Here Are the Shows You Need to Watch After ‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story’

True crime dramas that examine historical atrocities, infamous trials, and enigmatic figures offer viewers a compelling look into the darker chapters of criminal history. Stories centered on complex suspects, psychological motives, and period-accurate investigations combine archival intrigue with dramatic narrative tension.

Audiences drawn to the courtroom battles, sensationalized headlines, and period atmospheres of notorious real-life cases can explore a broad range of high-caliber television series. These productions reconstruct real-life investigations, dramatic re-enactments, and the societal pressures that often influence criminal acts.

‘The Lizzie Borden Chronicles’ (2015)

Serving as a direct continuation of the television film, ‘The Lizzie Borden Chronicles’ follows Lizzie Borden as she attempts to start a new life following her acquittal. Christina Ricci reprises her titular role alongside Clea DuVall, who returns as Lizzie’s elder sister Emma. The narrative takes creative liberties by depicting a string of fictional mysterious deaths surrounding the Borden sisters in the aftermath of the 1892 murders. Charlie Siringo, a determined Pinkerton detective played by Cole Hauser, investigates the suspicious occurrences to uncover the truth behind Lizzie’s innocence.

‘Alias Grace’ (2017)

Based on Margaret Atwood’s historical novel, ‘Alias Grace’ dramatizes the real-life 1843 double murders of Thomas Kinnear and Nancy Montgomery in Upper Canada. The miniseries follows Grace Marks, an Irish immigrant and domestic servant who is convicted of the crimes and sentenced to life imprisonment. Dr. Simon Jordan conducts a series of psychiatric evaluations on Grace to determine whether she should be pardoned on the grounds of insanity. Through extended narrative flashbacks, the six-part series explores themes of class, gender dynamics, and the reliability of memory in historical criminal justice.

‘Candy’ (2022)

Set in 1980 Texas, ‘Candy’ depicts the real-life events leading up to the axe murder of suburban housewife Betty Gore. Jessica Biel stars as Candy Montgomery, a seemingly idyllic homemaker who engages in an extramarital affair with her neighbor’s husband. Melanie Lynskey portrays Betty Gore, whose confrontation with Candy culminates in a violent encounter resulting in forty-one axe wounds. The five-night event series focuses on the subsequent trial, where Montgomery’s defense team argues that the fatal altercation occurred in self-defense.

‘Love & Death’ (2023)

Developed by David E. Kelley, ‘Love & Death’ offers another detailed dramatization of the 1980 Candy Montgomery murder case. Elizabeth Olsen portrays Candy Montgomery, while Jesse Plemons stars as Allan Gore, the man at the center of their illicit romance. The miniseries chronicles the community church environment, the breakdown of marital satisfaction, and the psychological buildup before the killing. Legal proceedings form the climax of the narrative as defense attorney Don Crowder navigates intense media scrutiny and community backlash.

‘The Alienist’ (2018–2020)

Set in 1896 New York City, ‘The Alienist’ follows criminal psychologist Dr. Laszlo Kreizler as he investigates a string of ritualistic murders targeting young boy prostitutes. Kreizler partners with newspaper illustrator John Moore and ambitious police secretary Sara Howard to conduct unauthorized forensic investigations. The series showcases early psychological profiling techniques and emerging forensic sciences during the late nineteenth century. Future United States President Theodore Roosevelt appears as the newly appointed New York City Police Commissioner overseeing the department.

‘The Act’ (2019)

Based on the true story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, ‘The Act’ explores the toxic relationship between an overprotective mother and her daughter. Patricia Arquette stars as Dee Dee Blanchard, who subjects her daughter to extensive medical treatments through Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another. Joey King portrays Gypsy Rose as she uncovers her mother’s deceit and orchestrates a desperate plan to escape her confinement. The eight-episode true crime drama traces the events leading directly to Dee Dee’s murder by Gypsy and her online boyfriend.

‘Dirty John’ (2018–2020)

‘Dirty John’ is an anthology series that explores how toxic relationships and manipulation can culminate in deadly criminal acts. The second season, titled ‘The Betty Broderick Story’, chronicles the high-profile 1989 double homicide of Dan Broderick and his new wife Linda. Amanda Peet stars as Betty Broderick, capturing the psychological unraveling that led to her bitter divorce and eventual courtroom trial. Christian Slater co-stars as Dan, illustrating the legal and emotional warfare that gripped Southern California across two decades.

