Netflix’s latest true-crime series Monster: The Ed Gein Story is facing a harsh reality check from critics. The highly anticipated third installment in Ryan Murphy’s anthology has debuted to largely negative reviews, earning the lowest Rotten Tomatoes score of the entire Monster franchise.

The series, which revisits the horrifying crimes of Ed Gein, the infamous Wisconsin killer who inspired films like Psycho and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, was expected to build on the success of Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story and The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. Instead, it has become the franchise’s biggest critical disappointment.

Critics bash Monster: The Ed Gein Story

Early reviews from major outlets have been brutal. Variety’s Aramide Tinubu wrote that the show “makes Ed Gein mythical again, and in turn strips away the texture and grit that was desperately needed to make the series work.”

James Jackson from The Times (UK) called it “a dive into psychosexual murk almost drowning in its own ambitions and depravities,” while Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com labeled it “one of the most unfocused of Ryan Murphy’s productions.”

Meanwhile, The Guardian’s Lucy Mangan dismissed it as “nothing but voyeuristic pandering to the basest instincts of viewers.”

Other critics echoed similar sentiments. Screen Rant’s Greg MacArthur gave the season a mere 2/10 rating, saying it “elicits unpleasantries — boredom, frustration, confusion, disgust.” Collider’s Therese Lacson described the show as “pulpy and sloppy… a product of sensationalism, rage bait, and misinformation.”

Reviewers from But Why Tho? and Fish Jelly Films criticized the series for “humanizing the killer while trivializing his victims,” calling it “tone-deaf” and “exploitative.”

A few bright spots amid the backlash

Not all the feedback was negative. Outlets such as Hindustan Times and Heaven of Horror praised Charlie Hunnam’s intense portrayal of Ed Gein and the show’s haunting production design. However, even those reviews admitted that strong performances couldn’t save a story weighed down by inconsistency and poor pacing.

“It’s visually striking and well-acted,” one review noted, “but narratively hollow — a disturbing story without a soul.”

Rotten Tomatoes score confirms fan divide

As of this week, Monster: The Ed Gein Story holds a 29% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 17 reviews, and an audience score of 53% from more than 500 viewers.

In comparison:

• Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story — 57% critic score
• Monster: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story — 45% critic score

That makes The Ed Gein Story the lowest-rated entry in the Monster series to date — a worrying drop for Netflix and Ryan Murphy, who previously turned Monster into one of the platform’s biggest true-crime hits.

Fans react to the downfall

While critics panned the show for its direction and tone, some fans on social media have defended it, praising Hunnam’s acting and the series’ dark, unsettling atmosphere.

One user wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“Charlie Hunnam carried this entire show. The writing was shaky, but he made Ed Gein terrifying.”

Another commented,

“Not everything Ryan Murphy makes can be a masterpiece. This one tried too hard to shock and forgot to tell a story.”

Still, the general consensus among both critics and audiences is that Monster: The Ed Gein Story fails to live up to the gripping psychological tension and cultural commentary of its predecessors.

Can Ryan Murphy bounce back?

With Monster now viewed as a declining series, attention turns to whether Ryan Murphy and Netflix can revive its reputation. The anthology once redefined modern true-crime television with its bold storytelling and stylized approach, but the latest installment has left even loyal fans questioning its creative direction.

Given Murphy’s track record — from American Horror Story to The People v. O.J. Simpson — it’s unlikely this stumble will slow him down for long. But for now, Monster: The Ed Gein Story stands as a reminder that not every true-crime story can find beauty in the macabre.

Taylor Swift has done it again — and this time, she’s rewritten not just music history but box office records too.

The 34-year-old global superstar transformed her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” into a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience that captivated audiences across the United States and beyond. Partnering with AMC Theatres, Swift’s 90-minute film — “The Official Release Party of a Showgirl” — ran for just one weekend, yet it pulled off something no artist has ever done before.

