Following the release of the fourth installment of the Monster anthology, showrunner Ian Brennan has revealed a shortlist of potential subjects for future seasons of the Netflix true-crime series. While the series has recently shifted its focus toward historical cases, the creators are considering several of the most notorious serial killers in American history for upcoming chapters.
In discussions regarding the direction of the franchise, Brennan confirmed that the shortlist includes Dennis Rader (known as the BTK Killer), Ted Bundy, and Gary Ridgway (the Green River Killer). These names represent a potential return to the contemporary serial killer format that defined the show’s first season, which focused on Jeffrey Dahmer, and its third season, centered on Ed Gein.
The Consideration of Recent Cases
Brennan also addressed the possibility of adapting more recent headlines, specifically mentioning Luigi Mangione. Mangione is the individual accused in the December 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. While the case garnered significant national attention, Brennan indicated that the production team “toyed with” the idea but suggested it might be too recent for the show’s current trajectory. This caution aligns with the series’ typical development cycle, which often relies on a greater historical distance to provide social or psychological commentary.
Season 4 Context and Cast Crossovers
The current iteration, Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, premiered on Netflix on September 17, 2026. This season marks a departure from modern serial killers, focusing instead on the 1892 double murder of Andrew and Abby Borden. According to a review by The Guardian, the production continues the franchise’s trend of high-profile casting and dual-narrative structures.
Season 4 features notable actor crossovers within the anthology. Charlie Hunnam, who portrayed Ed Gein in the series’ third season, returns to play Andrew Borden. Additionally, long-time Ryan Murphy collaborator Sarah Paulson appears in the season as Aileen Wuornos during flashback sequences, further expanding the “monsters” represented within the series’ timeline.
As of September 2026, Netflix has not officially greenlit a fifth season of the anthology. The confirmation of a shortlist suggests that while development and research are ongoing, the streaming platform has yet to finalize which “monster” will lead the next chapter of the series.
