Controversial 44% RT Series Becomes Netflix’s No. 1 Streaming Show

Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story is breaking Netflix records despite critics calling it one of the worst entries in the franchise. The Ryan Murphy-produced anthology series claimed the platform’s No. 1 TV spot within days of its premiere despite a 44% Rotten Tomatoes score.

Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story is topping Netflix’s streaming charts

Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story currently holds the No. 1 spot on Netflix’s TV shows chart in the United States. The series debuted on Netflix on September 17, 2026, and has maintained its top position for three consecutive days. FlixPatrol’s streaming data confirms the show’s dominance over other Netflix TV titles throughout the weekend.

The fourth season of the Monster anthology series centers on Lizzie Borden, played by Ella Beatty. Borden faced trial and acquittal for the 1892 axe murders of her father and stepmother in Fall River, Massachusetts. The season also stars Charlie Hunnam, Rebecca Hall, Vicky Krieps, Jessica Barden, Billie Lourd and Sarah Paulson. Ian Brennan serves as showrunner, while all eight episodes dropped simultaneously on the platform.

According to Vanity Fair, creator Ian Brennan described the season as exploring misogyny, gender roles and societal expectations placed on Victorian-era women. The show also examines class and sexuality themes through the relationship between Borden and housemaid Bridget Sullivan. This installment marks the first Monster season to focus on an alleged female perpetrator.

The season has drawn a polarized critical reception since its premiere. Rotten Tomatoes reports a 44% approval rating based on 16 critic assessments, with an average score of 4.7 out of 10. Metacritic assigns a score of 47 out of 100 based on 14 critics, indicating mixed or average reception.

The season was first announced in July 2025, with Ella Beatty cast as Borden alongside Rebecca Hall and Vicky Krieps. Charlie Hunnam joined the production in September 2025 to play Andrew Borden, Lizzie’s father. Principal photography began in Los Angeles in September 2025 and wrapped in March 2026. Sarah Paulson portrays serial killer Aileen Wuornos, marking another high-profile casting choice for the anthology franchise.

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