Why Viewers Are Calling the Ed Gein Season a ‘Monster’

The new series Monster: The Ed Gein Story has quickly become a major hit on Netflix. It secured the number two spot on the platform’s charts just days after its release. The show amassed an impressive 12.2 million views in its first week.

This marks the third installment in Ryan Murphy’s true-crime anthology. It continues the franchise’s controversial exploration of infamous American serial killers.

Audience and Critic Reactions Diverge Sharply

The series has generated a deeply divided response. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a starkly low 20 percent critic rating.

Audience scores tell a different story, however. Viewers have given it a 54 percent rating, more than doubling the critics’ score.

This split echoes previous seasons in the Monster franchise. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the creators anticipated debate over their approach to the sensitive subject matter.

Exploring the Human Behind the Horror

Star Charlie Hunnam emphasized the show’s intent to understand Ed Gein’s psychology. He told The Hollywood Reporter the production aimed to avoid sensationalism.

Hunnam stated the focus was a sincere exploration of the human condition. He expressed confidence that the series did not use gratuitous shock tactics.

Co-creator Ian Brennan reinforced this perspective. He described the story as fundamentally about mental illness and the horror of Gein’s inner life.

The series directly addresses the public’s fascination with true crime. One pivotal scene breaks the fourth wall to question the audience’s own role in consuming such stories.

Monster: The Ed Gein Story continues to provoke strong reactions, successfully drawing viewers into a difficult conversation about crime, media, and mental health that shows no sign of slowing down.

Thought you’d like to know

What is Monster: The Ed Gein Story about?

The series is a true-crime drama exploring the life and crimes of murderer Ed Gein. It stars Charlie Hunnam and delves into his mental health struggles. It is the third season in Ryan Murphy’s Monster anthology.

How is the show performing on Netflix?

The show debuted at number two on the Netflix charts. It garnered 12.2 million views in its first week. This indicates strong audience interest despite mixed reviews.

Why are critics divided on the series?

Critics have panned the show, giving it a 20% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Some publications like The Guardian found it exploitative. Others acknowledged its attempt to critique true-crime fascination.

How does the show handle Gein’s mental health?

The series portrays Gein as suffering from undiagnosed schizophrenia. Co-creator Ian Brennan stated this was a core element. They aimed to show the horror of his internal prison.

Is this season connected to Dahmer or Menendez?

It is part of the same Monster anthology franchise. Each season covers a different serial killer story. They are connected by theme and creative team, not narrative.