Netflix's 'Lizzie Borden Story' Debuts with Modest Numbers as 'Crew Girl' Doubles Viewership

Key points

• 'Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story' debuted at No. 1 on Netflix's English TV list with 12.1 million views in its first four days, matching the premiere performance of 'The Ed Gein Story' but slightly behind 'The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.'
• The series, starring Ella Beatty as Lizzie Borden and Sarah Paulson as Aileen Wuornos, is part of a planned 10-season run for the 'Monster' anthology, which explores female rage through a triptych of Elizabeth Bathory, Lizzie Borden, and Aileen Wuornos.
• 'Crew Girl' doubled its viewership to 11.3 million in its second week, leading to a renewal for Season 2. The show follows a 16-year-old girl who becomes the coxswain of an elite private school's all-male rowing team.
• The Borden house in Fall River, Massachusetts, remains a tourist attraction and museum, with the 1892 acquittal of Lizzie Borden still debated due to the lack of forensic evidence and the all-male jury's decision.
• Aileen Wuornos' girlfriend, Tyria Moore, testified against her in 1992, leading to Wuornos' conviction and eventual execution in 2002. The show depicts a fictionalized version of their relationship, with the character named Shelby.

Background

The 'Monster' series, created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, has been expanding its true-crime anthology, with previous seasons focusing on Ed Gein and the Menendez brothers. The current season, 'Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story,' is the fourth installment and is part of a broader plan to explore female killers and rage. The series has been noted for its creative liberties, blending historical research with dramatized elements to tell fuller stories. The Borden case, which took place in 1892, remains a subject of debate, with the acquittal of Lizzie Borden in 1893 often cited as a result of the era's gender biases and lack of forensic evidence. The series also includes a storyline about Aileen Wuornos, a serial killer whose real-life girlfriend, Tyria Moore, played a significant role in her conviction.

How outlets are covering it

Deadline reports that 'Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story' had a slower start compared to previous seasons, with 12.1 million views in its first four days, matching 'The Ed Gein Story' but slightly behind 'The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.' The outlet suggests that the series may be facing a decline in audience retention, a common issue for Netflix's continuing series. CBS News, in a related piece, revisits the Borden case, highlighting the lack of forensic evidence and the all-male jury's decision to acquit Lizzie Borden in 1893. The outlet notes that modern forensic methods would likely have led to a different outcome. TV Insider provides background on Aileen Wuornos' real-life girlfriend, Tyria Moore, and her role in Wuornos' conviction, noting that the show depicts a fictionalized version of their relationship. The outlet also mentions that Tyria Moore largely disappeared from the public eye after the trial, with some reports suggesting she entered the witness protection program. The sources collectively highlight the ongoing debate around the Borden case and the impact of the series on public interest in true-crime stories.

Why it matters

The performance of 'Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story' and 'Crew Girl' reflects Netflix's ongoing challenges in retaining audiences for its true-crime and teen drama series. The modest opening for 'Lizzie Borden' suggests a potential decline in interest for the 'Monster' anthology, while the surge in 'Crew Girl' indicates a strong audience for teen dramas. The series also brings renewed attention to the Borden case and Aileen Wuornos, two of the most debated true-crime stories in American history. The show's creative liberties and dramatized elements may influence public perception of these cases, highlighting the impact of media on historical narratives.

What to watch

Netflix has renewed 'Crew Girl' for Season 2, indicating a strong audience for the teen drama. The 'Monster' series is planned to continue for a total of 10 seasons, with future installments likely to explore other female killers and rage. The Borden case and Aileen Wuornos' story will continue to be debated in the media, with the series potentially influencing public perception of these cases. The show's performance may also impact the future of the 'Monster' anthology, with Netflix potentially adjusting its strategy for true-crime series based on audience retention and viewership numbers.