Lizzie Borden: Fact vs. Fiction on Netflix's New 'Monster'

The fourth installment of Ryan Murphy's 'Monster' anthology series, 'The Lizzie Borden Story,' premiered on Netflix on September 17, 2026. Ella Beatty stars as Lizzie Borden, famously acquitted in 1892 for the brutal hatchet murders of her father and stepmother in Fall River, Massachusetts.

The series draws inspiration from historical facts but introduces fictional elements. Andrew Borden's business dealings, including his furniture and coffin shop, are depicted, though claims of body mutilation are unsubstantiated. Real-life health issues like Lizzie's supposed painful periods and imperforate hymen are also fictionalized.

Furthermore, the series explores events leading up to the murders, such as a suspected poisoning attempt via bad oysters and the alleged purchase of prussic acid. It also examines the potential involvement of John Morse, a suspect with an alibi, and questions the nature of Lizzie's relationship with her family's maid, Bridget Sullivan.

While the series posits a romantic connection between Lizzie and Bridget and their joint plotting of the murders, historical records show no evidence of this. Bridget's testimony provided a clear account of her actions. The murder of Bertha Manchester, a Borden family friend, is also portrayed differently, with Jose Correa de Mello being the convicted perpetrator in reality.

Notably, the series connects Lizzie's story to Aileen Wuornos, exploring themes of female rage, though no real-life link exists. The true acquittal of Lizzie Borden is presented, alongside the strained relationship between Lizzie and her sister Emma, which began around 1904 and led to their estrangement.