Netflix’s Monster: The Ed Gein Story dives deep into the chilling life of Ed Gein, one of the most infamous criminals in American history. Set in the 1950s, the show revisits how Gein, a murderer and grave robber from Wisconsin, turned his quiet farm into a horrifying crime scene. He killed two women and later confessed to robbing graves, using human remains to make furniture and household items. Ryan Murphy’s third installment of Monster explores how Gein’s untreated schizophrenia and isolation played a major role in his descent into madness.
The series, which premiered on October 3, 2025, stars Charlie Hunnam as Ed Gein. His haunting yet emotional performance has received praise for showing both the horror and tragedy of the man behind the crimes. Across eight episodes, the story traces Gein’s transformation from a lonely, mentally unstable man into a figure whose real-life acts went on to inspire classic horror films.
In the finale, Gein’s fate is revealed. After being caught for two murders, he is diagnosed with schizophrenia and declared unfit for trial. He’s sent to a mental health institution, where he begins treatment and medication. The last episode mixes reality with his delusions — showing Gein fantasizing that he helped the FBI catch Ted Bundy. As his health declines, he’s diagnosed with cancer. During his treatment, he receives a visit from Adeline, the son of Suzanna, who Gein convinces not to repeat his violent mistakes. The scene adds a strange, almost redemptive tone to his final moments.
Director Winkler, in an interview with Variety, shared that he wanted the show to end with an emotional focus on Ed’s relationship with his mother — the person who shaped much of his disturbed psychology. He described it as Gein’s “rosebud moment,” referring to the deep-rooted trauma that defined his life. Winkler said the last scene, which shows Ed sitting on a porch, wasn’t even planned. “Only a mother could love you” became the final line, symbolizing how his obsession with his mother was both his comfort and his curse.
Beyond the fictionalized version, Ed Gein’s real story continues to fascinate and horrify true crime audiences. His crimes shocked the world nearly fifty years ago and have inspired countless books and movies, including Psycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and The Silence of the Lambs. The Netflix series also touches on his rumored romantic connection with Adeline Watkins, portrayed by Suzanna Son. Watkins once claimed to have shared a decades-long relationship with Gein but later withdrew her statements, leaving their alleged affair shrouded in mystery.
With Monster: The Ed Gein Story, Netflix offers more than just another retelling of a gruesome crime. It humanizes the horror — showing how trauma, untreated mental illness, and obsession can twist a person into something unrecognizable, while still leaving viewers haunted by the darkness of his actions.