Netflix’s Monster anthology has become one of streaming’s most predictable demand generators. Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story opened with 12.1 million views from its Sept. 17 debut through Sept. 20, enough to become the most-watched film or series on Netflix worldwide for the week of Sept. 14.
A franchise floor that keeps holding
The number is the latest confirmation that the Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan-created true-crime series has built a stable opening-week audience.
- Lizzie Borden (current season): 12.1 million views in the first four days.
- The Ed Gein Story (October 2025): 12.2 million views at debut.
- The Menendez Story (September 2024): 12.3 million views at debut.
The first installment, Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, sits at No. 7 on Netflix’s all-time TV chart, but the streamer changed its view measurement method after that 2022 release. Because of that shift, the current 12.1 million view number is best read as a relative measure against today’s Netflix chart — not a strict apples-to-apples comparison with the Dahmer era.
Why a flat debut is good news
For media planners and content owners, two back-to-back seasons opening within about 200,000 views of each other is more valuable than a spike. It suggests a recurring audience that returns for the anthology’s structure and brand, reducing the cost and risk of launching each new installment. The pattern also supports the case for treating Monster as a tentpole-style property in programming and partnership calendars, even though each season carries a different subject.
The same Netflix chart also offers a caution for anyone focused only on opening weekend. YA drama Crew Girl started smaller, with 5.2 million views in its debut week, then jumped to 11.3 million in week two, reached the top 10 in more than 90 countries, and landed a Season 2 renewal. That second-week acceleration is a reminder that Netflix’s data signal is not always in the first three days; momentum can be the more informative metric.
That split matters for how teams allocate preview screenings, talent budgets, and social spend. A legacy anthology with a built-in true-crime audience may need less discovery investment, while an emerging title with strong week-two retention may justify a larger mid-flight push.
What to watch next
The Lizzie Borden season’s first full week will be the next checkpoint. If the show holds near its opening pace, it strengthens the franchise argument further. If it declines sharply while Crew Girl continues climbing, the more interesting story may be how Netflix balances legacy hits with emerging YA IP.
For now, the actionable read is simple: treat Monster as a dependable true-crime reach vehicle, and use week-two movement to identify the next title that deserves marketing budgets or content commitment.
Source: TheWrap
