The third season of Netflix’s Monster dives into the chilling crimes of Ed Gein, the notorious “Butcher of Plainfield.”
For those who haven’t watched yet, be warned — it’s brutally graphic and has sparked intense discussions across social media.
Now, a psychologist is speaking out, and her warning might make you think twice about why you’re drawn to the series…
Netflix’s Monster has captured the attention of viewers worldwide, now hitting its third season with Monster: The Ed Gein Story.
Charlie Hunnam fully immerses himself in the terrifying role of the infamous “Butcher of Plainfield,” though critics argue the season tries to tackle too much, leaving it unfocused and morally heavy-handed.
Hunnam takes on Gein after previous seasons explored notorious killers like Jeffrey Dahmer and the Menendez brothers.
Series creator Ryan Murphy has faced criticism before, with Dahmer’s victims’ families and the Menendez brothers themselves speaking out over their portrayals— and the Gein season has drawn similar scrutiny.
Why are so many viewers fascinated?
Hunnam has responded to comments about his “empathetic” portrayal of Gein, while critics accuse the show of exaggerating or even fabricating events for dramatic effect.
Despite the controversy, the season remains hugely popular, firmly sitting in Netflix’s Top 10. But it raises a question: why are so many viewers fascinated by the minds of mass murderers?
Mental health expert Dr. Thema Bryant discussed the phenomenon on The Mel Robbins Podcast in 2023: “If your idea of relaxing before you go to sleep is to watch three episodes of Law and Order, [then] I would encourage you to think about ‘why is trauma relaxing to me?’”
@melrobbins If your idea of “relaxing” before bed is watching a few episodes of Law & Order (or any other #truecrime show), listen up. This was just ONE of the many incredible mic drop moments 🎤 and knowledge bombs 💣 that @Dr Thema Bryant drops on the #melrobbinspodcast. Listen now!! 👉 “6 Signs You’re Disconnected From Your Power and How to Get It Back: Life-Changing Advice From the Remarkable Dr. Thema Bryant” 🔗 in bio #melrobbins #podcast #trauma #traumatok #healing #bingewatching ♬ original sound – Mel Robbins
She added, “Some of us grew up in high stress [situations], so people mistake peace for boring. To come home to yourself you have to lean into the discomfort because it’s gonna feel unfamiliar.”
Experts backing the view
According to Ladbible, viewers have reflected on Bryant’s insight.
One commented, “The trauma isn’t relaxing to me —it’s the justice the characters/real people often get that I never did in my own life.”
Another wrote, “Wow that is exactly what I watch to relax. This was so enlightening,” while a third shared, “And this was the moment I realized… I haven’t watched SVU since I went to therapy and started healing…”
Other experts back this view. Clinical psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Jeglic told Crime Reads that trauma survivors may be naturally drawn to true crime:
“Anecdotally, some people are drawn to the study of psychology to understand themselves and heal themselves.”
She explained further, “Similarly, I think it might be likely that people who have a history of trauma might be drawn to true crime to kind of re-experience those traumatic situations in a safe environment where they have more control.”
