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 & Peril
Violence is the biggest concern for parents. The show contains frequent and graphic depictions of hatchet and axe attacks, including severe blunt-force trauma, blood spray, mutilation, and detailed injury effects. Crime scenes are shown in a realistic and often prolonged manner.
Viewers also see morgue and forensic imagery, discussions of autopsies, skull examinations, and re-creations of historical evidence. The atmosphere is tense and unsettling throughout the series.
Language
Strong profanity is used regularly. The dialogue includes coarse language and emotionally abusive exchanges between family members and other characters.
Mature Themes
The series explores domestic abuse, emotional manipulation, isolation, mental instability, grief, repression, and societal control of women. Sexual themes include sensuality, intimacy, and non-explicit to moderately graphic sexual situations.
Although the show is based on a historical case, it uses stylized dramatic storytelling that can make the psychological material feel especially intense.
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 series contains explicit violence and disturbing forensic imagery that make it unsuitable 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 graphic. The series shows detailed axe attacks, blood-soaked crime scenes, severe head injuries, and morgue-related imagery.
Q: Does the series contain sexual content?
A: Yes. It includes sensuality, intimate situations, and some moderately graphic sexual material.
Q: Where can I watch Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story?
A: The eight-episode limited series premieres September 17, 2026, exclusively on Netflix.