Ryan Murphy attending a red carpet event for a television premiere
TV & Film

Ryan Murphy's 'Monster' Pivots to Lizzie Borden For First Female-Led Season

The hit true-crime anthology is ditching modern serial killers for a 19th-century scandal.

By Rae MitchellPublished Updated 2 min read

Television creator Ryan Murphy is taking his wildly popular Monster anthology series into entirely new creative territory. The next chapter of the hit true-crime franchise is officially shifting its focus away from modern serial killers and heading straight into one of the most famous historical scandals in American history. For the very first time since the television property debuted on screen, a female figure will take center stage as the central subject. According to reports, the upcoming project—titled Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story—trades contemporary courtrooms for the corseted drama of the late 19th century. The infamous double-axe murder case in Massachusetts has captivated the public imagination for over a century, making it a natural fit for Murphy's signature style of high-voltage drama and dark psychological storytelling. ## What is Ryan Murphy's next Monster season about? This shift to the Victorian era represents a major evolution for the anthology brand. Earlier chapters of the franchise concentrated on more recent decades and contemporary crime figures. By taking the storyline back to the 1800s, the series is swapping out modern police investigations for period costumes, strict societal expectations, and classic historical mystery. The choice to highlight Lizzie Borden also breaks new ground for the franchise's overarching structure. Rather than relying on another male killer to drive the narrative, placing a woman at the absolute center of the scandal offers a brand-new lens on how society consumes high-profile criminal cases across different eras. ## Who is starring in Monster The Lizzie Borden Story? Specific details concerning casting choices, full character rosters, and official premiere dates have not yet been revealed by the studio. Despite the lack of confirmed casting announcements, interest surrounding who will land the coveted title role is already building rapidly across social media platforms and fan communities. With a historical setting, a female-driven plot, and a fresh aesthetic approach, the upcoming season promises to deliver another massive pop-culture moment for television viewers. Fans of the franchise can expect plenty of tension, period-accurate detail, and dramatic twists as production details continue to surface.

More like this

Get the pop news brief

One daily email. The biggest celebrity, music and TV stories, no filler.

Reader reaction

Loading comments…

People also ask

What is the next season of Ryan Murphy's Monster about?
The upcoming season, titled Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, focuses on the infamous 19th-century Massachusetts murder scandal.
Who is playing Lizzie Borden in Monster?
Official casting announcements for the lead role and supporting characters have not yet been released.
Is Lizzie Borden the first female lead in the Monster franchise?
Yes, this season marks the first time the true-crime anthology series centers on a female subject.