Monster Showrunner Ian Brennan Just Shut Down a Major Season 5 Theory

The Monster universe has fans in a frenzy—and for good reason.

Season 4 just dropped, delivering the chilling story of Lizzie Borden and her infamous case that shocked 1890s America. But here's what's got everyone theorizing: Does this historical deep dive contain hidden clues about who Monster will spotlight next?

Not so fast, according to the man who knows best.

Showrunner Ian Brennan, 48, sat down exclusively with Us Magazine to address the burning question on every fan's mind. And his answer might surprise you—especially if you've been hunting for Easter eggs.

So what did Brennan actually say about whether Season 4 hints at Season 5's mysterious next subject? The answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no.

The Monster anthology franchise has become a cultural phenomenon since its debut. Each season zeros in on a different true crime case, transforming shocking real-world events into prestige television that captivates millions.

From the trial of Lyle and Erik Menendez to the twisted world of Jeffrey Dahmer, Ryan Murphy's brainchild has mastered the art of suspense and historical intrigue. Fans have learned to look for patterns, hidden references, and subtle nods that might telegraph what's coming next.

That's exactly why the Lizzie Borden season sparked speculation. After all, the show has previously planted seeds for future seasons within current narratives. Why wouldn't Season 4 do the same?

The anticipation around Season 5 is already building. Monster's audience has grown increasingly sophisticated, combing through every frame, every line of dialogue, searching for that one clue that might reveal the next true crime saga the show will tackle.

But could fans be reading too much into The Lizzie Borden Story?

According to Brennan's exclusive statement to Us, the answer is yes—but there's a major caveat that changes everything.

"No [it does not]," Brennan told Us Magazine in an exclusive interview, directly addressing whether Season 4 offers hints about Season 5's focus.

But here's where it gets interesting. The showrunner didn't stop there. He went on to acknowledge something crucial: "But we've ended up doing that in the past."

Translation? While The Lizzie Borden Story specifically doesn't contain clues about the show's next target, Monster as a franchise has a history of embedding breadcrumbs throughout seasons that eventually lead fans to the next chapter.

This is a significant distinction. Brennan is essentially telling fans that their theory-crafting isn't crazy—the show has absolutely done this before. But this particular season? Not this time.

It's the kind of response that simultaneously answers questions while opening up entirely new ones. Fans can rest assured they're not chasing ghosts with their speculation habit, but they might need to pump the brakes on hunting for Season 5 hints in Lizzie Borden's story.

So if Season 4 isn't the key to unlocking Season 5, where should fans actually be looking? And what true crime case will Monster tackle next?

The implications of Brennan's statement are intriguing for the Monster faithful. It suggests that Season 5 hasn't been finalized—or at least, if it has, the showrunner isn't ready to let even the tiniest detail slip.

Historically, Ryan Murphy and his team have tackled some of America's most infamous cases: the Menendez brothers, Dahmer, and now Borden. The landscape of true crime is vast, and the possibilities for Season 5 are genuinely endless. Will Monster venture into 20th-century territory? Return to a more recent case? Explore an international crime story?

What's clear is that Brennan respects the fan base enough to engage with their theories, even if Season 4 specifically doesn't contain the answers they're seeking. That kind of transparency is rare in the prestige TV world.

In the meantime, Monster fans will likely continue dissecting The Lizzie Borden Story frame by frame—because old habits die hard. And honestly? With a showrunner who has proven willing to plant hints before, can you really blame them for staying vigilant?

Monster Season 4 is now streaming. Season 5 has not yet been officially announced.