Monster Anthology: Creator Ian Brennan Outlines 10-Season Roadmap for Netflix Hit
As of September 2026, the Monster anthology series has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of Netflix’s true crime portfolio. Following the successful launch of its fourth installment, The Lizzie Borden Story, co-creator Ian Brennan has confirmed an ambitious long-term vision: a 10-season arc for the franchise.
A Strategic Vision for Longevity
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Brennan clarified that while he and co-creator Ryan Murphy are aiming for a 10-season run, the process is far from a formulaic assembly line. The creators maintain a rigorous selection process to ensure each subject holds the psychological depth required to sustain a seven-to-ten-hour narrative.
“We want to do 10 of them,” Brennan stated, noting that the team often explores multiple potential subjects simultaneously, abandoning those that fail to meet their stringent criteria for narrative complexity.
Spotlight on Season 4: The Lizzie Borden Story
The latest chapter, The Lizzie Borden Story, marks a stylistic shift for the franchise. Moving away from standard procedural tropes, the season explores the 1892 axe murders through a lens of domestic confinement and psychological tension. The production features a high-profile ensemble cast, including Ella Beatty as Lizzie Borden, Charlie Hunnam, Rebecca Hall, and Vicky Krieps.
Navigating Controversy and Ethics
The Monster series has consistently sparked public debate regarding the ethics of dramatizing real-life tragedies. Critics and victims’ families have frequently labeled the show as “sensationalized violence.”
Brennan and Murphy defend the project by asserting that their goal is to provide a deep-dive psychological analysis, an approach they argue offers more insight into the “why” behind criminal behavior than traditional documentaries. This commitment to “prestige true crime,” characterized by high-end cinematography and award-winning performances, has proven to be a massive draw for Netflix audiences, ensuring the show remains a ratings juggernaut despite the backlash.
The Road Ahead
With four seasons now completed, the creative team remains fluid in their planning for the remaining six installments. Rather than adhering to a rigid, pre-determined list, Brennan and Murphy “toggle between” various historical figures, prioritizing narratives that offer the most compelling psychological exploration.
Key Facts at a Glance:
– Format: Long-form, psychological true-crime anthology.
– Core Team: Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan.
– Current Status: 4 seasons released; 6 additional seasons planned.
– Availability: All current seasons are streaming exclusively on Netflix.
As the franchise moves toward its 10-season goal, the Monster series continues to serve as a polarizing but undeniable force in modern television, challenging the boundaries between historical dramatization and psychological horror.
