Unmasking the Shadows: Where Does Monster: The Ed Gein Story Stand Amongst Other Ryan Murphy-Led Installments?
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The release of Monster: The Ed Gein Story on October 3, 2025, has reignited interest in Netflix’s chilling anthology series that delves into the lives of infamous criminals.
As the third installment following Jeffrey Dahmer and Lyle and Erik Menendez, this latest entry brings Charlie Hunnam’s portrayal of the notorious serial killer to the screen.
With each season offering a unique perspective on monstrous figures, fans are eager to see where this new chapter fits among its predecessors. Let’s rank all three seasons based on critical reception, storytelling, and cultural impact.
Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story @ 57%
The first season, Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, premiered on September 21, 2022, and quickly became a global phenomenon.
Starring Evan Peters as the Milwaukee cannibal, it garnered a 57% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its psychological depth and Evan Peters’ performance, as noted in a Hollywood Reporter review from September 2022.
The season attracted 56 million households in its first two weeks, making it Netflix’s ninth most-watched English-language series, per a Netflix press release dated November 7, 2022.
The narrative focused on Dahmer’s crimes and their societal impact, with 10 episodes averaging 50 minutes each. Critics highlighted its disturbing realism, though some, like The Guardian, pointed out ethical concerns about glamorizing killers. This season set a high bar for the anthology’s exploration of true crime.
Monster: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story @ 45%
Monster: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story followed on September 19, 2024, shifting to the infamous brothers convicted of murdering their parents.
With a cast including Nicholas Chavez and Cooper Koch, it earned a 45% Rotten Tomatoes score, reflecting mixed reviews, as per Variety’s analysis on September 20, 2024.
The season’s eight episodes, each around 45 minutes, delved into the trial and family dynamics, drawing from court transcripts and media coverage.
Erik Menendez criticized the portrayal as inaccurate, calling it “disheartening slander” in a statement reported by Deadline on September 25, 2024.
Despite this, the season’s dramatic reenactments and focus on psychological motives resonated with some viewers, though it lacked the universal acclaim of the debut.
Monster: The Ed Gein Story @ 38%
Monster: The Ed Gein Story arrived on October 3, 2025, with Charlie Hunnam stepping into the role of the Wisconsin killer who inspired Psycho and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
The Hollywood Reporter gave it a 38% rating in a review dated October 4, 2025, critiquing its lengthy runtime—10 episodes averaging 55 minutes—and its meta-commentary on true crime storytelling.
The season explores Gein’s meek persona and Mommy issues, as noted in Wikipedia’s season summary updated October 5, 2025.
The trailer, released September 15, 2025, teased a focus on Gein’s influence on pop culture, but reviews suggest it struggles to balance entertainment with critique.
Hunnam’s performance has been a highlight, yet the season’s self-awareness has divided audiences, placing it at the bottom of the quality ranking.
Season Title | Release Date | Episodes | Runtime (Avg.) | Rotten Tomatoes Score | Key Cast | Notable Reception |
Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story | September 21, 2022 | 10 | 50 minutes | 57% | Evan Peters | Praised for depth, ethical concerns |
Monster: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story | September 19, 2024 | 8 | 45 minutes | 45% | Nicholas Chavez, Cooper Koch | Mixed reviews, criticized for accuracy |
Monster: The Ed Gein Story | October 3, 2025 | 10 | 55 minutes | 38% | Charlie Hunnam | Divisive meta-commentary, strong acting |
How Do These Seasons Rank Overall?
Ranking the Monster series, Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story leads with its compelling narrative and widespread viewership, earning the top spot despite its lower critical score.
Monster: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story takes second place, offering solid drama despite controversies, while Monster: The Ed Gein Story ranks third due to its ambitious but uneven execution.
The anthology’s evolution shows a willingness to experiment, though consistency remains a challenge.
Viewership data supports this order, with Dahmer’s 56 million households far outpacing Menendez’s estimated 20 million, per Netflix’s 2024 annual report. Gein’s numbers are pending, but early buzz suggests a modest debut, reflecting its polarizing reception.
Some Closing Thoughts
The Monster series continues to push boundaries, with each season bringing a fresh take on true crime.
Monster: The Ed Gein Story, while not the strongest entry, adds a unique layer with its cultural critique.
As Netflix expands this anthology, the balance between entertainment and responsibility will shape its future legacy.
So, which one of these is your favorite pick? Let us know in the comments section down below!
