024, Beatty appeared in the FX series Feud: Capote vs. The Swans. This role showcased her ability to navigate period dramas. The same year, she made her Broadway debut in the play Appropriate, earning critical praise.
Her theatrical career continued with an off-Broadway production of Henrik Ibsen’s Ghosts in 2025. Currently, Beatty is starring in Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes off-Broadway. This production runs from March 17 to April 20, 2026, further solidifying her presence in the New York theater scene.
The Monster Anthology Approach
“Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story” is the latest iteration of the Monster anthology series. Previous seasons have explored other notorious figures and crimes, including Jeffrey Dahmer. The series format allows for deep dives into the lives and contexts of its subjects.
Each season aims to provide a comprehensive, often unsettling, look at its chosen subject. The focus extends beyond the crime itself to the societal factors and personal histories involved. This approach aligns with the cultural defense theme often associated with the Borden case.
The show’s creators often employ a meticulous research process. This ensures historical accuracy while crafting a compelling narrative. The goal is to provoke thought and re-evaluation of well-known stories.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The Lizzie Borden case has inspired countless books, films, and television shows. It has become a cultural touchstone for true crime enthusiasts and historians alike. The rhyme, “Lizzie Borden took an ax, and gave her mother forty whacks; when she saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one,” is widely known.
This new Netflix series contributes to the ongoing cultural conversation. It offers a fresh interpretation for a new generation of viewers. The series will likely reignite debates about Borden’s guilt or innocence.
The enduring fascination with the case speaks to fundamental questions about human nature. It also addresses the complexities of the justice system. The story continues to resonate more than 130 years later.
The ax fell. The verdict was read. The questions lingered. The legend grew. The story returned.
Fall River.
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What is “Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story”?
“Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story” is the upcoming fourth season of the Netflix anthology series Monster. It dramatizes the infamous 1892 Fall River ax murders and the trial of Lizzie Borden, who was accused of the crimes.
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Who stars as Lizzie Borden in the new series?
Ella Beatty, an American actress known for her roles in Feud: Capote vs. The Swans and Broadway’s Appropriate, stars as Lizzie Borden in “Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story.”
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When will “Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story” be released?
All eight episodes of “Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story” are scheduled for a worldwide release on Netflix on September 17, 2026.
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What other projects has Ella Beatty been in recently?
In addition to her role as Lizzie Borden, Ella Beatty appeared in FX’s Feud: Capote vs. The Swans (2024), made her Broadway debut in Appropriate (2024), starred in an off-Broadway production of Ghosts (2025), and is currently in Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes (March-April 2026) off-Broadway.
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Why is the Lizzie Borden case still famous?
The Lizzie Borden case remains famous due to the brutal nature of the 1892 murders, the sensational trial, and Borden’s controversial acquittal. The lack of a definitive solution has fueled public fascination and speculation for over a century, making it a classic true crime mystery.
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