Netflix is set to premiere Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story on September 17. This eighth-episode anthology, created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, explores the infamous 1892 New England axe murders.
The 22% Rotten Tomatoes hurdle for Ryan Murphy
The upcoming Lizzie Borden series faces significant critical scrutiny following the polarizing reception of Monster: The Ed Gein Story. As the report says, the third season earned a low 22% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics dismissing it as "pulpy and sloppy" sensationalism. This follows a massive trajectory for the franchise, which previously saw the Dahmer season surpass 1 billion viewing hours.
Despite the recent critical backlash,the Monster anthology has established itself as a major player in the true-crime genre. The series has earned 23 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, signaling a level of industry recognition that contrasts sharply with the "rage bait" accusations leveled at its most recent installment.
An 1892 New England mystery of axes and acquittal
The new series focuses on the unsolved 1892 murders of a wealthy New England family. lizzie Borden was famously tried and acquitted for the axe murders of her father and stepmother, a case that remains an enduring American mystery. The narrative will likely explore the tension between public suspicion and the lack of formal charges.
Historical accounts mentioned in the report suggest that Borden was caught attempting to buy poison before the murders occurred. Additionally,her alibis were noted to be constantly shifting,yet she was never found guilty in a court of law.. The series will likely lean into the cultural weight of the "forty whacks" rhyme that has defined the case for over a century.
An eight-episode ensemble featuring Sarah Paulson and Rebecca Hall
Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan have assembled a high-profile cast for the eight-episode run scheduled for late September . The series features Ella Beatty, Vicky Krieps, Billie Lourd, Joey Pollari, Sarah Paulson, Jessica Barden, and Rebecca Hall.
Charlie Hunnam is also set to appear in the production, following his role as the gruesome Ed Gein in the third season. This casting choice keeps a sense of continuity within the anthology while introducing a new set of characters to the Monster universe.
Can the series move past the "sensationalism" of the Ed Gein season?
A central question for the Lizzie Borden installment is whether it can avoid the "misinformation" and "rage bait" labels that plagued its predecessor. Critics have argued that the Ed Gein season felt more like a product of sensationalism than a thoughtful biographical drama.
It remains to be seen if the production will address the historical complexities of the Borden case or if it will prioritize the "wildest" and most "shocking" elements of the story. The success of the series will likely depend on whether it can satisfy both the massive audience that watched the Dahmer season and the critics who found the Gein season lacking .
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