The acclaimed anthology series Monster, spearheaded by Ryan Murphy, continues to expand its narrative universe with no signs of concluding. Each season of the horror series delves into the lives of infamous killers who have left an indelible mark on the American psyche, from figures like Jeffrey Dahmer to the Menendez brothers. The show ambitiously tackles real-world horrors, infusing them with a degree of fictionalized drama to create compelling, albeit often disturbing, television.

Despite its intriguing premise and high-profile subjects, Monster has faced a challenging reception from critics. Each subsequent season has garnered worse reviews than its predecessor, with the latest installment achieving a 'rotten' score of 29% on Rotten Tomatoes, bringing the overall series average to a mere 43%. Nonetheless, critical disdain has not hindered its popular success, particularly on Netflix, where its third season, Monster: The Ed Gein Story, quickly rose to become the platform's top show upon its premiere last week.

The third season focuses on Ed Gein, the notorious grave robber and serial killer, with Charlie Hunnam starring in the lead role. The show's logline powerfully teases its content: "Serial killer. Grave robber. Psycho. In the frozen fields of 1950s rural Wisconsin, a friendly, mild-mannered recluse named Eddie Gein lived quietly on a decaying farm – hiding a house of horrors so gruesome it would redefine the American nightmare." It further elaborates on Gein's profound cultural impact: "Driven by isolation, psychosis, and an all-consuming obsession with his mother, Gein’s perverse crimes birthed a new kind of monster that would haunt Hollywood for decades. From Psycho to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre to The Silence of the Lambs, Gein’s macabre legacy gave birth to fictional monsters born in his image and ignited a cultural obsession with the criminally deviant. Ed Gein didn’t just influence a genre — he became the blueprint for modern horror."

Collider's Therese Lacson reviewed Monster: The Ed Gein Story, expressing reservations about the creative liberties taken by the production team in depicting Gein's life. Lacson's review criticized the season as being "as pulpy and sloppy as the comics that Ed reads, a product of sensationalism, rage bait, and misinformation." The review pointed out a particular moment where a nurse suggests to a dying Ed Gein that he should write his story, implying a self-congratulatory tone from the series' creators for supposedly presenting a 'true version' of events.

Even with consistent negative reviews, Netflix remains steadfast in its commitment to the Monster series. This dedication is fueled by the show's remarkable streaming figures and its significant recognition in television awards, having accumulated 24 Emmy nominations over the years. Looking ahead, Monster Season 4 is already titled The Lizzie Borden Story and will explore the infamous case of the young woman accused of axing her parents to death. Ella Beatty has been cast as Lizzie, alongside Vicky Krieps, Bridget Sullivan, and Jessica Barden. Production for this highly anticipated season is set to commence imminently, with Max Winkler directing the inaugural episode.