‘American Crime Story’ (2016–Present)

Created by Ryan Murphy, ‘American Crime Story’ examines famous historical true crime events that captivated national media attention. The anthology began with ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson’, focusing on the intricate legal maneuvers and racial tensions of the 1995 murder trial. Subsequent seasons dramatized the assassination of fashion designer Gianni Versace and the presidential impeachment scandal surrounding Bill Clinton. Each installment utilizes extensive court transcripts, biographies, and investigative reporting to recreate high-stakes historical dramas.

‘Why Women Kill’ (2019–2021)

Created by Marc Cherry, ‘Why Women Kill’ is a darkly comedic anthology series focusing on women navigating marital infidelity that leads to bloodshed. The first season follows three different women living across three distinct decades in the same Pasadena mansion: 1963, 1984, and 2019. Ginnifer Goodwin, Lucy Liu, and Kirby Howell-Baptiste portray the central protagonists dealing with betrayal from their respective spouses. The second season shifts focus to 1949, examining social climbing, secret burials, and domestic deception in post-war suburban California.

‘Monster’ (2022–Present)

Created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, ‘Monster’ is an anthology series examining notorious serial killers and high-profile criminal cases. The first installment, ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’, focuses on the horrific crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer and the systemic institutional failures that enabled them. Evan Peters stars as Dahmer, while Niecy Nash portrays Glenda Cleveland, a neighbor whose repeated warnings went unheeded by law enforcement. The second season, titled ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’, investigates the infamous 1989 shotgun killings of Jose and Kitty Menendez.

‘Mindhunter’ (2017–2019)

Directed primarily by David Fincher, ‘Mindhunter’ depicts the origins of the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit during the late 1970s. Special Agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench travel across the United States interviewing incarcerated serial murderers to understand criminal psychology. Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany lead the cast alongside Anna Torv, who plays psychology professor Wendy Carr. The series highlights real-life historical figures such as Ed Kemper, Montie Rissell, Jerry Brudos, and Charles Manson.

‘Under the Banner of Heaven’ (2022)

Adapted from Jon Krakauer’s non-fiction book, ‘Under the Banner of Heaven’ investigates the 1984 murders of Brenda Lafferty and her infant daughter in Utah. Andrew Garfield stars as Detective Jeb Pyre, a devout Latter-day Saint investigator whose faith is tested while solving the brutal crime. The investigation leads Pyre and his partner to uncover extreme fundamentalist beliefs within a prominent local family. Through investigative police work and historical flashbacks, the miniseries explores religious extremism and modern forensic procedure.

‘The Thing About Pam’ (2022)

Based on coverage from the newsmagazine ‘Dateline NBC’, ‘The Thing About Pam’ details the 2011 murder of Betsy Faria in Missouri. Renée Zellweger stars as Pam Hupp, a seemingly helpful friend who orchestrates an elaborate web of lies to frame Betsy’s husband Russ. Josh Duhamel plays defense attorney Joel Schwartz, who works to overturn Russ Faria’s wrongful conviction amidst police oversight. The limited series highlights how administrative incompetence and manipulative behavior prolonged the pursuit of justice for years.

‘The Serpent’ (2021)

Co-produced by the BBC and Netflix, ‘The Serpent’ chronicles the crimes of French serial killer and con artist Charles Sobhraj during the mid-1970s. Tahar Rahim portrays Sobhraj, who targeted and murdered Western tourists traveling along the Hippie Trail of Southeast Asia. Jenna Coleman plays his loyal accomplice Marie-Andrée Leclerc, while Billy Howle stars as Herman Knippenberg, a Dutch diplomat who relentlessly pursues them. The eight-part period drama utilizes non-linear timelines to depict Sobhraj’s evasions of international law enforcement agencies across multiple countries.

‘Rillington Place’ (2016)

Set during the 1940s and 1950s in London, ‘Rillington Place’ recounts the heinous crimes committed by English serial killer John Christie. Tim Roth portrays Christie, who concealed the bodies of multiple women, including his own wife, inside his Notting Hill flat. Samantha Morton plays Ethel Christie, while Nico Mirallegro portrays Timothy Evans, an illiterate tenant falsely accused and executed for Christie’s murders. The three-part BBC miniseries played a role in dramatizing the historic miscarriage of justice that heavily contributed to the abolition of capital punishment in the United Kingdom.

Share your thoughts and recommendations for your favorite period true crime series in the comments.