Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteMonster: The Ed Gein Story has the ingredients of a disturbing crime drama, but its bleakness does not add up to much insight. The season spends more energy on violence and horror imagery than on explaining how Ed Gein was formed, leaving its questions about the making of a “monster” feeling more provocative than answered.
What is Monster: The Ed Gein Story?
Netflix released the eight-episode, TV-MA season on October 3, 2025. Charlie Hunnam plays Ed Gein; Laurie Metcalf plays his mother, Augusta Gein, and Suzanna Son plays Adeline Watkins. Netflix describes the story as set in 1950s rural Wisconsin and frames Gein’s crimes through isolation, psychosis, and fixation on his mother. That is the series’ promotional framing, not an independent historical assessment. Netflix’s official announcement and cast listing provide the season details.
The show also widens its focus from Gein’s crimes to the horror films and media culture associated with his legacy. Its central question is whether monsters are born or made. In a Netflix Tudum interview, co-creator Ryan Murphy says, “And I think in Ed’s case, it’s probably a little of both.” Ian Brennan adds, “It really matters what you look at and the images and stories you consume. They do stick with you, and they do have an impact.” Those comments state the creators’ intentions; the season still has to make its case through the drama itself. Netflix Tudum’s explainer also discusses the show’s themes and ending.
Why the series feels disappointing
Violence takes the place of explanation
The strongest criticism is not simply that the series is grim. It is that the grimness does too little to illuminate the person at its center. In her Guardian review, Lucy Mangan argues that the season lingers on violence without convincingly explaining how Gein was shaped or what might prevent future violence. Her verdict is especially sharp: she calls the series “nothing but a voyeuristic pandering to the basest instincts of viewers.” That is Mangan’s critical judgment, but it identifies the show’s central weakness: its disturbing material can feel like spectacle rather than investigation. Read Mangan’s review in The Guardian.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
A question the drama does not resolve
The “born or made” premise could have turned the season into a thoughtful examination of influence, isolation, and responsibility. Instead, the show’s focus on horror imagery risks substituting a mood for an argument. Brennan’s comments about the impact of stories and images invite viewers to consider how crime becomes entertainment, yet the series itself often appears drawn to the very lurid material it wants to interrogate. That tension is more interesting than a simple claim that the show is either exploitative or profound—but it does not necessarily make the viewing experience feel purposeful.
What critics and viewers thought
Reception was poor overall, though not unanimous. When accessed in 2026, Rotten Tomatoes showed a 22% Tomatometer from 41 critic reviews and a 49% Popcornmeter from more than 1,000 audience ratings. These are live aggregates and can change; they also represent different groups, so the gap does not by itself explain why viewers and critics responded differently. The page includes some positive reviews, including one that calls the season “a true-crime thriller that eats its own genre alive,” and another that describes it as visceral and memorable. Check Rotten Tomatoes for its current scores and reviews.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Is Monster: The Ed Gein Story accurate?
It is a dramatization, not a documentary, and its connective storytelling should not be treated as established history. Netflix’s ending explainer says the series proposes that Tobe Hooper’s Leatherface was inspired by family tales of Gein’s killings, including the murder of two hunters, but notes that the crime was never definitively linked to Gein. The distinction matters: a dramatic suggestion can make an effective plot connection without proving that the underlying event happened as portrayed. Netflix’s ending explainer describes the show’s claim and qualification.
Other details also call for care. TheWrap’s fact-and-fiction account labels Gein’s supposed fascination with Nazi material “Possibly.” It also reports that accusations that Ilse Koch owned a lampshade made from tattooed human skin were dropped at trial for lack of proof. These points should be understood as claims and qualifications reported by TheWrap, not as a complete historical record of Gein’s case. TheWrap’s fact-versus-fiction account discusses them.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Who should watch it?
The season may suit viewers looking for a bleak, stylized horror drama that uses a notorious case to explore the afterlife of crime stories in popular culture. It is a weaker fit for viewers who want a historically disciplined account or a sustained explanation of how Gein’s life and circumstances led to his crimes. The difference is less about whether the subject is disturbing—it plainly is—than whether the show turns that disturbance into understanding.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where can you watch it?
Monster: The Ed Gein Story is available through Netflix. Netflix’s official listing identifies it as an eight-episode, TV-MA title. Availability can vary by country and change over time; Netflix’s announcement confirms the series and its release details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
