Ryan Murphy’s ‘the Ed gein story’ Debuts at #1 on Netflix, Ousting ‘Wayward’
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Netflix’s streaming charts have seen a significant shift, with Ryan Murphy’s latest true crime offering, Monster: The Ed Gein Story, immediately claiming the top spot. This move pushes the miniseries Wayward down the list, leaving its potential for a second season uncertain.
A New Reign of Terror
The new series delves into the life of Ed Gein, a notorious American serial killer and grave robber. The Ed Gein Story launched at #1, prompting speculation as to whether it will achieve the same level of viewership success as murphy’s original Monster series, Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, which remains one of Netflix’s most-watched programs.
However, the second installment, Monster: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, did not reach the same heights. The current series may buck that trend, given the notoriety of its subject matter – arguably the most infamous serial killer of the 20th century.
Critical Reception and Viewer Response
Despite its chart-topping debut,The Ed Gein Story is receiving mixed reviews. As of today, the show holds a 42% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, and a 62% audience score. This aligns with the pattern established by the Monster series, with Dahmer earning a 57% and the Menendez story a 45%. “This is the lowest, perhaps, but they’re all low,” one analyst noted.
It remains to be seen whether the series will generate the same level of controversy as its predecessors. Given the ancient nature of the crimes, a significant backlash appears less likely.
A Surprisingly Gentle Monster?
One viewer described being “taken off guard” by the portrayal of Gein, played by Charlie hunnam. Despite depicting horrific acts, Hunnam’s performance conveys a surprising kindness and gentleness, even while committing unspeakable crimes. “It’s a strange effect,” the viewer stated, noting the unsettling contrast between Gein’s demeanor and his actions.
Other Chart Movers and Shakers
While Wayward, despite being a miniseries, is generating discussion about a potential second season due to its strong performance, its future remains uncertain. Netflix has a history of revisiting successful,low-budget productions. The latest season of Love is Blind debuted at #3. Additionally, Paramount+’s Halo series, described as “one of the most bizarre video game adaptations of all time,” is now available on Netflix.
Former #1 series Black Rabbit has fallen to #6,with effectively no plans for a continuation.
Final thoughts
The author acknowledges a degree of enjoyment with The Ed Gein Story, despite its flaws. “I don’t think I’d recommend it, necessarily, but I am interested enough to see it thru these final episodes here,” they stated, promising a full review upon completion.
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Don’t forget to check out the author’s sci-fi novels, the Herociller Series and The Earthborn Trilogy.
