Netflix’s Monsters explores Lizzie Borden mystery in first female-focused season

Netflix is strategically evolving its lucrative “Monsters” anthology franchise, announcing its next season will delve into the infamous Lizzie Borden case. The decision marks a significant departure for the series, which previously focused on male subjects, and represents its first installment centered on a female figure.

A Narrative Shift for a Hit Franchise

After achieving massive viewership with seasons dedicated to Jeffrey Dahmer and the Menendez brothers, the shift to the 19th-century Borden mystery signals a deliberate creative pivot. By moving away from the 20th-century serial killer formula, the platform is aiming to broaden the thematic scope of the “Monsters” brand. This move leverages a different kind of true-crime narrative—one rooted in historical ambiguity and folklore rather than documented modern pathology.

Tapping into an Enduring American Mystery

The Lizzie Borden story, concerning the 1892 ax murders of her father and stepmother for which she was acquitted, has remained a subject of intense public fascination for over a century. By selecting this case, Netflix taps into a pre-existing cultural awareness, potentially drawing in audiences interested in historical dramas and unsolved mysteries, in addition to the established true-crime fanbase of the series.

Franchise Longevity and Audience Expansion

This strategic redirection is crucial for the long-term health of the “Monsters” franchise. Introducing a female-led story and a different historical period prevents audience fatigue and keeps the anthology format feeling fresh. It diversifies the content under a recognizable and successful brand umbrella, which is key to maintaining subscriber engagement in a competitive streaming market.

Industry Impact and Future Outlook

The success of this new direction could influence trends within the true-crime genre, encouraging creators to explore a wider range of historical figures and unsolved cases beyond the typical serial killer narrative. For Netflix, a successful Borden season would validate this broader vision for the “Monsters” IP, opening the door for future installments to explore other complex and notorious figures from history, regardless of gender or era. The primary risk lies in deviating from a proven formula, but the potential reward is a more resilient and versatile franchise.