Netflix's controversial true crime sensation Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story has achieved staggering viewing figures, becoming the platform's second most popular English-language series of all time despite significant backlash from victims' families.
The Ryan Murphy-produced drama has accumulated a monumental 701.37 million hours viewed since its September 21 release, with 196.2 million hours watched in its second week alone according to Netflix's latest data.
Record-Breaking Performance
These extraordinary numbers position the Evan Peters-starring series behind only Stranger Things 4 in Netflix's all-time English-language rankings. The show has dominated the global top 10 list for three consecutive weeks, appearing in the number one spot in 47 countries.
The series has proven particularly divisive, drawing criticism from relatives of Dahmer's victims who claim the production retraumatised their families without consultation.
Controversy and Criticism
Rita Isbell, sister of victim Errol Lindsey, expressed her frustration in an essay for Insider, stating: "I was never contacted about the show. I feel like Netflix should have asked if we mind or how we felt about making it."
Eric Perry, another cousin of Lindsey, took to social media to voice concerns about the series' impact on surviving family members, highlighting how the production forced them to "relive it all again."
True Crime Dominance Continues
Despite the controversy, Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story demonstrates the enduring public fascination with true crime content. The series explores the gruesome murders committed by Dahmer between 1978 and 1991, focusing particularly on the institutional failures that allowed his killing spree to continue.
Netflix has confirmed that Monster will continue as an anthology series, with future seasons examining "other monstrous figures who have impacted society."
