Ryan Murphy is bringing the "40 whacks" to Netflix, and if your teen has already binned the previous Monster installments, they’re likely counting down the days until this one drops. This isn't going to be a dry history lesson; expect the signature Murphy blend of high-fashion cinematography, stomach-churning gore, and a deep, speculative dive into the psychological trauma of the Borden household.
TL;DR: Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story is set to be a stylized, TV-MA retelling of the 1892 axe murders. Based on the trailers and Murphy’s track record with Dahmer, it will be intense, bloody, and highly conversational. It’s a solid pick for older teens who already engage with true crime, provided you’re ready to talk about the line between historical fact and "prestige TV" sensationalism.
Ryan Murphy doesn't do subtle. If you’ve seen American Horror Story or the previous Monster seasons, you know the drill: the colors are saturated, the tension is dialed to eleven, and the violence is visceral. The Lizzie Borden case is famous specifically because of its brutality and the subsequent acquittal, which gives the showrunners plenty of room to play with "what might have happened" behind closed doors.
From the promotional footage, it looks like the series will lean heavily into the claustrophobia of the Borden home in Fall River. This isn't just about the murders; it’s about the stifling social expectations of the 1890s and the internal pressure cooker that led to one of the most famous crimes in American history. If your kid is into period pieces with a dark edge—think The Alienist or the survivalist grit of Yellowjackets—this is going to hit that same spot.
Netflix hasn't been shy about the TV-MA rating. The "Monster" anthology has built its reputation on being unflinching. While the real-life Lizzie Borden was acquitted, the show is expected to depict the murders with the kind of graphic detail that Ryan Murphy fans expect.
If your teen is already a true-crime veteran, the violence likely won't shock them, but it’s worth noting that Murphy often uses gore to underscore psychological breaks. The "axe" isn't just a weapon in this show; it’s a symbol of a total collapse. If you have a kid who is sensitive to domestic violence or intense family dysfunction, this might be one to watch together or skip until they’re a bit more seasoned.
There’s a reason this story has survived for over 130 years. Lizzie Borden represents the ultimate "did she or didn't she?" mystery. For a generation raised on TikTok sleuthing and "unsolved" deep dives, Lizzie is the original influencer of the macabre.
The show will likely capitalize on this by framing Lizzie as a complex, perhaps even sympathetic, figure trapped by the patriarchy of her time. This is where the real value for parents lies. Instead of just watching the blood splatter, use the show to talk about how the media handles female defendants. The "trial of the century" wasn't just about an axe; it was about whether society could believe a "Sunday school teacher" was capable of such a thing.
If your teen is all-in on this series, don't just let the algorithm feed them the next slasher. Turn the "Monster" binge into a bit of a media literacy exercise.
- Fact-check the "40 whacks." The nursery rhyme says forty, the coroner said nineteen and ten. Ask your teen why they think the public exaggerated the numbers. It’s a great lesson in how sensationalism works.
- Discuss the "Murphy Gloss." Ryan Murphy makes everything look beautiful—even a crime scene. Ask your kid if making a murder look "aesthetic" changes how they feel about the victims.
- Compare the eras. Lizzie Borden was a sensation in the 1890s. How would her trial look today on social media? Would she be a "girlboss" icon or a pariah?
If the stylized history of Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story lands well, there are plenty of other ways to keep that interest going without just defaulting to more gore.
- For the "Trial of the Century" fan: The People v. O.J. Simpson is still the gold standard for Murphy’s take on legal drama.
- For the historical mystery buff: Alias Grace on Netflix hits many of the same notes—19th-century female accused of murder—but with a more literary, psychological approach.
- For the "Dark History" reader: Point them toward the best history books for teens that cover the Gilded Age or the evolution of forensic science.
Q: Is Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story appropriate for a 14-year-old?
It’s rated TV-MA for a reason. If your 14-year-old has already seen Dahmer or American Horror Story, they know the level of intensity to expect. If they haven't, be prepared for significant gore and very heavy themes of domestic abuse.
Q: Does the show follow the real history of Lizzie Borden?
Ryan Murphy usually uses history as a canvas rather than a blueprint. It will likely feature the real key players—Andrew and Abby Borden, Emma Borden—but expect plenty of dramatized dialogue and speculative scenes that weren't part of the official court record.
Q: Is it scarier than the Dahmer season?
"Scary" is subjective, but Dahmer focused on a predatory serial killer, which many find more unsettling. Borden looks to be more of a "pressure cooker" psychological thriller. It’s less "stranger danger" and more "family nightmare."
Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story is going to be the biggest thing on the internet the week it drops. It’s stylized, it’s violent, and it’s designed to be talked about. If your teen is in, do it with them. The Borden case is a masterclass in how society views guilt, innocence, and gender—and that’s a conversation worth having, even if it starts with a Ryan Murphy axe.
- Check out our best shows for high schoolers for more mature-rated picks that actually have substance.
- If they’re into the mystery but you want less gore, browse our best mystery movies for families.
- Get a personalized recommendation for your true-crime fan