According to AMC’s official data, the film grossed $33 million domestically and $13 million internationally, bringing the global total to an astounding $46 million over its three-day limited engagement. It’s now officially the largest album release event in cinema history, proving once again that when it comes to blending art, business, and spectacle — nobody does it like Taylor Swift.

AMC hails the “triumph” of Taylor Swift

In a statement released Sunday, Adam Aron, CEO of AMC Theatres, praised Swift’s vision and the event’s unprecedented success.

“On behalf of AMC Theatres and the entire theatrical exhibition industry, I extend our sincerest appreciation to the iconic Taylor Swift for bringing her brilliance and magic to movie theatres this weekend,” Aron said. “Her vision to add a cinematic element to her incredible album debut was nothing less than a triumph.”

The special screening featured an exclusive music video for “The Fate of Ophelia,” behind-the-scenes clips, lyric videos, and personal reflections from Taylor Swift herself. Fans described it as part documentary, part concert film, and part emotional journey — a window into the creative heart of one of the world’s most powerful artists.

The magic of “The Life of a Showgirl”

“The Life of a Showgirl” marks Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album — a glittering blend of theatrical pop, emotional ballads, and self-referential storytelling. Critics have already called it “her most cinematic album yet,” so it’s no surprise that the rollout embraced the big screen.

Fans were treated to immersive visuals and intimate moments that captured the essence of Swift’s artistry. The event celebrated both her evolution as an artist and her undeniable connection with audiences.

Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram exploded with reactions from fans who attended screenings across the country. Many shared photos from packed theaters, wearing sparkly “Showgirl” outfits and singing along to every lyric.

One fan posted,

“Only Taylor could make an album release feel like the Oscars. The energy in the theatre was unreal.”

Another added,

“It wasn’t just a screening — it was an experience. We laughed, cried, and danced in our seats. Taylor truly knows how to make her fans feel seen.”

A record-breaking partnership

This marks Taylor Swift’s second collaboration with AMC, following their groundbreaking success in 2023 with “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour”. That concert film earned a staggering $261 million globally, becoming the highest-grossing concert film of all time.

By fusing the power of cinema with music fandom, Swift and AMC have built a model that other artists may soon try to emulate — but as fans and analysts agree, “there’s only one Taylor.”

Industry experts say the event demonstrates how Swift continues to redefine entertainment economics. Not only does she dominate streaming platforms and live tours, but now she’s turning album debuts into box office blockbusters.

The business of brilliance

According to insiders, AMC’s “Swift strategy” has become a case study in cross-industry innovation. By giving fans a limited-time window and a theatrical experience rather than a digital drop, Swift created both scarcity and excitement — driving massive attendance.

Movie theatres in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago reported sold-out shows, with fans waiting hours for limited edition merch, collectible tickets, and themed concessions.

Entertainment analyst Paul Dergarabedian noted,

“Taylor Swift has essentially turned her album releases into global events. Theatres, streaming platforms, and the music industry are all watching closely — because she’s reinventing the entire playbook.”

Fans react: “The Swift economy never sleeps”

By Sunday night, hashtags like #TheLifeOfAShowgirl, #TaylorSwiftMovie, and #ShowgirlPremiere were trending worldwide. Swifties celebrated the moment as another cultural victory for their idol, sharing selfies from cinema halls and emotional captions about the experience.

“We laughed, cried, screamed and sang — Taylor, you did it again,” one fan wrote on Instagram.

Others praised her continued dedication to creating intimate connections with her audience, even as her stardom reaches astronomical heights.

Taylor Swift: the showgirl of her own story

As “The Life of a Showgirl” dominates headlines, Taylor Swift continues to remind the world that she isn’t just a musician — she’s a visionary storyteller.

From rewriting touring history with The Eras Tour to redefining album launches with cinematic flair, Swift proves she’s not just part of pop culture — she is pop culture.

