Series / News
"Flat, Exaggerated, And Disrespectful", Critics Are Harsh On The Most Popular Netflix Series At The Moment
The third season of Monster, The Ed Gein Story, has gained immense popularity despite facing severe criticism globally.
The third season of the Netflix hit Monster, titled The Ed Gein Story, has been available on the platform since early October and is dominating viewership charts worldwide. However, the reception has not been entirely positive. Both critics and viewers describe the series as flat, exaggerated, and disrespectful, strong words for a show that focuses on one of the most notorious murderers in American history.
The new series by creator Ian Brennan tells the story of Ed Gein, portrayed by Charlie Hunnam. Gein became infamous for murder and grave robbing and inspired classics like Psycho and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. In addition to Hunnam, the cast features Laurie Metcalf, Tom Hollander, Olivia Williams, and Joey Pollari. Despite this strong cast and a recognizable true crime formula, the series is currently not well received everywhere.
On Rotten Tomatoes, The Ed Gein Story holds a mere 29 percent approval rating, while Metacritic reports a lowly 53 percent. Critics complain about slow pacing, unclear focus, and excessive sensationalism. According to many, the series exploits Gein's gruesome acts rather than explaining them, reducing victims to mere set pieces.
Among critics, sharp criticism resonates. Greg MacArthur describes the series as perverse and pointless, while Kate Sánchez refers to it as a messy fantasy that excuses the perpetrator and trivializes the victims. Others point out that the series tries too hard to shock and tells too little.
Remarkably, interest remains high: Monster: The Ed Gein Story tops the charts in dozens of countries. Netflix appears to once again be drawing attention with controversy, even as the criticism this time is intense. The next season, which is expected to focus on Lizzie Borden, is already in development.
The new series by creator Ian Brennan tells the story of Ed Gein, portrayed by Charlie Hunnam. Gein became infamous for murder and grave robbing and inspired classics like Psycho and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. In addition to Hunnam, the cast features Laurie Metcalf, Tom Hollander, Olivia Williams, and Joey Pollari. Despite this strong cast and a recognizable true crime formula, the series is currently not well received everywhere.
Heavily Criticized
On Rotten Tomatoes, The Ed Gein Story holds a mere 29 percent approval rating, while Metacritic reports a lowly 53 percent. Critics complain about slow pacing, unclear focus, and excessive sensationalism. According to many, the series exploits Gein's gruesome acts rather than explaining them, reducing victims to mere set pieces.
Among critics, sharp criticism resonates. Greg MacArthur describes the series as perverse and pointless, while Kate Sánchez refers to it as a messy fantasy that excuses the perpetrator and trivializes the victims. Others point out that the series tries too hard to shock and tells too little.
Success Despite Outrage
Remarkably, interest remains high: Monster: The Ed Gein Story tops the charts in dozens of countries. Netflix appears to once again be drawing attention with controversy, even as the criticism this time is intense. The next season, which is expected to focus on Lizzie Borden, is already in development.
