Netflix's September lineup has been a whirlwind of premieres and returns, from Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen spin-off to the cozy romance of Crew Girl and the second season of Stranger Things: Tales From '85. But the show that's truly capturing subscriber attention is Ryan Murphy's latest true-crime anthology entry, Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story.
This new chapter in the so-called "Murphyverse" puts a fresh spin on the infamous 1892 axe murders, with Ella Beatty (daughter of Annette Bening and Warren Beatty) stepping into the title role. She's joined by a stellar cast including Vicky Krieps as Bridget Sullivan, Rebecca Hall as Abby Borden, and Charlie Hunnam as Andrew Borden. The series dives into the scandalous, violent tale that has fascinated true-crime fans for over a century.
Given the massive success of previous Monster seasons, it's no shock that The Lizzie Borden Story has rocketed to the top of Netflix's charts both in the U.S. and globally. Fresh data reveals the show pulled in 12.2 million views in its first four days—a figure that mirrors the debut of The Ed Gein Story and sits just 0.1 million shy of 2024's The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. However, none have come close to the phenomenon that was The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, which amassed 196.2 million hours watched (22.3 million views) back in 2022.
Critics, however, remain sharply divided. The series currently holds a lackluster 40% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with many reviewers accusing Murphy of exploiting real-life tragedies for sensationalism. Collider's Gabrielle Moss called it "campy, frustrating" yet "occasionally moving," adding that while it aspires to be a complex Thelma & Louise-style commentary on women, abuse, and revenge, it ultimately "doesn't trust the audience enough" and delivers a mix of lecture and fairy tale.
Despite the critical backlash, the audience appetite for Murphy's brand of true crime shows no signs of waning. The Monster franchise continues to be a ratings juggernaut, proving that viewers are drawn to its lurid, star-studded retellings. For those who can't get enough of the genre, there are plenty of psychological thrillers that are flawless from start to finish to explore.
As fall approaches, Netflix is clearly banking on spooky season momentum. The streaming giant recently brought back the Twilight saga for spooky season 2026, and with Monster dominating, it's a perfect time for fans of dark, unsettling narratives. Whether you love or hate Murphy's approach, there's no denying his shows are appointment viewing.
For those interested in the broader landscape, The Gentlemen continues to perform well, as noted in our coverage of its 100 million views milestone. And if you're in the mood for more supernatural fare, check out our list of Netflix fantasy shows that get everything right.
Ultimately, Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story is a testament to Ryan Murphy's ability to spark conversation, whether through praise or controversy. With its impressive viewership numbers, it's clear that audiences are still hungry for his unique brand of storytelling, even as critics question its ethics.
