Controversial Show Soars to Netflix No 1
Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story is currently dominating the streaming landscape, proving that sometimes controversy is the best box office strategy. Despite polarizing critical reviews, the Netflix anthology series has claimed the No. 1 TV spot on the platform, cementing its place as a cultural phenomenon.
The series, produced by Ryan Murphy, exploded onto the scene on Netflix, immediately drawing massive viewership. It has successfully held the platform’s top position for three consecutive days, demonstrating a powerful appetite for this deep dive into a notoriously dark chapter of American history.
At the heart of this season is the tumultuous life of Lizzie Borden, who faced the infamous 1892 axe murders of her father and stepmother in Fall River, Massachusetts. The narrative doesn’t just recount the crime; it plunges into the complex social landscape of the Victorian era, exploring profound themes of misogyny, rigid gender roles, and the societal expectations placed upon women.
The series skillfully uses the personal tragedy to examine broader themes, particularly the relationship between Borden and her housemaid, Bridget Sullivan, which further delves into issues of class and sexuality. This installment marks a significant step in the Monster anthology, focusing specifically on an alleged female perpetrator and her environment.
The creative team brought a stellar ensemble to the screen, featuring acclaimed actors including Ella Beatty as Borden, Charlie Hunnam as Andrew Borden, Rebecca Hall, Vicky Krieps, Jessica Barden, Billie Lourd, and Sarah Paulson, who also plays serial killer Aileen Wuornos in the franchise. Showrunner Ian Brennan guided the eight episodes, all released simultaneously to maximize the impact.
While the viewership numbers are undeniable, the critical response has been sharply divided. The series received a 44% Rotten Tomatoes approval rating from critics, with an average score of 4.7 out of 10, suggesting a polarized reaction to the dramatic and thematic content. Meanwhile, Metacritic assigned a score of 47 out of 100 based on critic assessments, reflecting a generally mixed or average reception.
Principal photography for the season spanned from September 2025 to March 2026, with filming wrapped in Los Angeles. The show’s success is a testament not only to the compelling storytelling but also to the platform’s ability to champion challenging, character-driven narratives, even those that provoke strong, divided opinions.
Buy on Amazon
Credit
