A Netflix series titled Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story has topped the platform's global top 10 list, despite facing significant criticism. The show, released on September 17, is based on the true story of Lizzie Borden, an 19th-century woman who was tried and found not guilty of axing her father and stepmother to death. The series, created by Ryan Murphy, is known for his work on shows like American Horror Story, and stars Ella Ballentine as Lizzie Borden. The show offers a dramatic and graphic retelling of the infamous case, but has drawn strong reactions from viewers and critics alike. While the series has been widely consumed—receiving over 12 million views on Netflix—many viewers have criticized it for its approach to real-life tragedies. Some have accused Murphy of glamorizing the story in a way that resembles fictional superhero narratives, while others argue the show prioritizes entertainment over historical accuracy. These concerns have led to a polarized response, with some fans expressing outrage and others defending the show's creative liberties. Critics have been particularly harsh. The show holds a low 41% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with The Guardian’s Lucy Mangan praising the performances but calling the writing "like adolescent boys wrote it." Ben Travers of IndieWire criticized the show for its simplistic take on feminism and for rehashing outdated ideas. Social media reactions have been similarly divided. On X, one viewer called it "the dumbest goddamn thing I’ve ever seen," while others questioned Murphy’s ability to create compelling content after previous projects like Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. Despite the negative reception, some critics have offered more positive assessments. Variety’s Aramide Tinubu praised the show for giving a "fresh spin" on the Monster series, which includes other true crime stories. However, many viewers remain unconvinced, with some arguing that the show’s inaccuracies and over-the-top dramatization undermine the real-life story it aims to tell. Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story is currently available on Netflix for viewers to watch.