Controversial 44% RT Series Becomes Netflix’s No. 1 Streaming Show
September 21, 2026
By Vritti Johar
Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, despite critics labeling it one of the franchise's worst entries, is breaking Netflix records. The Ryan Murphy-produced anthology series claimed the platform’s No. 1 TV spot within days of its premiere, boasting a 44% Rotten Tomatoes score.
Currently, the series holds the top spot on Netflix’s TV shows chart in the United States, having maintained its position for three consecutive days since its debut on September 17, 2026. FlixPatrol’s streaming data confirms its dominance over other Netflix titles throughout the weekend.
The fourth season of the Monster anthology series focuses on Lizzie Borden (played by Ella Beatty), who stood trial and was acquitted for the 1892 axe murders of her father and stepmother in Fall River, Massachusetts. The cast includes Charlie Hunnam, Rebecca Hall, Vicky Krieps, Jessica Barden, Billie Lourd, Sarah Paulson, and Ian Brennan as showrunner.
Creator Ian Brennan described this season as exploring misogyny, gender roles, and societal expectations placed on Victorian-era women. It also delves into class and sexuality themes through the relationship between Borden and housemaid Bridget Sullivan. This installment marks the first Monster season to center around an alleged female perpetrator.
The season received a polarized critical reception upon its premiere. Rotten Tomatoes reports a 44% approval rating based on 16 critic assessments, averaging 4.7 out of 10. Metacritic assigns a score of 47 out of 100 based on 14 critics, indicating mixed or average reception.
Initial announcement of the season came in July 2025, with Ella Beatty cast as Borden alongside Rebecca Hall and Vicky Krieps. Charlie Hunnam joined later in September 2025 to portray Andrew Borden. Principal photography wrapped in March 2026 after beginning in Los Angeles in September 2025. Sarah Paulson portrays serial killer Aileen Wuornos, another notable casting choice for the anthology franchise.