For now, fans can only wonder what her next creative leap will be. If history has taught us anything, it’s that Taylor Swift’s next act will be even bigger, bolder, and more brilliant.

Comedian and actress Amy Schumer is turning heads once again — but this time, it’s not for her punchlines. The 44-year-old star recently made a public appearance showing off her incredible weight loss transformation, and fans can’t stop raving about how radiant and confident she looks.

Schumer, known for her unapologetic humor and candid takes on body image, appeared slimmer and glowing in a photo she shared on Instagram from a Paul McCartney concert in Las Vegas. The post, featuring Schumer alongside two friends, quickly went viral, sparking conversations across social media about her inspiring transformation.

The comedian’s new look is being celebrated not just for its physical change but for the positivity and confidence she radiates — trademarks that have defined her career since her breakout years on Inside Amy Schumer and in films like Trainwreck (2015).

The photo that broke the internet

In the now-trending snapshot, Schumer looked effortlessly chic in a petite black dress with a skirt-like silhouette and a collared neckline reminiscent of a tennis polo. She paired the outfit with sleek black heels, wore her hair neatly tied back in a bun, and opted for minimal makeup, allowing her natural glow to take center stage.

Fans were quick to notice her transformation — and so were her celebrity friends.

Reality star and Real Housewives of New Jersey alum Margaret Josephs couldn’t help but comment on the post, writing, “Legs for days 🔥🔥❤️.” The remark instantly made waves among fans who echoed her admiration for Schumer’s confident new look.

Celebrities shower her with praise

Other stars joined the chorus of compliments. Comedian Anjelah Johnson hyped her up with a playful “Okay Amyyyyyy,” while actress Meredith Hagner commented, “These 3,” referring to Schumer and her friends in the photo.

Another admirer, Isha Fishler, added, “Those legs!” — and the comment section quickly filled with thousands of likes and messages celebrating Schumer’s self-assured presence.

The post was more than just a fashion moment — it became a statement about strength, self-care, and embracing change.

A journey of honesty and balance

Schumer’s transformation comes after years of open conversations about her health journey. Earlier this year, she appeared on The Howard Stern Show and revealed her personal experience with weight-loss medication, including Ozempic, a drug that has gained popularity among celebrities.

While candidly acknowledging her use of the medication, Schumer also spoke about the physical and emotional toll it took.

“It wasn’t sustainable for me,” she said during the interview. “It affected my health and mindset in ways I didn’t expect. I realized I needed to focus on balance and long-term well-being instead of quick fixes.”

Her honesty about the experience resonated deeply with fans, many of whom praised her for discussing the realities of weight loss in an industry obsessed with perfection.

Fans celebrate “the realest woman in Hollywood”

Social media has been flooded with admiration for Schumer’s transparency and strength. On X (formerly Twitter), fans called her “the realest woman in Hollywood,” applauding her for showing that transformation doesn’t have to mean losing authenticity.

“Amy Schumer’s always been beautiful, but now she looks happier — and that’s what matters,” one user wrote.

Another added, “She didn’t just lose weight, she gained her glow back. Love this for her.”

Many fans pointed out that Schumer’s story reflects a larger conversation about women’s health, body image, and confidence — one that she’s been helping to shape for years through her outspoken comedy and interviews.

Confidence, humor, and heart

Despite the headlines surrounding her transformation, Schumer remains grounded in what she’s always stood for — self-acceptance, humor, and compassion. Over the years, she has used her platform to champion body positivity and challenge societal expectations about beauty.

In her 2016 memoir The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo, she wrote about finding peace with her imperfections and choosing happiness over comparison. Today, her latest public appearance seems to embody that very message — strength, joy, and a renewed sense of balance.

As one fan perfectly put it:

“Amy Schumer didn’t reinvent herself — she just reminded us who she really is.”

With her fresh glow, sharp wit, and a legion of fans cheering her on, Amy Schumer’s new chapter isn’t just about transformation — it’s about evolution.