Netflix series Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story hits number one in 60 countries

Netflix’s true crime anthology series, ‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story’, has achieved significant global streaming success, reaching the number one spot in approximately 60 countries, including Spain and Canada. The eight-episode production, created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, depicts the 1892 axe murders of Andrew and Abby Borden, portraying Lizzie Borden and maid Maggie Sullivan as the perpetrators.

While the series has seen high viewership numbers, it has also faced criticism regarding its creative liberties and use of a modern soundtrack. Showrunner Ian Brennan explained that the inclusion of contemporary music is intended to prevent the period piece from feeling like a ‘stuffy diorama’ and to connect the historical subjects to the present day.

Some viewers and critics have noted inaccuracies and controversial scenes, including a graphic sequence involving food poisoning. Additionally, the series has sparked discussion in Portugal due to xenophobic references made by characters in the second and third episodes regarding Portuguese immigrants in Fall River, Massachusetts.