Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story is a 2026 American true-crime drama series and the fourth installment in Netflix’s Monster anthology created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan.
The eight-episode limited series stars Ella Beatty, Charlie Hunnam, Rebecca Hall, Billie Lourd, Vicky Krieps, Sarah Paulson, and Jessica Barden.
The story dramatizes the infamous 1892 murders of Andrew and Abby Borden in Fall River, Massachusetts. Lizzie Borden was accused of killing her father and stepmother with a hatchet and became the center of one of America’s earliest media frenzies.
The series explores family dysfunction, female repression, class expectations, and the blurred line between historical fact and cultural mythology.
Netflix releases the series worldwide on September 17, 2026.
Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story Age Rating
Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story is officially rated TV-MA for graphic violence, disturbing crime scenes, sexual content, strong language, and mature psychological themes. This is the same adult-only rating carried by previous Monster anthology seasons.
The series is designed for mature audiences and is not intended for children or most younger teenagers.
Violence and Gore
Violence is the most important area for parents. The axe murders at the heart of the story are shown in brutal, bloody detail, and the series doesn’t look away from them. Several scenes show severed limbs and dismembered bodies, including in a mortuary setting. Other moments include a group of women being attacked and killed with swords, a woman bathing in blood, and the killing of animals. Weapons appear often, and the camera tends to linger on the aftermath. Even viewers used to crime dramas may find some of these scenes hard to watch.
Sexual Content and Nudity
The show includes sexual themes, but it’s less explicit here than with violence. Characters talk about desire and sexual activity, and some intimate moments happen while characters stay clothed. There’s brief upper-body female nudity in scenes where women are dressing or bathing, and a sex toy appears on screen in one moment. The series also explores a possible romantic connection between Lizzie and the family maid, handled in a suggestive rather than graphic way.
Language
The show has less swearing than many TV-MA dramas, but it’s still there. Reviewers noted a range from mild to strong profanity. The series also includes derogatory, prejudiced remarks aimed at Irish characters, which reflect the attitudes of the time but may still be uncomfortable to hear.
Alcohol, Drugs and Smoking
Wine is served at meals and social occasions, and one character drinks heavily and is shown stumbling. Characters smoke pipes and cigarettes, which fits the period. More concerning is a storyline in which a character drinks dangerous chemicals, a disturbing moment that some viewers may find upsetting. The show also references addiction and suicide.
Frightening and Disturbing Content
The whole series has an unsettling, horror-like atmosphere. Along with the murders, the story shows a cold and emotionally abusive home, with a neglectful father and a harsh, belittling stepmother. Mortuary scenes involve disturbing handling of bodies. The heavy mood, dark visuals and psychological tension can be distressing, especially for sensitive viewers.
Themes and Messages
The series raises serious questions about how women were controlled and silenced in the nineteenth century, and about how family cruelty and social pressure might shape a person. It doesn’t offer clear positive role models, though. Lizzie is shown gradually turning towards violence, and the show sometimes seems to sympathise with her. For mature viewers this can lead to interesting discussion, but younger viewers may struggle to separate understanding a character from excusing what she did. Some critics also feel the show focuses on shock more than on meaningful insight.
Is Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–14: No. This series is not appropriate for children or young teens. The graphic violence, disturbing imagery, and mature psychological themes are far beyond this age group.
Ages 15–17: Generally No. Even older teens may find the violence and forensic detail excessive. Only very mature older teenagers who are already comfortable with graphic true-crime or horror content should consider watching, and parental guidance is strongly recommended.
Ages 18+: Yes. The series is clearly aimed at adults who can handle explicit violence and complex historical and psychological themes.
Overall recommendation: 18+ for most viewers; 17+ only for exceptionally mature older teens with parental guidance.
What Parents Can Do
- Watch the first episode yourself before allowing an older teen to view the series.
- Discuss the difference between documented history and dramatized interpretation.
- Talk about healthy relationships, emotional abuse, and how media can shape public perception of real people.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story?
A: The series is officially rated TV-MA for graphic violence, sexual content, strong language, and disturbing mature themes.
Q: Is Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story appropriate for kids?
A: No. The show includes bloody murder scenes, dismembered bodies and a dark, frightening atmosphere that isn’t suitable for children.
Q: Can a 16-year-old watch it?
A: It is generally not recommended. The graphic hatchet murders and psychological intensity are likely too strong for most 16-year-olds.
Q: How graphic is the violence?
A: Very. The axe murders are shown in graphic detail, and there are several scenes with blood, severed limbs and other disturbing imagery.
Q: Is there nudity in the show?
A: Yes, there’s brief female nudity in dressing and bathing scenes, along with sexual themes and suggestive moments. There are no explicit sex scenes.
Q: Where can I watch Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story?
A: The eight-episode limited series premieres September 17, 2026, exclusively on Netflix.