tv · true crime
How 'Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story' Compares to Real Life
Published · Updated
TL;DR
Netflix's 'Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story' reimagines the 1892 axe murders with invented relationships and feminist themes, straying far from the real unsolved case.
Why now
The show's release on September 17, 2026, reignites public interest in one of America's most infamous unsolved murders, coinciding with ongoing debates about true-crime ethics.
Agree / conflict
Critics and historians agree the series is more fiction than fact, but conflict arises over whether such dramatic license is ethical when dealing with real violence.
Takeaway
Enjoy the series as a fantasy of female empowerment, but for the true story, consult historical sources like Cara Robertson's book.
Netflix's Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story takes significant creative liberties with the 1892 Fall River axe murders, a case that remains unsolved after Lizzie Borden's acquittal. The show assumes Lizzie's guilt from the start and invents a romantic relationship between her and the maid Bridget Sullivan, which historian Cara Robertson dismisses as unlikely given the real Lizzie never even learned Bridget's name. The series also weaves in a subplot involving serial killer Aileen Wuornos, a decision critics call exploitative and tangential.
The Vulture and BBC articles highlight how the show reimagines historical figures with modern feminist motivations: Abby Borden becomes a bitter woman aware of her own oppression, while Bridget is transformed into a worldly radical. In reality, the Bordens were a frugal, strained family, and the maid was a shy immigrant who quickly left Fall River after testifying. The nursery rhyme 'Lizzie Borden took an axe' remains more famous than the facts—the real weapon was a hatchet, and the number of blows was far fewer.
FAQ
Did Lizzie Borden really kill her parents?
The case is unsolved. She was tried and acquitted, but many historians believe she was likely guilty. The show assumes her guilt for dramatic purposes.
Was there a romantic relationship between Lizzie and Bridget?
No historical evidence supports this. It is a fictional invention popularized by Evan Hunter's 1984 novel. The real Lizzie called Bridget by the wrong name, 'Maggie.'
Why does the show include Aileen Wuornos?
Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan link Lizzie Borden with Wuornos to explore female rage, but critics see it as a gratuitous exploitation of a real, tragic case.
How accurate is the nursery rhyme about Lizzie Borden?
The rhyme exaggerates the number of blows (40 and 41 instead of 10 and 11) and incorrectly says she used an axe; it was a hatchet.
What did Lizzie do after her acquittal?
She and her sister Emma bought a house on 'the Hill' in Fall River, but Lizzie was shunned. She later became estranged from Emma and never married.
Sources
Canonical URL: /trend/2026/how-monster-the-lizzie-borden-story-compares-to-real-life
Disclaimer
Digests summarize public sources. They are not advice, forecasts, or a complete record of every trend.
This digest was compiled by Yanuki using publicly available data and trending information. The content may summarize or reference third-party sources that have not been independently verified. While we aim to provide timely and accurate insights, the information presented may be incomplete or outdated.
All content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Yanuki makes no representations or warranties regarding the reliability or completeness of the information.
This digest may include links to external sources for further context. These links are provided for convenience only and do not imply endorsement.
Always do your own research (DYOR) before making any decisions based on the information presented.